Bill Introduced For A First Responders Mental Health Hotline

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, legislation was introduced titled First Responders Wellness Act with the intention to establish a national first responders mental health hotline.

This legislation was introduced on Tuesday by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Josh Hawley. In addition, this bill will expand mental health services for first responders during major disasters.

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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. 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.- U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

The Senators noted in the announcement of the legislation that according to a study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration,  first responders face higher rates of behavioral health conditions, and a Ruderman Family Foundation study revealed that law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

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. 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. -  U.S. Senator Josh Hawley

For more information on the First Responders Wellness Act legislation, visit U.S. Senator Kirsten Gellibrand's website.