U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, a Democrat from Tigard, announced a new federal grant program aimed at bolstering the mental‑health resources available to firefighters and emergency medical services (EMS) staff. The legislation would allocate $7.5 million each year to nationwide suicide‑prevention initiatives, peer‑support networks, counseling services, and family‑assistance programs for first responders.
Local launch in Lake Oswego
The proposal was unveiled at a press conference held at the Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue station in Lake Oswego. Salinas emphasized the moral duty of Congress to care for those who protect the community, saying, “Just as we ask our first responders to be there for us, we, as Congress, must be there for them.”
Program structure and precedent
The bill mirrors a 2017 law that directed the U.S. Department of Justice to fund mental‑health services for law‑enforcement officers. Salinas’ version would place administration of the grant within the Office of Emergency Medical Services, a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Studies consistently show that first responders experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts than the general population, and stigma often prevents them from seeking help. The proposed funding would create a national framework to address these challenges, while also providing training for families to recognize and respond to mental‑health crises.
Support from first‑responder leaders
Deputy Chief of Strategic Services Patrick Fale of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue highlighted the frequency of traumatic events, noting that firefighters may encounter roughly 500 such incidents over a 30‑year career. “As leaders, it’s critical that we put infrastructure, resources and programs in place to not only help with these acute incidents but to ensure that our responders are resilient throughout those 30 years and beyond,” Fale said.
Lt. Erik Peterson echoed the sentiment, explaining that while firefighters are trained to respond to emergencies, they often struggle to ask for help when they need it. “We’re really good at showing up when the tones go off, but we’re not good at asking for help when we need it,” he said, adding that the legislation would provide a lifeline for members facing mental‑health challenges.
Bipartisan backing
The bill has attracted bipartisan support, with co‑sponsors including Rep. Gabe Evans (R‑Colorado), Rep. Sharice Davids (D‑Kansas), and Rep. Tom Kean (R‑New Jersey). Their joint endorsement underscores a growing recognition across party lines that mental‑health care for first responders is a critical public‑safety issue.
State context and related efforts
Oregon is currently confronting a record‑breaking wildfire season, intensifying concerns about the mental‑health impact on wildland firefighters. Last year, the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service launched a program offering up to 16 free therapy sessions annually to wildland firefighters, regardless of employment status.
Salinas’ proposal expands on these efforts by targeting all first‑responder personnel, including municipal firefighters and EMS crews, and by incorporating family‑service components to address the broader effects of occupational stress on households.
Next steps
The legislation will now move to committee consideration in the House of Representatives. If approved, the grant program could begin disbursing funds as early as the next fiscal year, providing a structured, federally supported safety net for the men and women who safeguard Oregon’s communities and the nation at large.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
