First Responders are local Heroes in our community that will run in burning building, rush to a crash scene, or be the person we need the most to protect us. These are our local Doctors, Nurses, Fire Fighters, Police Officers, Military Officers, or even your Therapist/Counselor. Each one of these profession take on the responsibility of being there for a large community during some of the most traumatic times of our lives. 

Indiana Legislate HB 1136 focus on address providing Mental Health care and services for first responders. We are a group of BSW student at a local college in Indianapolis, Indiana breaking the silence on the importance of Mental Health for a community that put others first. We often learn the importance of mental health, however we never talk about how important mental health is needed for those who care for us. Our first responders experience trauma daily and they do no receive support to address what they see every day.

The Indiana house bill 1136 hopes to provide mental health services to first responders. First responders are those on the scene in times of need of civilians, including firefighters, EMTs, and police. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA), 30% of first responders have behavioral health issues including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Around 125-300 police officers commit suicide a year and firefighters have a higher of committing compared to the general public. EMTs also don't have enough time to recover from traumatic events that they respond to as well.

Audrey D. Story-As a female veteran of the United States armed forces, a lot of mental health is not discussed even during our harshest deployments. The aftermath of separating with hopes of "a better life, " are met with independently processing trauma obtained while serving. They slogan they use, "one team one fight," and is discounted if the fight occurs in the form of severe mental health challenges. In 2014, As a 17 year old rural community first responder, cadet, there are many things they did not discuss with us. One thing being, the challenges faced by first responders, and how to treat those challenges. A run came in one night for a classmate who had been struck by a drunk driver head on, and I was advised not to ride along. Incidents like this happen all the time, and if it weren't for those serving above me, having my best interest in mind, I don't know what I would have saw that night. Accidents like this are not uncommon in small communities where everyone knows everyone, but treating those who respond to these traumas, tends to be uncommon and not talked about.

Jessica J. Story- As a young African American female that grew up in a poor community. I saw first hand how the lack of Mental Health support to family members who served in the community as First Responders. My mother worked in a Nursing home and my father was in the Marines when he was young. They both experienced drug use disorder that lasted for over 20 years. The lack of mental health services in our community brought a lot of hardship and challenges in or family. If this bill is passed, then other families don't have to go through what mine went through.

Alli D Story- The Indiana House Bill 1136 is particularly important to me, as I personally would feel more comfort in knowing that people responding to emergency situations have better mental health than not, and this bill would work hard to make that a reality. I believe that the people dealing with citizens’ lives and safety deserve to have mental clarity in order to help others more easily. This is why supporting this bill being passed is so imperative.

Mandela C Story- HB 1136 would help First Responders by providing access to mental health services that are tailored specifically for their profession. This would allow them to receive the help they need to address any mental health issues they may be facing related to their stressful and demanding jobs. The bill would also help to reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health services, encouraging more First Responders to access the help they need.

Katie G. Story- I am currently a full time student and a full time case manager. I work in an inpatient addiction rehabilitation facility that deals with treating and helping those who struggle with their mental health. The correlation between trauma and substance abuse is undeniable, therefore I see my fair share of first responders and get to hear their stories. I want to work on behalf of my past, current, and future residents to ensure that first responders get the care they deserve.

NOW is the time to stand up. To win, we need people to sign, or to put in a few minutes to spread the petition with their friends. Can you help us out. https://chng.it/8ycLCsNb