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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20170&cosponId=25006
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House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: January 11, 2018 02:28 PM
From: Representative Michael H. Schlossberg
To: All House members
Subject: Peer to Peer Support for First Responders
 

In the near future, I will introduce legislation to provide for a peer-to-peer support program for first responders.

My bill directs the Department of Health, in conjunction with the Secretary of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Director of the Bureau of EMS, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner, and the State Fire Commissioner, to establish a minimum of four regional peer support service programs for first responders in Pennsylvania. These services include peer-to-peer counseling, provided by certified peer counselors, for mental health issues.

First responders not only put their physical lives in jeopardy when responding to a call, they put their mental well-being in danger as well. Rushing to the scene without second thought, they often witness horrors that most of us cannot even begin to imagine. In fact, recent studies have shown that first responders experience higher rates of depression, alcohol abuse, sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders and suicidal thoughts.

Unfortunately, those who are first to respond are often the last to seek help.

Many first responders will not seek counseling for fear of appearing weak or feel a mental health professional will not understand them. However, peer counselors understand what their colleagues do for a living. They grasp the day-to-day challenges of the job and know what is seen and experienced on a daily basis. It is critical for first responders to understand that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

The creation of this program will provide Pennsylvania’s first responders with the opportunity to lessen the psychological impact of their jobs. That is why we, as legislators, should do all we can to support our first responders, who run into danger when most run the other way.

Please join me in cosponsoring this very important legislation.