Senate Passes Bill with Bipartisan Support to Help Firefighters with PTSD
(Santa Fe, NM) – With strong bipartisan agreement, the New Mexico Senate today passed legislation, HB 157, by a vote of 25 – 11 to add Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the existing Fire Fighter Occupational Disease Act. Several diseases, such as cancers, hepatitis and tuberculosis, already are presumed to be proximately caused by employment as a firefighter. The addition of PTSD to the list is a key health care goal of firefighters and paramedic firefighters across the state. The bill now goes to the Governor.
“Firefighters make tremendous sacrifices to protect the lives and property of New Mexicans every day. It is imperative that we ensure our firefighters have access to effective treatment for PTSD and protect New Mexico’s investment in these brave men and women. HB 157 is life-saving legislation, and I am proud of the bipartisan support for our firefighters and paramedics,” said Senator Michael Padilla (D-14-Bernalillo), sponsor of the bill in the Senate.
Access to preventative treatment can mitigate the onset of PTSD, which may be caused by exposure to chronic stress often experienced by firefighters. Coverage contained in HB 157 can lead to firefighters leading healthier lives, prolong their careers, and will be less likely to need workers’ compensation benefits in the future.
Firefighters experience PTSD at rates similar to military personnel. About 20% of firefighters may be diagnosed as having PTSD, compared to just 3.5% of the general population. Untreated PTSD can lead to depression, familial dysfunction and suicide.
HB 157 is supported by the New Mexico Professional Fire Fighters Association, Albuquerque Area Fire Fighters Local 244, Albuquerque Lodge #1 Fraternal Order of Police, County of Bernalillo, Farmington Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 2850, Santa Fe County Firefighters IAFF Local 4366, Santa Fe Professional Firefighters Association Local 2059, Las Cruces Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 2362, Raton Firefighters Local 2378, Rio Rancho Firefighters Association IAFF Local 4877, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue, and others.
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