Hawley, Gillibrand reintroduce bipartisan First Responders Wellness Act

U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the bipartisan First Responders Wellness Act. The legislation would establish a national mental health hotline for first responders in addition to expanding mental health services for those on the frontlines of major disasters.

“Congress should prioritize the wellbeing of those first on the scene of life’s crises. That starts with investing in the health and safety of our police officers, firefighters, and EMTs,” said Senator Hawley. “This bipartisan legislation would provide first responders with the mental health tools they need to cope with past trauma and the resources necessary to support them in their jobs.”

“Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face unique stressors, and as a result, they are at high risk of developing PTSD and other mental health problems,” said Senator Gillibrand. “We owe it to our first responders to do more to help. I am introducing bipartisan legislation to establish a mental health hotline specifically tailored to the needs of first responders and staffed by peer specialists and counselors who have an understanding of the occupational stressors experienced by first responders and have completed trauma-informed training. The bill would also expand professional mental health services for first responders during times of major disasters. I am proud to be introducing this legislation with Senator Hawley and hope to get it passed soon.”

First responders—including our men and women in blue, firefighters, EMS personnel, and public safety telecommunicators—face higher rates of PTSD than civilians.

To address this, the First Responders Wellness Act would:

• Amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to develop a professional program to provide confidential and independent mental health services to law enforcement officers.
• Increase the number of mental health service providers available to law enforcement officers.
• Establish a first responders mental health hotline to provide peer and emotional support, information, brief intervention, and mental or behavioral health and substance use disorder resources.
• Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report to Congress on the hotline and its implementation.

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