Salinas, Tokuda pushing bill giving mental health support for firefighters during Mental Health Awareness Month

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a pair of Democratic lawmakers are pushing a bill to bring more support for firefighters.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

“Too many first responders who are running into danger for everyone all over the country are having to deal with, you know, responding to trauma and then going back and doing their job,” said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of the First Responders Children’s Foundation. The FRCF serves the kids of public service personnel nationwide.

However, a 2018 report from the Ruderman Family Foundation showed 92% of firefighters will not ask for mental health help due to stigma.

“But peer support specialists could be another area where they can learn from each other. And again, these would be trained professionals who have been through that lived experience,” said Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.).

That is why Democrats like Salinas and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) have introduced the Peer Support for Firefighters Act. It would give fire departments access to federal grants through FEMA.

Tokuda said the bill would go a long way for first responders in her home state.

“(It’s) Really important for so many families that have been struggling since the wildfires. We need to keep supporting them,” said Tokuda.

Crane said supporting the families who help their communities every day should not be a partisan issue.

“We all call 911. So they don’t ask if you’re a Democrat or a Republican. This is the kind of work that the House and the Senate should work together to make sure that we take care of those who run into danger for us,” Crane said.

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