K-9 Marley Lends a Paw at Chesco Mental Health & Wellness Event

WEST CHESTER, PA —In a large room buzzing with conversations about mental health and wellness, one resource is silent.

A grin is obvious, and a tail is wagging, however, as Marley—the Chester County Sheriff’s Office’s comfort K-9 and the nation’s first United States Police Canine Association-certified police therapy dog—demonstrates his skill in helping people reduce stress.

Marley and his partner, Sgt. Janis Pickell, were among the dozens of resource providers who greeted visitors to the West Chester Area School District’s Mental Health Share Fair event on Tuesday.

LGBTQIA+ and student organizations, parents, law enforcement, mental health staff and administration from West Chester Area School District and neighboring districts took away tips, literature, new connections and—from K-9 Marley and Pickell—a few smiles.

Social service agencies provided information about a wide range of mental health challenges including addiction, anxiety and eating disorders, and wellness resources including successful practices from employee assistance.

Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox as the sheriff’s deputies protect county facilities facilities, including the Justice Center, they interact with children who testify or work through difficulties that involve mental health or trauma within the family.

“K-9 Marley and Sgt. Pickell play a unique role in that service,” the sheriff said, noting the pair help alleviate stress before problems become destructive in a courtroom.

Kate Coulter, supervisor of Pupil Services K-12 at West Chester Area School District, said the motivation for the event was requests from teachers, administrators and parents asking about resources available to help students.

“We set up this Share Fair to help familiarize the community with resources and to make knowledge easily accessible,” Coulter said. “We want everyone to know—we’re in this together.

For additional options for mental health and wellness, Chester County provides a list of Mental Health Resources at chesco.org/mentalhealth.