# Archery Program Helps First Responders

> First responders in Charlotte use archery to overcome mental health barriers after a deadly ambush.
- Title: Archery Program Helps First Responders · Valleynewslive
- Summary: First responders in Charlotte use archery to overcome mental health barriers after a deadly ambush. Charlotte's Pulse Renewal Project launches archery…
- Keywords: charlotte, pulse renewal project, archery therapy, mental health, first responders, charlotte-mecklenburg police, deputy us marshal, news, local, Archery, Program, Helps
- Source: Valleynewslive — https://valleynewslive.com/2026/09/23/using-archery-help-first-responders-with-mental-health-support
- Published: 2026-09-23T12:11:46.005+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: charlotte, pulse renewal project, archery therapy, mental health, first responders, charlotte-mecklenburg police, deputy us marshal, news, local
## Ambush Leaves Four Dead
Two years after an ambush in east Charlotte killed four officers, a mental health initiative for first responders is launching its first program.
## Victims of April 29 Shooting
The April 29, 2024, shooting left Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Joshua Eyer, North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections officers Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks Jr. dead.
## Mental Health Initiative Launches
Former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Dee John launched the Pulse Renewal Project following the shooting to address mental health support for first responders.
## Stigma of Seeking Help
A lot of times, helpers have this thought process that if I’m a helper, I can’t be one receiving help.

> A lot of times, helpers have this thought process that if I’m a helper, I can’t be one receiving help.
## Survey Shapes Program Design
After announcing the project a year ago, John surveyed 600 first responders about mental health support needs.
## Archery as Therapy
The project’s first pathway to care uses archery combined with therapy and peer support.
## Key takeaway

Charlotte's Pulse Renewal Project launches archery therapy for first responders to reduce stigma and improve mental health.