SR0936LRB103 40347 LAW 72587 r

1
SENATE RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Every day, first responders are required to
3manage traumatic events, from fires to shootings, and these
4events have the potential to leave lasting effects on their
5mental health; and
 
6    WHEREAS, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
7Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that 75% of police officers
8have reported experiencing a traumatic event; that same source
9found that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health
10conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress
11disorder (PTSD), which is a third higher than the general
12population; and
 
13    WHEREAS, The Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
14reported that police suicide rates are 69% higher than the
15general population, and more police die by suicide than in the
16line of duty; and
 
17    WHEREAS, Medical costs can serve as a deterrent to
18obtaining proper care, with the National Council for Mental
19Wellbeing revealing that 42% of the U.S. population views
20costs as a barrier to pursuing mental health services; and
 
21    WHEREAS, The Center for American Progress presented that

 

 

SR0936- 2 -LRB103 40347 LAW 72587 r

1the cost of psychotherapy ranges averaging from $100 to $200
2per session, and insurance companies can pass up to 40% of
3treatments costs on to patients; for weekly therapy sessions,
4this can easily add up to over $2,000 a year in out-of-pocket
5costs for just one family member; and
 
6    WHEREAS, First responders should not have to face barriers
7to obtain the treatment they need to manage the resulting
8trauma they experienced while on the job, and making mental
9health care more affordable better helps people receive the
10proper care they need; and
 
11    WHEREAS, Research has shown that access to treatment not
12only improves a first responder's ability to do their job but
13also provides the public with first responders who are able to
14execute their duties in optimal form; and
 
15    WHEREAS, Current legislation under consideration by the
16Illinois General Assembly is seeking to remove cost-sharing
17requirements for mental health treatment, including insurance
18deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for police officers,
19firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, and
20veterans; therefore, be it
 
21    RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
22ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the U.S.

 

 

SR0936- 3 -LRB103 40347 LAW 72587 r

1Congress to support the mental health of first responders and
2to create and pass legislation to remove existing barriers to
3mental health treatment for individuals who respond to
4emergencies for the benefit of all; and be it further
 
5    RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
6delivered to all members of the Illinois Congressional
7Delegation.