Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 1, 2017 02:47 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tina M. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Code Green Month Designation Act |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would create the Code Green Month Designation Act which would declare each September as “Code Green: First Responder Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month” in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I have had first responders from my legislative district commit suicide. First responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters and paramedics) routinely and courageously confront risk, face trauma and experience loss on a daily basis. For many years, the prevailing culture among first responders was stoicism – whatever one has gone through it must be dealt with quietly and alone. Many did so, often leading to severe depression and, sadly, in some cases, suicide. Thankfully, an organization known as The Code Green Campaign was founded in 2014 by a group of emergency medical service professionals who had decided it was time to shed light on the psychological issues being faced, through heightened awareness and education. The new mindset was simple: It’s OK to hurt and seeking support is a sign of strength and not a sign of weakness. My legislation recognizes the important work of The Code Green Campaign. It encourages all of us to remember that it takes a community to look out for our men and women in uniform, whether they wear badges, bars or stars and that sometimes even heroes need help. Let’s raise awareness of first responder suicide and highlight the resources available to confront it. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB963