Representative Tran Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Mental Health Support for Emergency Responders

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Derek Tran (D-CA-45) introduced H.R. 10349, the bipartisan Emergency Responders Mental Health Training (EMT) Act, with Representatives John Rutherford (R-FL-5), Mike Lawler (R-NY-17), and Don Davis (D-NC-1), to expand and improve access to specialized mental health and substance abuse care for first responders. The bill would establish a federal fellowship program to train more behavioral health professionals who understand the unique demands of emergency response work, addressing the mental health crisis that has made it difficult for public safety departments to recruit and retain talent.

"As we mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, supporting our first responders' mental health has never been more urgent. They're on the front lines every day protecting our communities - often at a cost to their own well-being. I've heard directly from law enforcement in my district that access to mental health care remains a real problem. That's why I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan EMT Act to deliver the specialized mental health care our first responders deserve," said Representative Tran.

"As a former sheriff, I have seen firsthand the physical and emotional toll that comes with serving on the front lines of public safety," said Representative John H. Rutherford, "Our first responders dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, but too often, those struggling with addiction or substance use disorders suffer silently. I am proud to co-lead legislation with Representative Tran (CA-45) to expand and strengthen our behavioral health workforce, equipping them with the tools they need to serve the men and women who protect our communities."

"Our first responders carry experiences that stay with them long after the emergency is over. Too many struggle to find mental health professionals who understand the unique pressures of their work. We have a responsibility to ensure specialized care is available when they need it. Supporting the mental health of our first responders means supporting the people who protect and care for our families every day," said Representative Don Davis.

"Our first responders put themselves on the line every day to protect and serve our communities. They face traumatic situations, dangerous conditions, and immense stress, and they deserve access to the specialized mental health support they need. This legislation would help strengthen that support by training mental health professionals to better serve our emergency responders. We have a responsibility to make sure those who are there for us in our most difficult moments have the resources they need," said Representative Mike Lawler.

The Emergency Responders Mental Health Training (EMT) Act would establish a post-graduate fellowship pilot program to increase the number and quality of mental health professionals trained to assist emergency responders. The fellowships would support post-baccalaureate training, including master's and doctoral degrees, across fields such as psychiatry, nursing, social work, psychology, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, and addiction counseling. The bill authorizes $10 million per year for five years and requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report to Congress on the program's implementation and results.

The legislation is endorsed by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), National Fraternal Order of Police, National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Peace Officers Association of California (PORAC), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), National Association of Social Workers, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, National League for Nursing, American Ambulance Association, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), and Falck Ambulances Services Inc.

"Our law enforcement officers selflessly put their lives on the line every day to serve their communities. The mental, physical, and emotional toll of repeated exposure to traumatic and hazardous situations is an often unspoken but widely understood aspect of the job. First responders are subject to significantly above-average rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress, burnout, and suicide in comparison to the public. Consequently, this significantly impacts their ability to carry out their duties and, on a wider scale, hinders recruitment and retention rates for the profession," said Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, "This bill presents viable means to ensure that officer wellbeing is safeguarded so that they in turn can properly protect and serve their communities."

"The work that law enforcement officers do each day and the environments in which they are placed take a huge toll on the human mind, body, and soul. Many of our officers suffer from PTSD and acute stress disorders, but they are reluctant to seek help, especially through services offered by their agency. They worry about confidentiality or believe the mental health specialists provided will not understand what they are going through, what they have experienced," stated Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. "NAPO supports the EMT Act as it will help ensure that officers have access to culturally competent mental health and wellness services. We thank Representatives Tran, Rutherford, Davis, and Lawler for their leadership and support."

"The American Ambulance Association greatly appreciates the recognition by Representatives Derek Tran, John Rutherford, Don Davis and Mike Lawler of the special mental health circumstances facing our first responders, and their introduction of the Emergency Responders Mental Health Training Act to help ensure there are enough behavioral health practitioners trained to support our paramedics, EMTs, police officers, firefighters and 9-1-1 dispatchers," said Jamie Pafford-Gresham, President of the American Ambulance Association.

"Falck strongly supports efforts to strengthen mental health care for emergency responders. This legislation recognizes the unique stressors faced by the men and women on the front lines and helps ensure they have access to culturally competent professionals who understand their experiences and can support their mental health, well-being and resilience," said Falck Ambulances Services Inc. Spokesperson Jeff Lucia, "Emergency responders dedicate their lives to protecting others, and they deserve access to specialized, trauma-informed mental health care that recognizes the unique experiences of their profession. We appreciate Congressman Tran's leadership on this issue and his commitment to advancing practical solutions that improve care for the people who keep our communities safe."

"Peace officers spend their careers looking out for everyone else, often at great personal cost - not only through the risks we face in the line of duty, but through the trauma we carry home. Every first responder deserves care from someone who truly understands what this work demands. This bill meets that need, and PORAC is honored to stand behind it," said Peace Officers Research Association of California President Brian R. Marvel.

"Social workers represent the largest group of mental and behavioral health providers in the United States. More providers and more resources are needed-now and in the future. CSWE supports legislative efforts like the EMT Act, which will deliver near-term critical support to first responders experiencing mental health challenges, as well as expand training and funding opportunities to train future providers," said the Council on Social Work Education.

As a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus, Representative Tran has made supporting first responders and their mental health a priority in Congress. In December 2025, Tran helped to introduce the bipartisan CARE for First Responders Act to expand counseling and mental health services for first responders, and has cosponsored several bills to support officer safety and wellness, including:

• H.R. 309, the bipartisan National Law Enforcement Officers Remembrance, Support, and Community Outreach Act, to improve officer safety and wellness programs;
• H.R. 3304, the Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, to support parents in law enforcement; and
• H.R. 8750, the COPS Reauthorization Act, to provide funding for local law enforcement agencies to hire, retain, train, and equip more officers through the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program.

Representative Tran also secured over $1 million for the HOPE Center in Fullerton to deploy licensed mental health professionals alongside law enforcement, ensuring the right responders reach residents experiencing mental health crises while providing more bandwidth for officers to focus on serious crime.

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