Legislation Introduced for First Responder Mental Health Support
ALBANY- Senator James Skoufis (D, Orange County) has taken a significant step by introducing a law aimed at enhancing mental health services for first responders. This initiative, designed to promote peer-to-peer support, is a response to the growing recognition of mental health issues affecting individuals in these high-stress roles.
The proposed legislation, known as the Lt. Joseph Banish Mental Health Act, draws inspiration from the federal COPS Counseling Act and echoes similar laws enacted in various states including Oregon, Massachusetts, Nevada, Kentucky, and Ohio. Each of these states has recognized the pressing need to improve the health and wellness of their first responders. As Senator Skoufis emphasizes, ‘First responders face significantly higher mental health issues compared to the general population.’
Skoufis highlighted the intense and unpredictable nature of first responders’ work, stating, ‘Their work is intense, unpredictable, and regularly exposes them to high-stress environments. We have to address the mental health of the first responders our communities count on.’
In tandem with this legislative push, Skoufis recently secured $240,000 in grant funding for law enforcement in Orange County through the CARES UP program. This initiative aims to expand resiliency and suicide prevention efforts among military veterans, uniformed personnel, law enforcement, and first responders by providing organizations with $60,000 over two years, bolstering suicide prevention and wellness programming.
Among the recipients of these grants were the New Windsor Police Department, Orange County Services Emergency Communications, Police Services, and Fire Services Division, underscoring the commitment to the mental wellness of those who serve the community.
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