State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari Announces Passage of Legislation to Strengthen Post-Traumatic Stress Support for Ohio First Responders

State Rep. Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) announces the passage of Sub. H. B. No. 479, which includes his amendment to establish the Ohio Post-Traumatic Stress Fund Commission and create a clearer pathway for public safety officers to access treatment and support. The legislation now heads to Gov. Mike DeWine for his consideration and signature.

Ghanbari's amendment was crafted in coordination with interested parties and received strong support from the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters. The language creates the framework needed to move the State Post-Traumatic Stress Fund from concept to implementation by authorizing rules for the application process, eligibility criteria and benefit amounts.

"The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio has been trying to get first responders treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries for almost fifteen years. Now, with the leadership of Rep. Ghanbari and others, we are on the verge of making this long held dream a reality," said Jay McDonald, president of the FOP of Ohio. "This legislation will save lives of those who protect and serve our communities, and we are thankful for all those who worked alongside us to get to this point."

The measure builds on previous action championed and supported by Ghanbari, including House Bill 308, which established the State Post-Traumatic Stress Fund, and House Bill 184, which included $40 million in funding for the effort. The goal is to ensure law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders can access critical treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries suffered in service to others.

"For too long, firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers have carried the invisible wounds of trauma without the care they deserved. That changes with this funding. Ohio is making it clear: mental injuries must be treated with the same urgency as physical injuries. PTSI treatment funding will save careers, protect families and save lives," said Jon Harvey, president of the OAPFF. "This victory took years of advocacy and persistence, and we are grateful to State Representative Haraz Ghanbari for never wavering in his support for the men and women who answer the call every day."

During a passionate speech on the House floor, Ghanbari recognized Ohio's first responders and the burdens they carry while serving their communities. He spoke about the realities faced by law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other public safety professionals who answer calls during fires, crashes, medical emergencies, mayday calls and officer-down situations.

"Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries are real. They are not weakness, they are not failure, and they are not a lack of courage," Ghanbari said. "They are injuries suffered in service to others. Supporting mental health treatment is not a benefit, a perk or charity - it is a lifeline."

Ghanbari said physical line-of-duty injuries are often visible, but trauma and stress injuries can follow public safety officers home long after the emergency has ended.

"It's okay to not be okay - but it is never okay for those who answer our worst calls to suffer in silence when help can save their lives," Ghanbari said. "We cannot ask public safety officers to walk into our darkest moments and then abandon them in theirs. This legislation helps ensure Ohio shows up for those who have always shown up for us."

The Ohio Post-Traumatic Stress Fund Commission would help establish the structure necessary to provide benefits and support to eligible public safety officers. Ghanbari said the legislation represents another step toward reducing stigma, improving access to care and protecting the lives of those who serve Ohio communities.

"Behind every badge is a person. Behind every uniform is a family. Behind every call for help is someone who deserves to be answered," Ghanbari said, while thanking his colleagues for their support. "This is about turning a promise into a pathway - making sure those who protect our communities have access to the treatment, support and dignity they deserve."