BILL NUMBER: S6955

SPONSOR: SERINO
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to the "First
Responder Peer Support Program Act"

 
PURPOSE:

To provide grants to establish first responder peer support programs.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: Provides that this act shall be known as the "First Responder
Peer Support Program Act"

Section 2: Provides that the Commissioner of Mental Health shall,
subject to appropriation, establish a grant program for eligible enti-
ties to establish peer-to-peer mental health programs for first respon-
ders. Directs the Commissioner to establish standards for the program,
including, but not limited to, training for first responder peer volun-
              

teers, administrative staffing needs, and best practices.  Provides that
the maximum grant shall not exceed $250,000, and provides that the
Commissioner may not require the recipient of any grant through the
program to maintain records on first responders seeking support or to
report any personal identifying information to the Commissioner.

Section 3: Provides the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

A troubling 2017 study found that more firefighters and police officers
died by suicide than in the line of duty. The study further found that
these first responders, including emergency medical responders, are at
an increased risk for mental illnesses such as depression and post-trau-
matic stress disorder (PTSD). While alarming, these statistics unfortu-
nately are not surprising given the horrors that many first responders
face on a regular basis. Further complicating the issue is the stigma
that too often surrounds the idea of seeking help for mental health
challenges.

This program is modeled off the highly successful Joseph P. Dwyer Veter-
ans Peer to Peer  Support Program that was launched in 2012.  That
program was originally launched as part of a four-county veteran peer-
to-peer counseling pilot project developed on the premise that no one
understands a veteran's experiences better than other veterans. The
Program has since proven to be so successful connecting veterans to one
another and the resources they need to thrive, that it has since been
expanded to 24 counties and New York City.

Specifically, the "First Responder Peer Support Program Act" would
direct the Commissioner of Health to provide grants to eligible entities
to establish peer-to-peer mental health programs specifically for first
responders. It is critical that we make this commitment to our first
responders who risk their health and safety every day to keep our commu-
nities safe. By providing these selfless individuals the opportunity to
connect with peers who are familiar with the struggles many of them
endure, we can continue to fight the stigma surrounding mental health,
and ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive in our
communities.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2020: S.8610A Referred to Finance

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Subject to appropriation.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.