Establish better healthcare resources for our Nations First Responders

[Jonathan_Kimbro]

Like the brave men and women that defend our nation abroad, the first responders in our country are often and regularly exposed to various traumas that the normal citizen may only experience once, if at all in a lifetime. Suicide has raced to the top of the list of what kills of our first responders. Mandatory and comprehensive mental health plans must be put in place to ensure the health and wellbeing of those on the front lines of protecting us here at home. Along with mental health issues, various cancers are rampant in our first responder communities. Statistically, 1 in 2 firefighters will developed a form of cancer in their lifetime. Many municipalities have limited cancer screening for the more common types of cancers developed by first responders. The NFPA has enacted standards to help mitigate exposures, but sadly this is not enough. Comprehensive annual cancer screenings should be mandated for career and volunteer responders alike. If a cancer is discovered, the responder ought to have full, and financially covered access to multiple treatment options including clinical trials to combat their individual diseases. It’s time we take care of those who take care of us.