U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Gainesville, joined local fire and law enforcement leaders on June 16 at Marion County Fire Rescue Station 28 to raise awareness about a new piece of federal legislation aimed at improving mental health resources for first responders.
The proposed “Answering the Call Act of 2026” (H.R. 8637) would strengthen support through the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by funding specialized training for counselors and expanding outreach.
Cammack elaborated that the bill is designed to help counselors better understand the unique challenges faced by first responders, providing grants to states and departments to promote awareness and access to services while also maintaining access to complete anonymity “so no one fears retaliation or judgment for reaching out.”
The legislation would cover firefighters, law enforcement officers, corrections officers, dispatchers and emergency medical personnel.
“This bill addresses a topic that so many people are hesitant to have, but it is long overdue that we have the conversation and address the gap in resources,” Cammack said during the press conference.
Cammack, who filed the bill on April 17, said the issue is deeply personal. Her husband, Matt, is a 19-year veteran of Gainesville Fire Rescue. The couple welcomed their daughter, Augusta, on Aug. 14, 2025.
“First responders run toward danger in our darkest moments – and as the wife of a first responder, I’ve seen the reality of that sacrifice up close,” Cammack said in an April 17 release. “The stress, the sleepless nights, and the weight they carry home after every shift is real.”
Cammack said first responders face a higher risk of suicide than the general population and, in some cases, are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
“First responders are four times more likely to commit suicide than the general population,” she said. “That is unacceptable.”
Local leaders said the crisis has had a direct impact in Marion County.
Fire Rescue Chief James Banta said his agency has lost four firefighters to suicide in recent years, including Allen Singleton, a six-year veteran and member of the department’s SWAT Medic team, who died on Jan. 28, 2023.
“Behind those four names are families, friends and co-workers whose lives will forever change,” Banta said. “This is why today’s announcement matters.”
Banta added that first responders routinely face trauma and human suffering that can leave lasting mental health effects.
Ocala Police Chief Mike Balken echoed the need for expanded mental health support.
“This legislation sends a clear message: seeking help is a sign of strength,” Balken said in a press release. “At the end of the day, this is about taking care of the men and women who take care of our communities.”
Cammack encouraged anyone in crisis to call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day.
Cammack represents Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Levy, Suwannee and Union counties, as well as parts of Lafayette and Marion counties.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack prioritizes first responder mental health
Reporting by Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Elliot Tritto, Gainesville Sun | USA TODAY Network
