This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to significantly enhance mental health support for public safety telecommunicators. The Secretary is tasked with developing and publicly disseminating evidence-based best practices for identifying, preventing, and treating post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring mental health issues specific to this profession. These practices will be periodically updated to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness. Furthermore, the bill requires the creation of resources to educate mental health professionals about the unique culture, stressors, and challenges faced by public safety telecommunicators, including retired personnel. This aims to improve the provision of evidence-based therapies tailored to their needs. To implement these initiatives, the Secretary must consult with public health and mental health experts, clinicians, and relevant national nonprofit associations. The Act also establishes a new grant program under the Public Health Service Act, enabling the Secretary to award funds to State, local, and regional emergency communications centers and other eligible entities. These grants are intended to establish or enhance behavioral health and wellness programs , including peer-support initiatives, and to acquire necessary training materials and instructors. Funds can also be used to disseminate information and materials to support the mental well-being of public safety telecommunicators.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Health
PROTECT 911 Act
USA119th CongressHR-2937| House
| Updated: 4/17/2025
This legislation directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to significantly enhance mental health support for public safety telecommunicators. The Secretary is tasked with developing and publicly disseminating evidence-based best practices for identifying, preventing, and treating post-traumatic stress disorder and co-occurring mental health issues specific to this profession. These practices will be periodically updated to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness. Furthermore, the bill requires the creation of resources to educate mental health professionals about the unique culture, stressors, and challenges faced by public safety telecommunicators, including retired personnel. This aims to improve the provision of evidence-based therapies tailored to their needs. To implement these initiatives, the Secretary must consult with public health and mental health experts, clinicians, and relevant national nonprofit associations. The Act also establishes a new grant program under the Public Health Service Act, enabling the Secretary to award funds to State, local, and regional emergency communications centers and other eligible entities. These grants are intended to establish or enhance behavioral health and wellness programs , including peer-support initiatives, and to acquire necessary training materials and instructors. Funds can also be used to disseminate information and materials to support the mental well-being of public safety telecommunicators.