Torres, Kelly and Fitzpatrick Introduce PROTECT 911 Act to Support Mental Health of 9-1-1 Call-Takers and Dispatchers
Addressing Health and Wellness Needs of Public Safety Professionals
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA-35) introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act, alongside Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01). This critical legislation will improve the mental health and well-being of the nation's 9-1-1 call-takers 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. This legislation recognizes the unique challenges faced by those on the front lines of emergency response and ensures that they have the resources and support needed to stay healthy and effective in their vital roles.
“I am proud to co-lead the PROTECT 911 Act and to stand with my colleagues in supporting our nation’s 9-1-1 professionals who face unimaginable stress every day,” said Congresswoman Torres. “As a former 911 dispatcher for more than 17 years I know firsthand 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.”
“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 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.”
“Public safety starts with the voice on the other end of a 9-1-1 call. 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,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.
Background: 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 and 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.
###