Words by Tess Becker
Phone operators for 911 services hear and deal with many very tough situations. That can greatly impact someone’s mental health, so to treat that, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2717 which will provide the state’s 911 operators unlimited mental health services.
The signing of the bill gives 911 operators the same mental health benefits as police officers and firefighters.
“To say the least, our 911 dispatchers have the grave responsibility of keeping our neighbors and communities safe,” Gov. Hobbs said in a press release. “During those phone calls, they can experience extremely traumatic situations that they take home with them.”
The goal is to give people the resources they need in order to best handle the stressors of their jobs.
“We must give them the tools. They need to thrive outside of the workplace as well. Especially in this field, that includes the necessary health care services that promote emotional and mental well-being of our dispatchers,” Hobbs said.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Women Invested to Save Earth Fund. This organization helps support underrepresented and underfunded Black, indigenous, and women of color-led organizations across the world. Find out more and support them here.
Florida Bicycle Association. An organization that helps mobilize people and promote greener living and safer biking. Find out more.
Collective Sun. They help nonprofits get outfitted with solar power capabilities. Check them out here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing.
