The Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 was reintroduced to Congress in late January. The bipartisan effort is designed to establish mental health programs for first responders. The bill defines first responders as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and 911 dispatchers.
The bill states that an estimated 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, compared to 20% of the general public. Firefighters and police officers have also been reported to have higher suicide rates than non-first responders.