New bill could provide mental health coverage to NC first responders

CHARLOTTE — For members of the Charlotte Firefighters Association, many firefighters are bonded by collective trauma and grief. They hold two cookout events every year, hoping to build a sense of shared community for new and retired first responders.

A new bill could help those in need of therapy, as it would make mental health coverage available to all first responders across North Carolina.

Recently retired firefighter Bill Burns is still processing the things he experienced after 32 years.

“I saw my therapist yesterday, as a matter of fact,” Burns said. “It’s something that’s been necessary and very beneficial for me not only processing the work related issues but also processing the secondary trauma of hearing things from your peers.”

Therapy, however, can be costly.

Representative Mike Clampitt a former firefighter, is behind House Bill 523. He says he drafted the bill because he wishes something similar avabaile to him.

“Sometimes a smell of something will ignite an emotion of me, or the sight of a certain fabric,” Clampitt said.

The bill would offer cities and counties the option to provide supplemental insurance to cover mental health conditions. Lawmakers are tweaking the bill to work with insurance companies and make it widely accessible to first responders.

Final changes need to be submitted by May 4th in order for lawmakers to vote on legislative session.

>> In the video at the top of the page, Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura talks to those who could benefit from House Bill 523.

(WATCH BELOW: Governor Cooper unveils new $1 billion investment to address state mental health crisis)

Governor Cooper unveils new $1 billion investment to address state mental health crisis

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