Oregon congresswoman proposes program to support first responder mental health

U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Tigard Democrat representing Oregon’s Willamette Valley-based 6th Congressional District, is seeking to establish a grant program that would fund $7.5 million a year in nationwide suicide prevention programs, peer support and counseling for first responders and firefighters.

The bill is similar to a 2017 law directing the U.S. Department of Justice to fund mental health and treatment programs across the U.S for law enforcement, except Salinas proposes the first responder program be administered through the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a branch under the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Studies show that first responders experience negative mental health outcomes at a higher rate compared to the general population, including higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than the general population. Additionally, stigmas behind mental health keep many firefighters and responders from seeking mental health support.

“Just as we ask our first responders to be there for us, we, as Congress, must be there for them,” Salinas said at a press conference at a Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue station in Lake Oswego Monday morning.

The proposal comes as Oregon faces a record-breaking wildfire season, and as state officials explore the impacts between wildfire and mental health. Last year, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service announced a new program aimed at addressing the mental health of wildland firefighters, providing up to 16 free therapy sessions a year regardless of whether they are in permanent or temporary positions.

‘It’s a lifeline’: First responders discuss need for mental health support

First responders at Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue experience about 500 traumatic events over a  30-year career, Deputy Chief of Strategic Services Patrick Fale said.

“As leaders, it’s critical that we put infrastructure, resources and programs in place to not only help with these acute incidents but to ensure that our responders are resilient throughout those 30 years and beyond,” Fale said. 

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue Lt. Erik Peterson said the legislation would give first responders the tools they need when members are experiencing their own crises. 

“We’re really good at showing up when the tones go off, but we’re not good at asking for help when we need it,” he said. 

Serving his community is a privilege, but it comes at the expense of his own mental health. This often contributes to strained family relationships — a pattern he said many of his peers experience. 

Salinas’ bill would fund family services support and training to identify and respond to mental health crises within firefighting and emergency medical service staff. 

“This has to be something that we get through,” Peterson said. “This is important. This isn’t just a priority, it’s a lifeline for members who are struggling with mental health issues.”

The bill has bipartisan support from U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans, R-Colorado; Sharice Davids, D-Kansas and Tom Kean, R-New Jersey.

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