Hawley Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill Enhancing Mental Health Support for First Responders

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Wednesday, February 26, 2025
U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the bipartisanFirst 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, theFirst Responders Wellness Actwould:

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