WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced the bipartisan Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act this week to improve federal mental health support programs available to our nation’s firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency response personnel.

“I’m pleased to co-lead the HERO Act because our firefighters and first responders deserve our full support. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often at the expense of their own physical and mental health. Our bipartisan bill would boost access to critical mental health resources that will reduce suicides, set up peer-to-peer counseling, and treat posttraumatic stress,” said Senator Fischer.

“Omaha Professional Fire Fighters are thankful to Senator Fischer for introducing this important legislation. Every day, Omaha Fire Fighters and Paramedics respond to tragic and traumatic emergencies that have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being.  The HERO Act will provide the resources needed to address the mental health needs of our members and allow them to remain on the job and continue to keep our community safe,” said Trevor Towey, President of the Omaha Professional Firefighters.

“Every day, fire fighters and rescue workers respond to some of the most dangerous and demanding emergencies imaginable. These responses take an enormous toll on fire fighters’ mental health and place them at risk for developing a variety of behavioral health conditions. We owe it to fire fighters to ensure they have the resources to stay safe on the job. The IAFF is proud to endorse the HERO Act, which will help train fire fighters on peer mental health counseling and drive more effective treatments for fire fighters. We thank Senators Rosen and Fischer for their leadership in ensuring fire fighters aren’t forced to struggle with job-related mental health emergencies. We urge Congress to pass the HERO Act immediately and stand beside our dedicated first responders,” said Edward Kelly, General President of the International Association of Firefighters.

Background:

The bipartisan HERO Act addresses the fact that first responders may be at higher risk for suicide and mental illness than others by providing for the study and treatment of the mental health challenges that first responders face.

Specifically, the HERO Act would:

• Support efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to collect data and report to Congress biannually on first responder suicide rates;
• Require HHS to identify risk factors and possible interventions and recommended interventions for further study;
• Establish grants for peer-to-peer counseling for fire departments and emergency medical services agencies; and
• Require HHS to develop and distribute best practices on the prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress among first responders.

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