Rep. Ami Bera, middle, hosted a press conference to urge the passage of the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act. Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Ami Bera

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On Oct. 12, Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) held a press conference alongside Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, Sacramento Metro Fire Chief Adam House and Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Trevor Jamison urging the passage of the bipartisan Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act.

First introduced by Representative Bera in 2018, this legislation will bolster essential mental health resources to our nation’s first responders and health care providers who are at an elevated risk of suicide compared to other professions. Since its initial introduction, the bill has passed the House of Representatives on three separate occasions but has stalled in the Senate.

Representative Bera remains determined to get this bill across the finish line and provide our first responders with the assistance they rightfully deserve. That’s why he introduced the HERO Act again in the 118th Congress and continues to be a leading voice on this important issue.

From left, Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper, Metro Fire Chief Adam House, Rep. Ami Bera and Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Trevor Jamison pose for a photo at the Oct. 12 press conference. Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Ami Bera

The HERO Act will direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to report annually on first responder suicide rates and develop best practices for post-traumatic stress prevention and treatment. Additionally, the bill establishes grant programs to provide mental health training and support for both first responders and health care workers.

The HERO Act has earned the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.

“We passed [the HERO Act] unanimously out of the house three times. We have asked the White House to put a little pressure on the Senate to bring this bill up. We think now's the right time with President Biden–– who's been such a strong supporter of first responders–– let’s get it to his desk before he leaves office,” said Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06). “These are heroes that keep us safe every day, and we ought to do the same thing and make sure we're giving them the resources to keep them safe.”

“These men and women respond to the drop of a hat and will sacrifice their lives for the public, for someone they don't know. So, we want to make sure our firefighters and our officers and deputies are okay,” said Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper. “[The HERO Act] goes a long way in doing that, and we can't thank Congressman Bera enough for having the foresight to bring this forward, and hopefully it gets funded this year. We're excited about it, and it really makes a difference.”

Rep. Ami Bera speaks about why the HERO Act should be passed. Photo courtesy of the office of Rep. Ami Bera

“While suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States, one study concluded that in 2017, both police officers and fire fighters ‘were more likely to die by suicide, than in the line of duty.’ The same study showed that there was a direct link between a higher exposure to critical incidents, and an increase in mental health issues,” said Sacramento Metro Fire Chief Adam House. “As these troubling statistics emerge, it is vital that we remember that these are not just numbers; these are names, and individuals with families who oftentimes suffer as a result of the trauma experienced as well… Through collaborative efforts between Federal, State, and Local entities, we can help those who so selflessly help our communities.”

“As the president of the local firefighters here, we have about 1,800 members, and it's abundantly clear to us, day in and day out, the struggles our members face. You've heard about the calls with first responders, difficult car crashes, fires, shootings for police… We have found ways to address issues with our members, but we need more help. Because as we become more comfortable talking about these things, it creates more people that need help,” said Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Trevor Jamison. “I'm very happy to stand here with Congressman Bera because he has continued to be a champion for first responders in this region and the entire country, because this is a federal piece of legislation that will help everyone.”