Kelly, Torres, Fitzpatrick Introduce Legislation to Support Mental Health of 911 Dispatchers, Operators
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act, alongside U.S. Reps. Norma Torres (CA-35) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). This critical legislation will improve the mental health and well-being of the nation's 911 operators and dispatchers, a group often exposed to high-stress and traumatic situations.
The PROTECT 911 Act is being introduced during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to honoring the essential contributions of public safety telecommunicators across the country. Rep. Kelly will also tour the SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center later this afternoon.
“Emergency operators help callers in violent and disturbing situations – but after the call is over, operators themselves don't receive the mental health support and resources they need," said Rep. Kelly. "The PROTECT 911 Act aims to fix that and provide our country's 911 operators and dispatchers with the treatment they deserve. They are the first responders to the first responders. I introduced this bill because my stepdaughter was a 911 operator, and she’s told me about the harrowing calls she received every day. As our dispatchers and operators save people’s lives, we need to take care of them in return.”
“I am proud to co-lead the PROTECT 911 Act and to stand with my colleagues in supporting our nation’s 911 professionals who face unimaginable stress every day,” said Rep. Torres. “As a former 911 dispatcher for more than 17 years I know first hand the personal toll this job can take on you. This bill is about giving our emergency responders the tools and support they need to manage their mental health, as well as creating a safer and more sustainable working environment for those who work tirelessly to protect us.”
“Public safety starts with the voice on the other end of a 9-1-1 call," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "The PROTECT 911 Act delivers long-overdue federal support for our emergency dispatchers through evidence-based standards, targeted wellness grants, and specialized training resources. This bipartisan legislation strengthens the foundation of our emergency response system and ensures these unseen first responders are finally recognized—not overlooked—for the critical role they play.”
PROTECT 911 Act is endorsed by APCO International and NENA: The 911 Association.
"Public safety telecommunicators are essential to emergency response, handling intense and high-stakes situations that can take a toll on their physical and mental health,” said Mel Maier, CEO and Executive Director of APCO International. “The PROTECT 9-1-1 Act includes important measures to support their health and wellness and ensure these professionals have the resources needed to continue their lifesaving work. APCO appreciates the leadership of Representatives Kelly, Fitzpatrick, and Torres in addressing these challenges and looks forward to working with Congress to secure passage of this critical legislation."
"The PROTECT 911 Act is a crucial step toward addressing the reality that those who work in 911, unfortunately, know all too well: that life under the headset can take a great emotional and psychological toll," said Brian Fontes, CEO of NENA: The 911 Association. "We thank Representatives Kelly, Fitzpatrick, and Torres for introducing this legislation; just as 911 professionals across the country work every day to keep Americans healthy and safe, these members of Congress are working to do the same for our nation's first responders."
PROTECT 911 Act ensures that these first responders have access to the support they need to continue providing critical services to the public, without sacrificing their own mental health in the process. The bill includes:
- Developing best practices to identify, prevent, and treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in public safety telecommunicators.
- Creating resources for mental health professionals to better assist these personnel in managing emotional trauma.
- Establishing grants to fund health and wellness programs within emergency communications centers.