Senator Hassan Joins in Introducing Bipartisan Bill to Support Law Enforcement & First Responders’ Mental Health

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan recently joined a bipartisan group of Senators in recently introducing legislation to help police, fire, emergency medical and 911 personnel cope with the stresses of responding to crisis situations. The bipartisan Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2022 would develop mental health programs for America’s first responders who often face long-term effects from providing life-saving services in moments of crisis. 

“Law enforcement officers who are working hard to keep our communities safe may face traumatic situations while on the clock, which can lead to PTSD and other mental health challenges,” Senator Hassan said. “This bipartisan bill will help public safety officers cope with job-related trauma and expand access to mental health resources, and I will keep pushing to move this legislation forward.”

Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and 911 dispatchers routinely encounter high-stress situations, putting them at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which increases the risk of suicide. The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act would require the Justice Department to develop evidence-based treatment programs for first responders across the country, similar to services available to military personnel who develop PTSD or acute stress disorders. The bill requires the Justice Department to consult with stakeholders, including public safety officer organizations, in developing the program, which would be available to serve first responders in communities of all sizes across the country.

Senator Hassan is committed to providing law enforcement officers, first responders, and service members with the support that they need. Senator Hassan recently joined her colleagues in introducing legislation to gather greater information on attacks targeting law enforcement and pushed to increase funding for state and local law enforcement. In 2019, bipartisan legislation became law that Senator Hassan cosponsored to help prevent law enforcement officer suicide.

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