Drawing wide support from police organizations, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) would provide law enforcement officers with more access to mental health services.
The Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act would promote mental health wellness among police officers placed in stressful situations. Young introduced the bill with support from U.S. Sens. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Chris Coons (D-DE),
“Our men and women in blue put their lives on the line each day to ensure the safety and security of our families and community,” Young said. “But the stress of constant high pressure situations can take its toll. We need to make sure they are receiving the care they need too. When our police force is healthy and strong, our communities are healthy and strong too.”
Law enforcement agencies would have access to assistance to establish or enhance mental health care for officers. Grants would be made available to support peer mentoring pilot programs and to develop resources that help mental health providers meet the unique needs of law enforcers.
“Law enforcement personnel put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” Blunt, the cofounder of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, said. “The stress and fatigue they face in the line of duty can take a heavy toll, leading to behavioral health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This bill will help law enforcement agencies better understand and address the behavioral health needs of their officers, and I’m proud to support it.”
Chuck Canterbury, the national president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), said officers may wear protective clothing and equipment to keep them safe from physical harm, but they also face challenges to their mental health and well-being.
“Unlike many other professions, sometimes you can’t leave the job at the office,” Canterbury said. “The FOP has been a leader on mental fitness for law enforcement officers and we have found real partners in Sens. Donnelly and Young who have crafted a bill to help identify how we can provide better support for the men and women behind the badge. We are proud to support the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act and look forward to working with both senators to get this bill to the president’s desk.”