Bipartisan, bicameral legislation introduced this week by U.S. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Mike Turner (R-OH), as well as U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Todd Young (R-IN), would address the rising rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its long-term mental health impact on the nation’s first responders.
“It is time Congress does more to help our dedicated emergency personnel and provide them with the resources they need to cope with their job’s extreme pressures and help the countless emergency personnel suffering from PTSD,” said Rep. Joyce, who on Jan. 24 sponsored the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023, H.R. 472, with three original cosponsors, including Rep. Turner and U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC).
If enacted, the measure would require the U.S. Attorney General to propose a program for making treatment for PTSD and acute stress disorder available to public safety officers, according to the text of the bill.
In crafting these proposals, the Attorney General would be tasked with consulting and working with local, state, and federal agencies that employ first responders and non-governmental organizations that advocate on their behalf, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Once the proposals are drafted, they would be submitted to Congress for formal consideration, the summary says.
“This bipartisan legislation will make vital mental health resources available to our law enforcement officers. The men and women who wear the uniform risk their personal safety each day to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Turner. “It is our responsibility in return to ensure they have the resources needed to support them.”
“When danger strikes, our first responders bravely show up without hesitation to handle any situation they are thrown into,” added Rep. Joyce. “Unfortunately, when our first responders are off the clock, the stress and pressures associated with their jobs often do not leave them. I thank my colleagues for joining me on this bicameral, bipartisan legislation and encourage other members to join us in this cause.”
Sen. Blackburn, Sen. Young, and U.S. Sen. Christopher Coons (D-DE), among others, introduced the companion bill in their chamber.
“This bipartisan legislation is a critical step toward ensuring the brave public safety officers suffering from job-related PTSD have access to the care and resources they deserve,” Sen. Blackburn said.
Sen. Young agreed, saying the proposed bill would increase the resources available to public safety officers dealing with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Increasing this support to our public safety officer community will lead to healthier and stronger communities across Indiana and our country,” said Sen. Young.