Hurley Invites Local First Responders to Mental Health Wellness Seminar

CHICAGO – To continue her efforts to support first responders and kick off her new monthly Mental Health Monday event series, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, is inviting local first responders and their friends and families to a First Responder Wellness Seminar.

“First responders do a very difficult job and are under an enormous amount of stress as they work to keep our communities safe each and every day,” said Hurley. “It is critical that we support our police, firefighters and other first responders by ensuring access to the resources they need to protect their mental and emotional wellbeing.”

Hurley is partnering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to host a First Responder Wellness Seminar on Monday, August 12 from 7 to 8 p.m. at her district office, located at 10402 S. Western Ave. in Chicago. Local first responders and their friends and family members are invited to attend and to learn about mental health and wellness resources available to them.

Hurley as been an outspoken advocate for first responders during her time as state Representative, and during the 2019 spring legislative session, she passed a package of proposals to expand mental health resources for first responders. Hurley’s House Bills 2766 and 2767 would require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board to develop and implement courses including job-related stress management and suicide prevention training to be added to first responders’ training. Additionally, under Hurley’s measure, peer support resources would be provided, safeguarding confidentiality and protecting first responders that seek help by ensuring that they do not automatically lose their FOID card or their job.  Hurley’s measures were backed by the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, and have been sent to the governor to be signed into law.

“With the recent spike in the number of suicides and other mental health issues we have seen in first responders throughout the state it is clear that more must be done to protect the wellbeing of our community heroes,” continued Hurley.  “I encourage local responders and their friends and families to participate in my First Responder Wellness Seminar to learn about the resources available to them. I hope to see you there!”