Test Drive Our New Site! We have some improvements in the works that we're excited for you to experience. Click here to try our new, faster, mobile friendly beta site. We will be maintaining our current version of the site thru the end of 2024, so you can switch back as our improvements continue.
Legislation Quick Search
Advanced Search
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
04/19/2024 06:25 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=29243
Share:
Home / House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Subscribe to PaLegis Notifications
NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search


House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: April 16, 2019 10:27 AM
From: Representative Brian Kirkland
To: All House members
Subject: First Responders Mental Health Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania
 
Our first responders are constantly called to emergency scenes that are gruesome, which can lead to mental or emotional distress, along with trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

An estimated 15 to 18 percent of police and 20 percent of firefighters experience PTSD. Many of these heroes do not seek mental health care because of the stigma attached to such care. First responders often feel that receiving treatment for PTSD or other disorders makes them seem weak and fear being subjected to ridicule, prejudice, discrimination and labeling. I believe it is important that we eliminate this stigmatization and encourage our first responders to reach out for care when they need it.

In an effort to support our first responders, this resolution encourages the Commonwealth to continue to promote and provide information regarding mental health resources. Please join me in designating May 3, 2019, as “First Responders Mental Health Awareness Day” in Pennsylvania.