Rep. Salinas Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fund Mental Health Support for First Responders

Lake Oswego, OR - Yesterday, U.S. Representative Andrea Salinas (OR-06) introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act at a press conference hosted by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) at Station 39. The bipartisan bill, which is co-led by Reps. Gabe Evans (CO-08), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-07), would create the first federal grant program dedicated to mental health care for firefighters, paramedics, and dispatchers, addressing a gap in support that first responders have faced for years.

"This has been Oregon's most devastating wildfire season on record. Our firefighters and paramedics have felt every bit of it. Just as we ask our first responders to be there for us, we need to be there for them," said Rep. Salinas. "Up to a quarter of firefighters suffer from PTSD, and 37 percent of fire and EMS professionals have contemplated suicide, yet there is no federal program to address it, the way there is for law enforcement. My bill changes that. I'm proud to introduce the Lifeline for First Responders Act with the support of Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue and NAMI Oregon to ensure our emergency personnel get the support they deserve."

"As a former law enforcement officer, I know firsthand the toll that serving on the front lines can take on our first responders and emergency personnel. For too long, stigma has kept too many of our nation's heroes from seeking the support they need. I'm proud to co-lead the Lifeline for First Responders Act to help break down those barriers and ensure the men and women who answer the call for us every day have access to the mental health resources, peer support, and confidential care they deserve," said Rep. Evans.

"Firefighters and EMS professionals in Kansas and across the country can face more accidents, injuries, and tragedy in a single shift than most of us will experience in a lifetime. But too often, we treat their mental health as an afterthought. This bipartisan effort would make long-overdue investments in mental health services for first responders and make sure they know they don't have to struggle in silence," said Rep. Davids.

"Emergency medical professionals sacrifice so much to serve our communities. This bill would provide critical access to mental health support for those on the front lines who are at risk of higher rates of trauma and mental health struggles than the general population. Ensuring they have the resources they need will strengthen the safety and well-being of both those in EMS agencies and the communities they serve," said Rep. Kean.

Every day, first responders witness accidents, injuries, and devastation. That exposure can lead to burnout, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Up to a quarter of firefighters suffer from PTSD, and 37 percent of fire and EMS professionals have contemplated suicide. In 2018, Congress recognized this need for law enforcement, authorizing the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act to fund mental health prevention and treatment programs for police. No comparable program currently exists for fire and EMS personnel. The Lifeline for First Responders Act would close that gap.

Specifically, this bill would:

• Establish a new EMS and First Responder Wellness Grant Program at the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, through its Office of Emergency Medical Services;

• Authorize $7.5 million a year, through fiscal year 2032, to fund evidence-based mental health and wellness services for fire, EMS, and dispatch personnel;

• Fund suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services, along with confidential counseling, peer support, and behavioral health care;

• Fund family support services for the spouses and children of first responders; and

• Fund outreach, stigma reduction, education, training, and technical assistance for fire departments, EMS agencies, and 911 dispatch centers building their own wellness programs.

"This is about the people who show up on your worst day and take care of your loved ones; it's time we show up for them and do the same. Talking about the struggles we all face is important; it's time to go beyond talking and make this a priority," said Deputy Chief Patrick Fale.

"First responders experience repeated exposure to trauma, yet too often face barriers to accessing the mental health care and support they need," said Michael Linskey, Director of Congressional Affairs at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). "NAMI is grateful to Representatives Salinas, Evans, Kean and Davids for introducing the Lifeline for First Responders Act, which invests in evidence-based mental health services, suicide prevention, peer support, and family resources. Supporting the mental health of those who protect our communities is critical to ensuring they can continue serving safely and effectively." 

"First responders face significant occupational stressors, including repeated exposure to trauma, demanding shift schedules, and high-pressure work environments, all of which can increase suicide risk," said Laurel Stine, J.D., M.A., Executive Vice President and Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). "AFSP is proud to support the bipartisan Lifeline for First Responders Act, which would establish a dedicated grant program to expand access to evidence-based mental health and suicide prevention services for emergency personnel. By investing in workforce wellness, strengthening access to care, and reducing barriers to seeking support, this legislation would ensure first responders have the resources they need to protect their mental health. We thank Representatives Salinas, Evans, Kean and Davids for their bipartisan leadership in introducing this important legislation."

Rep. Salinas introduced the bill in the House alongside Representatives Gabe Evans (CO-08), Thomas Kean Jr. (NJ-07), and Sharice Davids (KS-03). Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) are leading companion legislation in the Senate.

The Lifeline for First Responders Act is endorsed by Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, Western Fire Chiefs Association, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Rhode Island State Association of Fire Fighters.

Click here to view the full text of the legislation.

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