New Law Would Create Mental Health Database For 1st Responders

CHICAGO — An Illinois state legislator has sponsored legislation that will connect first responders to mental health resources. SB 1575 amends the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administrative Act. It requires the Illinois Department of Human Services to create and maintain an online database on its website.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Robert Martwick (10th District), who represents neighborhoods on Chicago’s northwest side and some northwest suburbs. The goal of SB 1575 is to connect first responders with resources to help reduce stress, anxiety and depressions, as well as to prevent violence and suicide in these high-stress occupations.

“First responders are subjected to many stressful interactions on a day-to-day basis,” Martwick said in a news release. “This database would help many who may be struggling but don’t know where to look for help.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, first responders experience mental illness at a higher rate than the general population, with 30 percent of first responders suffering from conditions like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, compared to 20 percent of the general population. In addition, firefighters reported higher attempts and ideation of suicide, and nationally, between 125 and 300 police officers commit suicide each year.

"Within a two-week period, two Chicago police officers chose to end their lives. These tragedies have devastated their families and their department,” Martwick said. “Suicide rates among first responders are at a crisis level, and we must be compelled to do everything we can to connect our police officers and firefighters to those who can help them address mental health issues."

The initiative would specifically require IDHS to provide links to resources related to crisis services, wellness, trauma information, nutrition, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, violence prevention, suicide prevention, and substance abuse.

“Our first responders keep us safe, and we need to keep them safe, too,” Martwick said. “Providing them with easier access to mental health and substance abuse resources is one small step we can take.”

The human services department currently maintains a similar database for school-based mental health services.

SB 1575 passed the senate behavioral and mental health committee 11-0 and now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.