Charlotte Launched Archery Program for First Responders
The program offers an alternative to clinical therapy for local emergency personnel managing high-stress careers.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Mental Health
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The Pulse Renewal Project has introduced an archery-based mental health initiative for Charlotte first responders. The program was created following feedback from hundreds of personnel who expressed a preference for non-clinical settings.
Why it matters
By moving support out of traditional office settings, the project aims to reduce the stigma often associated with mental health care in high-pressure fields. This approach follows local calls for accessible, outdoor wellness options.
A survey of 600 local first responders identified a clear preference for outdoor, non-clinical mental health support over traditional therapy methods. This preliminary finding served as the foundation for the new project.
The players
Dee John
A former Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer who founded the Pulse Renewal Project.
Aaron Scheer
A pastor who developed the Center Shot Blue archery program for mental health support.
The details
The initiative, known as Center Shot Blue, uses archery as a structured metaphor for managing the unique stressors faced by emergency personnel. Participants engage with a therapist and a peer support person during sessions designed to create a comfortable, communal environment for processing trauma and occupational stress.
Timeline
April 29, 2024: An ambush in east Charlotte resulted in the deaths of four officers and injuries to four others.
September 2025: The Pulse Renewal Project was officially announced.
September 23, 2026: The archery-based mental health program launched.
Health Landscape
The introduction of the Pulse Renewal Project represents a departure from traditional, office-based clinical therapy models for emergency services. This initiative aligns with broader trends in public health that emphasize peer-led, non-clinical support structures for first responders.
If you are a first responder in the area, consider discussing whether non-clinical, activity-based support groups might complement your current wellness strategy. It is worth consulting with a physician or mental health professional to evaluate which support settings are best for your needs.
The takeaway
When traditional therapy feels like a barrier, community-based, activity-focused programs can offer a lower-stress environment for emotional processing. Personnel seeking support should speak with their primary care provider to identify resources that integrate well with their professional demands.
Further reading
Learn more about local support options in Mental Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Investigatetv.
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