Rep. Hall Votes in Support of Post-Traumatic Stress Injury Treatment Funding for First Responders

COLUMBUS— State Representative Thomas Hall (R-Madison Twp.) today voted to provide $40 million in targeted funding toward treatment programming for first responders experiencing a Post-Traumatic Stress Injury.

“Each and every day, our first responders have our backs, and today, I’m proud we had the opportunity to make it clear that we, too, have theirs,” said Hall. “This funding is critical to the mental health and wellbeing of our first responders.”

More specifically, the provision transfers $40 million in seed funding from the GRF to for the Post-Traumatic Stress Fund. The state’s Post-Traumatic Stress Fund will cover treatment for peace officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel who are need of care. 

According to the Ohio Fire Chiefs, a percentage of first responders will experience symptoms of a mental health condition either temporarily or on a recurring or ongoing basis. Common symptoms include anxiety, depression, substance misuse, and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).

The provision was included in House Bill 184, legislation passed today that sets various limitations on intercollegiate athlete contracts, in addition to including a number of clarifying provisions as related to the state operating budget. 

The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.