H.R. 6601: Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies for First Responders Act

This bill, titled the Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies for First Responders Act, aims to enhance mental health and counseling services for first responders, especially those who respond to major disasters. Below is a summary of the key components of the bill:

Access to Crisis Counseling

The bill proposes to amend existing laws to allow qualified emergency response providers—which include emergency responders and public safety telecommunicators—to access crisis counseling assistance. This change would provide support to first responders who face traumatic situations stemming from their work during major disasters.

Definition of Key Terms

Definitions are clarified within the bill to specify who qualifies as a public safety telecommunicator and a qualified emergency response provider. This helps ensure that the intended recipients of the services are clearly designated.

Comprehensive Mental Health Program

The Secretary of Health and Human Services will create a comprehensive program dedicated to mental health services for first responders. The program aims to:

• Offer 24-hour mental health services.
• Implement a dedicated hotline through the existing 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• Provide outreach and education initiatives for first responders and their families, paying special attention to those responding to major disasters.

Research on Best Practices

The bill includes a provision for research to identify best practices in delivering mental health services and preventing suicide among first responders. Various relevant federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are involved in this research.

Peer Support Counseling Program

A peer support counseling program will be established where active and retired first responders can volunteer to offer support to their colleagues. This program will be administered with adequate training and coordination with various organizations that provide mental health services.

Mobile Crisis Services Grants

The bill allocates competitive grants for eligible entities to create mobile health care units to deliver short-term crisis services to first responders who are involved in major disasters. Eligible entities include health departments, community health centers, and nonprofits experienced in mental health services.

• The grants can cover mobile crisis response, evaluation of mental health issues, and referral services for further assistance.
• Each grant can be up to $150,000 and renewable for a total duration of two years.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $5 million each year from 2026 to 2030 to support the variety of initiatives outlined within it, aiming to reduce the incidence of mental health issues and improve overall wellness among first responders.

Relevant Companies

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