Summer 2026
States expand PTSD support programs for first responders
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, first responders face an elevated risk for suicide because of their work environments, culture and stress — both occupational and personal.
In a 2021 report, the CDC said occupational stress in first responders is associated with increased risk of mental health issues, including hopelessness, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal behaviors. That report also indicated that law enforcement officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, and that between 17-24% of public safety telecommunicators have symptoms of PTSD while 24% have symptoms of depression.
Several states have adopted measures to address post-traumatic stress in first responders.
In June, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law a measure to create a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Commission that will evaluate applications from eligible first responders and help cover treatment costs. Under the law, first responders can submit claims and the program would provide reimbursement of up to $50,000 for approved treatment expenses.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Medical Services also launched a safe haven program in May for EMTs and firefighters seeking support for burnout, mental health concerns and substance use disorders.
In Michigan, Reps. Mike McFall and Mike Mueller have introduced a similar bill as the one passed in Ohio. If approved, the law would establish a presumption of causation for PTSD so first responders can more easily file for claims. The goal is to simplify the insurance claim process and create a funding mechanism to cover their claims without placing the burden on cities or insurance companies.
Other states have taken different approaches.
A new law in Maryland that goes into effect Oct. 1 prohibits employers from discriminating against firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and other rescue workers for the lawful, off-duty use of medical cannabis. The law applies to registered medical cannabis patients who test positive for cannabis metabolites but are not impaired while on duty.
Connecticut, meanwhile, has expanded a pilot program at Yale University to study psilocybin-assisted therapy, while Missouri has advanced a bill allowing veterans and first responders in approved research studies to receive psychedelics psilocybin and ibogaine under medical supervision.
“More complete data are needed to identify risk and protective factors and to design evidence-based suicide prevention programs for first responders,” the CDC report said. “First responders … are crucial to ensuring public safety and health.”
