The PROTECT 911 Act would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take concrete steps to improve mental health among public safety telecommunicators (911 operators). Specifically, it directs HHS to develop and publish evidence-based best practices for identifying, preventing, and treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and co-occurring mental health issues in this workforce, and to periodically update those practices. It also calls for educational resources to help mental health professionals understand the culture, stressors, and treatment needs of emergency communications centers and their staff. The bill would authorize a new grants program under the Public Health Service Act to fund behavioral health and wellness efforts within emergency communications centers, including peer-support programs and training resources. Together, these provisions aim to reduce job-related mental health problems and support the well-being of telecommunicators and their peers.
Key Points
- 1Best practices for mental health: The Secretary must develop and publicly share evidence-based best practices to identify, prevent, and treat PTSD and co-occurring disorders in public safety telecommunicators, with periodic reassessment and updates.
- 2Education for health professionals: The Secretary must create and publish resources to educate mental health professionals about the culture of emergency communications centers, the unique stressors telecommunicators face, issues affecting retirees, and evidence-based therapies.
- 3Stakeholder consultation: In developing practices and resources, the Secretary must consult public health and mental health experts, clinicians with relevant experience, and national nonprofit associations of public safety telecommunicators.
- 4Grants for centers: The bill authorizes grants to state, local, and regional emergency communications centers and other eligible entities to establish or enhance behavioral health and wellness programs for telecommunicators.
- 5Use of grant funds and definitions: Funds can be used to run evidence-based programs, establish or expand peer-support programs, acquire training materials/instructors, and disseminate information. The bill provides definitions for emergency communications centers, eligible entities (including nonprofits with relevant expertise), peer-support programs, and the public safety telecommunicator occupation.