To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to establish a grant program for first responder mental health and wellness, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · July 31, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
The First Responders Wellness Act establishes two major mental health initiatives for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, 911 dispatchers, and their families. First, it creates a $25 million annual grant program from 2025 through 2031 that helps states and local governments provide confidential mental health services to first responders through partnerships with mental health professionals and colleges. These services must remain independent from law enforcement agency management to protect privacy, with priority given to rural areas and programs partnering with universities to train graduate students. Second, the bill requires the federal government to establish a dedicated first responders mental health hotline within two years, funded at $10 million annually through 2031, which will operate 24/7 with phone and text support staffed by trained peer specialists and mental health professionals familiar with the unique stressors of emergency work. The hotline will coordinate with existing crisis services like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline while maintaining a separate, recognizable number for first responders to seek support confidentially.
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