Press Release

Today, Representatives Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act. This critical bipartisan legislation aims to provide essential mental health resources to our nation’s first responders and health care providers, who face an elevated risk of suicide compared to other professions.

"Our firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel risk their lives daily to protect our communities," said Representative Bera. "Yet too many first responders lack access to critical mental health support, leading to stress, burnout, and even suicide. As our state recovers from devastating wildfires, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the resources and support they need to stay safe while keeping us safe. It is time to get the HERO Act over the finish line and ensure our first responders receive the care and support they deserve.”

First introduced by Representative Bera in 2018, the HERO Act has passed the House of Representatives on three separate occasions but has stalled in the Senate.

First responders face a higher risk of suicide than other professions, with more dying by suicide than in the line of duty. The HERO Act addresses this crisis by:

• Requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report annually on first responder suicide rates, identifying risk factors and effective interventions.

• Directing HHS to develop and distribute best practices for preventing and treating post-traumatic stress.

• Establishing grant programs to train peer counselors for both first responders and health care workers, ensuring they have the support they need.

"Every day, our first responders confront life-threatening situations, enduring stress and trauma that most will never understand," said Representative Fitzpatrick. "The mental and emotional toll of their roles is often neglected, but we must treat it with the same priority as their physical safety. They deserve access to the care and support necessary to withstand the unique pressures of their work. That’s why Representative Bera and I are championing this essential initiative to ensure our first responders receive the mental health resources they need to continue protecting us all.”

"As first responders, we are often the first on the scene, witnessing immense stress and trauma every day in the line of duty. This puts us at a heightened risk for PTSD and other behavioral health challenges," said Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Trevor Jamison. "The HERO Act is a critical step in ensuring first responders have the mental health resources they need to cope with these job-related hazards. We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Bera for his continued leadership and commitment to addressing this urgent issue.”

The HERO Act has earned the endorsement of the:

• International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

• American Association of Suicidology

• Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance

• International Association of Fire Chiefs

• National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians