Senator Gillibrand Secures $500,000 for Mental Health Services for Law Enforcement

Strategic Insights -

New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association to highlight her efforts to secure $500,000 in congressionally directed spending to expand mental health services for law enforcement provided by the nonprofit New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP). The funding would provide critical support for the expansion of mental health services to reach more first responders across New York State. Senator Gillibrand's efforts come as a response to the high risk of PTSD and other mental health problems faced by police officers, firefighters, and EMTs due to unique stressors on the job.

Key Takeaways:

  • The $500,000 in congressionally directed spending would be used to expand mental health services for law enforcement provided by the nonprofit New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program (NYLEAP).
  • The funding would provide critical support for the expansion of mental health services to reach more first responders across New York State, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services professionals.
  • Police officers have a three times higher chance of dying by suicide than being killed by a criminal, highlighting the need for more mental health support.
  • Senator Gillibrand has been a longtime advocate for first responders' mental health, reintroducing the bipartisan First Responders Wellness Act to establish a national mental health hotline for first responders and expand mental health services during major disasters.
  • The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill, which now awaits passage by the full Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Tommy Shevlin, President of the Nassau County PBA, and Jim Banish, President of the New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program, expressed their gratitude for Senator Gillibrand's support and highlighted the importance of peer support and training, as well as NYLEAP's role in addressing the mental health crisis in law enforcement.

Statistics:

  • 3 times higher chance of police officers dying by suicide than being killed by a criminal (quoted by Tommy Shevlin, President of the Nassau County PBA)
  • $500,000 in congressionally directed spending secured by Senator Gillibrand for mental health services for law enforcement
  • 100 New York firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement officers attended Senator Gillibrand's First Responders Summit in July
  • Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face unique stressors on the job that increase their risk of developing PTSD and other mental health problems

Sources:

  • United States Senator for New York, Kirsten E. Gillibrand