Reps. Subramanyam, Rutherford Announce Bipartisan Legislation to Support First Responder Behavioral Health

September 28, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Representative John Rutherford (FL-05) announced the First Responder Behavioral Health Access Act , bipartisan legislation to expand access to behavioral health resources for first responders. Research shows that first responders face elevated suicide risks. Across the country, there is a lack of behavioral health care providers and resources available. The First Responder Behavioral Health Access Act takes an innovative approach to address this. “First responders put their lives on the line for our safety. Their quality of life should never be in jeopardy. We should not be losing them to mental health struggles when there are evidence-based solutions like clinicians and peer-to-peer counseling that could improve their well-being. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation delivers for our first responders and provides them with the necessary support they deserve,” said Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10). “As a former sheriff and law enforcement officer, I know how important it is for the men and women who keep our communities safe to have someone they can turn to that understands the unique demands of the job,” said Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) . “By strengthening partnerships between first responder agencies and local public health departments, this legislation will help bring trusted behavioral health professionals directly into the workplace, expand peer-to-peer support programs, and strengthen the workforce serving our first responders.” "Counties run 911 centers, emergency medical services and public health departments, and our first responders and 911 telecommunicators answer the call in our residents' worst moments," said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This bill would give county health agencies the federal support to place mental health clinicians within emergency agencies and reach under-resourced communities. We thank Representatives Subramanyam and Rutherford for introducing this bipartisan legislation and urge Congress to act swiftly." “Behavioral health is a top priority for our Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System members,” said Systemwide Fire Chief James S. Williams, Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue . “We are committed to strengthening our awareness, resources, and support so that every member of our Fire and Rescue community feels valued, heard, and cared for. I truly value the support of lawmakers, like Congressman Subramanyam, who bring much needed attention to the health and wellness of first responders and the need for expanded behavioral health resources.” The legislation: Expands access to grants to support the recruitment and field placement of behavioral health care providers to serve in first responder agencies, helping build a pipeline into the profession. Creates a pilot grant program to partner local, county, regional, and state governments with first responder agencies to embed clinicians with first responder agencies, establish peer-to-peer programs, and assist in training peer-to-peer behavioral health care providers. Rep. Subramanyam, along with Reps. Rutherford and Alford, previously introduced the Peer Support for Our First Responders Act to establish an interagency working group to review ways to improve behavioral and mental health outcomes for first responders. The First Responder Behavioral Health Access Act is also supported by The Major County Sheriffs of America and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition. ###