Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-02) joined Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06) in introducing the Peer Support for Firefighters Act to expand access to mental and behavioral health care services for firefighters.
“I am proud to join my friend and colleague, Rep. Salinas, in introducing this important bill to address the mental and behavioral health needs of firefighters. The Peer Support for Firefighters Act would ensure existing federal grants to assist firefighters can be used toward peer support initiatives and to provide mental health and substance abuse services,” said Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). “Every day, firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to save lives and respond to crises, such as the devastating fires on Maui. Yet, their essential and difficult work often leaves a long-term impact that can increase their risk of mental illness, substance misuse, and suicide. This bill goes a long way to supporting the health and well-being of our brave firefighters so they, in turn, can continue keeping our communities safe.”
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. Sadly, many firefighters and first responders suffer from depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts, and other mental health issues due to the difficult and traumatic nature of their work,” said Rep. Salinas. “Peer support programs are a great tool for high stress professions like firefighting because they offer a chance to talk to someone who understands exactly what you’re going through. That’s why I’m so proud to introduce the Peer Support for Firefighters Act in Congress. My bill would establish the importance of peer support programs under federal law and ensure more firefighters can get the help they deserve.”
A 2018 study reported that public safety personnel are five times more likely to suffer symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression than their civilian counterparts. Additionally, it is estimated that 30 percent of first responders will develop a behavioral health condition including depression. From 2014-2020, more firefighters died by suicide than in the line of duty. Firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than the average person.
Fire departments can already obtain federal funding for a variety of equipment, training, and other needs through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). However, this legislation would explicitly include peer support programs such as AFG-eligible activities, essentially codifying the need to address mental health and substance use disorders among firefighters under federal law.
The legislation is also endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the National Council on Mental Illness (NAMI).
###