Rep. Fitzpatrick introduces legislation providing first responders, healthcare personnel with mental health resources

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would provide first responders and healthcare personnel with mental health resources.

The Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act would direct the Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary to report annually to Congress on first responder suicide rates, risk factors, possible interventions, and recommended interventions that require further study.

U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Ami Bera introduced the bill.

“First responders are an essential part of our communities, and it is necessary that we take the proper steps as legislators to ensure their physical and mental health is protected,” said Representative Brian Fitzpatrick. “The HERO Act in today’s legislation calls for the formation of peer-support programs, mental health education, and new resources for PTSD, all of which will go towards helping those who help us every day.”

The HHS would be required to develop best practices for preventing and treating post-traumatic stress and then distribute them to first responders.

In addition, the bill creates a program to train firefighters and paramedics to provide mental health support to their peers in their organizations and a program to train health care providers to serve a similar role in hospitals and medical practices.

“Our nation’s police officers, firefighters, and EMTs risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe and protected,” Bera, who is a physician, said. “Tragically, our first responders experience higher mental health stress and higher risk of suicide than many other professions.”

The HERO Act passed the House in September 2020 and May 2021.

It was included in the passage of the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act.