A new bill proposed in the state senate would make it easier for first responders to receive mental health care for PTSD.
State Senator Andre Jacque of De Pere is the lead sponsor of that bill. He calls PTSD among first responders a ‘crisis’.
“We’re at a point now where there are more officers that are dying from suicide than on-duty deaths,” Jacque told WTAQ.
The new proposed bill would allow first responders to file a workers comp claim stating their PTSD is service-related, just like veterans.
“The horrific things that can be seen on the field of battle can also be experienced in our communities,” Jacque said. “When you’re responding to fatal accidents, suicides, hostage situations.”
It’s the second time Senator Jacque has introduced the bill to the State Senate. It failed last year, but Jacque is confident this bill has the bipartisan and committee support it needs to pass.
