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First Responders Wellness Act
3/13/2025, 5:32 PM
Summary of Bill S 666
Specifically, the bill proposes to establish a grant program that would provide funding to states and local governments to expand and enhance mental health services for first responders. This includes increasing access to counseling services, substance use treatment, and other mental health resources. The bill also aims to improve training for first responders on recognizing and addressing mental health issues, as well as promoting mental wellness and resilience.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that first responders have access to confidential and stigma-free mental health services, as well as protections against discrimination or retaliation for seeking help. The bill also calls for the development of best practices and guidelines for mental health support programs for first responders. Overall, Bill 119 s 666 seeks to prioritize the mental health and well-being of first responders and provide them with the support they need to cope with the challenges of their demanding and often traumatic jobs. By increasing access to mental health services and promoting a culture of mental wellness within first responder communities, the bill aims to improve the overall health and resilience of these essential workers.
Congressional Summary of S 666
First Responders Wellness Act
This bill establishes a national mental health hotline for first responders and provides mental health services for emergency response providers responding to major disasters.
The bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to establish a mental health hotline staffed with specialists trained to provide first responders and their families with peer support, mental and behavioral health and substance use disorder assistance, and referral services. SAMHSA must raise awareness about the hotline and develop guidance regarding first responders for personnel operating the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. SAMHSA must report to Congress annually on the hotline.
Also, the bill expands the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, which provides mental health services to victims of major disasters, so that emergency response providers responding to major disasters may also receive these services.
Additionally, the bill requires SAMHSA to publish a report with recommendations for establishing a mobile health care delivery site to provide crisis services to emergency response providers responding to a major disaster.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 666
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 666
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
3Republican Sponsors
0Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
1Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 666
Primary Policy Focus
HealthAlternate Title(s) of Bill S 666
Comments
Philip Day
8 months ago
I'm not entirely sure about this bill for first responders. It seems like it could have some good intentions, but I'm not convinced it's the best approach. I'll have to look into it more before forming a solid opinion.
