Barbara Lee: “First of all, let me thank the gentleman for this very important amendment, and I rise in strong support of it. Civilian…”

“First of all, let me thank the gentleman for this very important amendment, and I rise in strong support of it. Civilian first responders in the disciplines of law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services routinely face highly stressful situations. They are the ones we call upon when we are in need. This amendment raises attention to the importance of the mental health needs of our first responders. Peer-to-peer mental health programs for our first responders acknowledge that those who are committed to the same type of work may be the ones best suited to support their own colleagues' mental health. For so long mental health issues were relegated to the shadows, approached with the shame and misunderstanding that only exacerbates pain for people and their families. Now, as a clinical social worker myself by profession and the chair of the Social Work Caucus here in the House, we know how widespread these issues are. It is up to all of us to work to erase the stigma around mental health. I thank my colleague for offering this amendment, and I urge its adoption.”