Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
WASHINGTON – Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) to help police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel cope with the stresses of responding to crisis situations passed out of the Senate unanimously this week. If enacted, the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2022 (S.4007) will help establish mental health programs for America’s first responders who often face long-term effects from providing life-saving services in moments of crisis. Sen. Coons introduced the bill with Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus with Senator Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).
“As a co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, I know how important it is to give the men and women who keep us safe the resources they need, especially those who have been scarred by their sacrifices,” said Senator Coons. “Developing new programs for law enforcement officers suffering from PTSD will help us have the backs of the brave individuals who protect us every day. I’m delighted that the Senate passed this bill unanimously, and I hope the House will quickly take it up and pass it on to President Biden for his signature.”
“In times of crisis, we count on first responders and dispatchers to deliver life-saving aid – often at their own exposure to tremendous risk,” said Senator Grassley. “Beyond the physical scars, this essential service can also take a mental and emotional toll. This bill takes an essential step toward ensuring that the brave individuals who respond in critical situations have access to mental health services needed to manage stress, stay healthy and continue to serve our communities.”
Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and 911 dispatchers routinely encounter high-stress situations, putting them at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which increases the risk of suicide. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act would require the Justice Department to issue a report proposing evidence-based treatment programs for first responders across the country, similar to services available to military personnel who develop PTSD or acute stress disorders. The bill requires the Justice Department to consult with stakeholders, including public safety officer organizations in developing the program, which would be available to serve first responders in communities of all sizes across the country.
The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act is supported by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.
Text of the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act is available HERE
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