Proposed Ogden tax increase aims to fund mental health services for first responders [Video]

OGDEN, Utah (ABC4) — Mental health has been a key issue discussed across the country, but the mental health of first responders can be lost in the shuffle. Deputy Chief Mike Slater of the Ogden City Fire Department said Utah State House Bill 378 has done a lot to expand resources.

The bill — sponsored by Rep. Ryan Wilcox — includes a peer support team for responders to talk amongst themselves and a critical incident stress management program to respond within 48 hours of a traumatic call. It also includes an on-call mental health counselor.

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“He is available for all firefighters and police officers that are required to meet with him once a year just to make sure they’re doing okay,” Slater explained. “And it’s just like a physical checkup. We do a mental checkup with every one of our employees.”