Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Support Mental Health of Firefighters and EMTs
This week, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), alongside Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act,bipartisan legislation to better support the mental health needs of firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency dispatchers.
In 2021, Kelly’s Brandon Act was passed into law and implemented by the Department of Defense, making it easier for servicemembers to seek mental health care confidentially. This bill builds on Kelly’s efforts to make mental health care services more accessible to public servants.
“First responders see things most people never will, and they often don’t have the resources to help them process those experiences,” said Kelly. “Firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers show up for America every day. It’s time we showed up for them.”
“Rhode Island’s firefighters and EMTs risk their lives to keep us safe during the moments we need them most, and they see a lot in the process,” said Whitehouse. “It’s a privilege to introduce bipartisan legislation today to honor our first responders with high-quality mental health care and help save lives.”
“Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to serve the American people and keep them safe. Because of their bravery and sacrifice, they deserve the care and resources they need to continue to do their jobs to the best of their abilities. It is time for Congress to give back and prioritize the those who always put us first,” said Hawley.
Along with Kelly, Whitehouse, and Hawley, the Lifeline for First Responders Act is cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
Background:
First responders experience higher rates of trauma and behavioral health conditions than the general population. On average, firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, and 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions like PTSD or depression. Many volunteer and rural departments lack the resources to provide the confidential, evidence-based support these first responders need.
The Lifeline for First Responders Act would establish a new grant program through the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Emergency Medical Services to fund these evidence-based services for emergency personnel. The bill would authorize $7.5 million a year to fund suicide prevention programs, peer support, and confidential counseling. Funding would also support family services, training to identify and respond to mental health crises, and technical assistance for fire departments, EMS agencies, and 911 dispatch centers building wellness programs.
Click here to read the full text of the bill.
