By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill aimed at ensuring confidentiality for first responders who seek mental health services from a peer counselor. Current law does not guarantee confidentiality.

“These sensible confidentiality protections will allow our firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers to seek the help they need without fear of stigmatization,” said 22-year law enforcement official and the bill’s sponsor Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The recent loss of Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy only further highlights the importance of ensuring that services are available to support those impacted by the loss of a colleague, friend and member of a department’s family.”