“America’s first responders deserve our respect, our gratitude and our support. The Fighting PTSD Act would equip first responders with the resources they need to care for their own health while they serve Louisiana communities.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today joined Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing legislation to help first responders, police and 9-1-1 personnel cope with traumatic stress. The Fighting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Act of 2023 would establish mental health programs for those who provide life-saving services and often experience long-term mental health effects as a result.
“America’s first responders deserve our respect, our gratitude and our support. The Fighting PTSD Act would equip first responders with the resources they need to care for their own health while they serve Louisiana communities,” said Kennedy.
“In times of crisis, we count on first responders and dispatchers to deliver life-saving aid—often at their own exposure to tremendous risk. Beyond the physical scars, this essential service can also take a mental and emotional toll. This bill takes an essential step toward ensuring that the brave individuals who respond in critical situations have access to mental health services needed to manage stress, stay healthy and continue to serve our communities,” said Grassley.
Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are also cosponsoring the bill.
The full bill text is available here.