Whitehouse and Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Mental Health Needs of Firefighters and EMTs

Whitehouse and Hawley previously passed similar legislation to support police officers Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) today introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act, bipartisan legislation to better support the mental health needs of firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency dispatchers. “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. 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. The Lifeline for First Responders Act is endorsed by the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the International Association of Fire Fighters. “As fire chiefs, we have attended far too many funerals and have seen good firefighters leave the profession because of PTSD and depression.  Firefighters and their families must have access to counseling and psychological support.  Senator Whitehouse’s bill aims to do just that,” said Chief Richard Susi, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs. “With the help of the Lifeline for First Responders Act, departments could implement suicide prevention programs, enhanced peer support teams, confidential counseling, and family support services that our first responders desperately need.” “We are so appreciative and supportive of Senator Whitehouse’s Lifeline for First Responders Act.  Investing in the mental health of our nation’s firefighters, first responders, and EMS workers is critical and intricately connected to the health and safety of our nation at large,” said Joseph A. Andriole, President of the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters .  “The men and women across this nation who are called upon on a daily basis to mitigate the tragic effects of emergencies deserve the protection and support that this legislation will provide for them to remain healthy and to continue to serve.” The Lifeline for First Responders Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). Whitehouse and Hawley previously worked together to pass and reauthorize the Supporting and Treating Officers in Crisis (STOIC) Act to expand support resources for law enforcement officers. Full text of the bill is available here .