INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Police Association (NPA) endorses the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act of 2026 (H.R. 8776), bipartisan legislation introduced by Rep. Laura Gillen (NY-04) and co-led by Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05). This bill would require the Attorney General to identify effective strategies for reducing mental health stigma among law enforcement officers and improving access to resources. It has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee; text for the House bill is here.

Specifically, the Attorney General would report to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on ways to reduce mental health stigma, encourage use of screening, peer counseling and similar resources, and protect confidentiality. The report would make recommendations for action.

In compiling the report, the Attorney General would consult with the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Director of the National Institute of Justice. They would consult with other stakeholders, including federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies, police organizations, and mental health experts.

Trained, clinically supervised peer support teams have been shown to be effective in generating higher rates of participation.

"Though peer support isn't intended to replace professional treatment, it can help connect officers to formal care," said Paula Fitzsimmons, Legislative Director, National Police Association.

Police officers are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder, estimated to occur at least two to four times more often than in the general population. This rate is likely underreported.

"Stigma surrounding mental health and perceived weakness remain barriers for officers seeking help. Compounding this are concerns of breaches in confidentiality that might affect promotions and employment status," Fitzsimmons added.

The NPA commends Reps. Gillen and Rutherford for introducing the Officer Wellness and Peer Support Act of 2026. The report required by the bill would identify how to expand qualified and confidential mental health services for officers and reduce the stigma associated with their use. We ask Congress to work toward passage of this bill.

To support anti-crime, pro-police legislation, join the NPA's Call to Action team. Receive email alerts on bills, including which lawmakers to contact.

About: The National Police Association (NPA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement through advocacy, education, and the courts. For more information, visit NationalPolice.org.

Media Contact:
Paula Fitzsimmons
302-469-1765
424459@email4pr.com 

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SOURCE National Police Association