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1		SENATE RESOLUTION 936
2		WHEREAS, Every day, first responders are required to
3		manage traumatic events, from fires to shootings, and these
4		events have the potential to leave lasting effects on their
5		mental health; and
6		WHEREAS, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
7		Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that 75% of police officers
8		have reported experiencing a traumatic event; that same source
9		found that 30% of first responders develop behavioral health
10		conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress
11		disorder (PTSD), which is a third higher than the general
12		population; and
13		WHEREAS, The Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology
14		reported that police suicide rates are 69% higher than the
15		general population, and more police die by suicide than in the
16		line of duty; and
17		WHEREAS, Medical costs can serve as a deterrent to
18		obtaining proper care, with the National Council for Mental
19		Wellbeing revealing that 42% of the U.S. population views
20		costs as a barrier to pursuing mental health services; and
21		WHEREAS, The Center for American Progress presented that

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1		the cost of psychotherapy ranges averaging from $100 to $200
2		per session, and insurance companies can pass up to 40% of
3		treatments costs on to patients; for weekly therapy sessions,
4		this can easily add up to over $2,000 a year in out-of-pocket
5		costs for just one family member; and
6		WHEREAS, First responders should not have to face barriers
7		to obtain the treatment they need to manage the resulting
8		trauma they experienced while on the job, and making mental
9		health care more affordable better helps people receive the
10		proper care they need; and
11		WHEREAS, Research has shown that access to treatment not
12		only improves a first responder's ability to do their job but
13		also provides the public with first responders who are able to
14		execute their duties in optimal form; therefore, be it
15		RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL
16		ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the U.S.
17		Congress to support the mental health of first responders and
18		to create and pass legislation to remove existing barriers to
19		mental health treatment for individuals who respond to
20		emergencies for the benefit of all; and be it further
21		RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be
22		delivered to all members of the Illinois Congressional

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