H.R. 2937 — PROTECT 911 Act

This section directs the Secretary to (1) develop and make publicly available evidence-based best practices to identify, prevent, and treat posttraumatic stress disorder and co-occurring disorders in public safety telecommunicators (i.e., 911 dispatchers per SOC code 43-5031), with periodic reassessments and updates as necessary; and (2) develop and make publicly available resources to educate mental health professionals about emergency communications center culture, telecommunicator stressors and retiree challenges, and evidence-based therapies for common mental health issues. In developing these materials, the Secretary must consult public health experts, mental health experts on suicide and job-related stress illnesses, clinicians experienced in mental health diagnosis and treatment, and relevant national nonprofit associations of public safety telecommunicators. The section defines "emergency communications center" as a facility designated to receive 911 requests and perform related functions (e.g., processing requests, dispatching responders, supporting incident command).

This section establishes a grant program under the Public Health Service Act authorizing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to state, local, and regional emergency communications centers (i.e., 911 call centers) and certain nonprofit entities for behavioral health and wellness programs supporting public safety telecommunicators (i.e., 911 dispatchers, per occupation code 43-5031). Grant funds may be used (1) to establish evidence-based programs raising awareness of, preventing, and mitigating job-related mental health issues; (2) to establish or enhance peer-support programs using telecommunicators as peer counselors; (3) to acquire training materials or instructors; and (4) to disseminate related information and materials.