Take Action
Our first responders and medical workers need your support. Here’s how you can help.
Call on your legislators to establish a federally funded “First Responder and Medical Worker Back-up Line”
In 2007, Congress passed the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which led to the ceration of the Veterans Crisis Line. Now, we want to do the same for our first responders and medical workers.
The FR/MW Back-up Line would provide direct, confidential support to First Responders and Medical Workers across the country. In addition to providing crisis intervention services over the phone, this line would help connect FR/MW with the resources they need, including in- and out-patient mental health services in their vicinity.
We want this number printed on the identification or badges of every First Responder and Medical Worker in America. Help make this a reality by reaching out to your elected officials today.
Contacting Your Representatives
1
Visit the Website
Go to Congress.gov to find your members.
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Enter Your Address
Input your home address. This will help you identify your specific representatives.
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View Your Representatives
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Choose Your Contact Method
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Send Your Message
Use our letter as a foundation, personalizing your message to ensure your voice is heard.
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you today as a concerned citizen who values the incredible work of our First Responders and Medical Workers. These individuals dedicate their lives to protecting and caring for our communities, and they deserve our support in every way possible.
In 2007, Congress passed the Joshua Omvig Veterans Suicide Prevention Act, which led to the establishment of the Veterans Crisis Line. This initiative has provided critical support to our veterans in their times of need. I believe it is time to extend similar support to our First Responders and Medical Workers through the creation of a federally funded “First Responder and Medical Worker Back-up Line.”
This Back-up Line would offer direct, confidential support to First Responders and Medical Workers nationwide. It would not only provide crisis intervention services over the phone but also connect them with vital resources, including in- and out-patient mental health services available in their communities. Additionally, I propose that this number be printed on the identification badges of every First Responder and Medical Worker in America, ensuring they have immediate access to support whenever they need it.
In 2020, the United States saw approximately 46,000 suicide deaths, a number that reflects a troubling trend. Alarmingly, First Responders and Medical Workers are particularly at risk, with suicide rates far exceeding those of the general population. Supporting their mental health is crucial—not just ethically, but economically. By prioritizing their well-being, we can reduce the long-term expenses tied to staff turnover and recruitment in our emergency services.
I also want to highlight the importance of recent legislation, such as the HERO Act, which aims to provide comprehensive mental health support for emergency responders, and the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act, which seeks to improve treatment options for individuals suffering from PTSD. Both acts emphasize the urgent need for mental health resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by our First Responders.
I urge you to advocate for the establishment of the FR/MW Back-up Line and to support the ongoing efforts surrounding the HERO Act and the Fighting PTSD Act. Together, these initiatives can significantly enhance the mental health support available to our selfless First Responders and Medical Workers.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to your response.
