Contact:
Tim Kauffman
202-639-6405/202-374-6491
[email protected]
WASHINGTON – American Federation of Government Employees National President Everett Kelley is endorsing H.R. 9929, the Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2024, which would expand access to mental health services for law enforcement officers employed by the Bureau of Prisons in hope that this expansion will save precious lives.
“Federal correctional officers work in some of the most dangerous and violent places imaginable and, as a result, are at increased risk for developing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidality as compared to those in other professions,” Kelley said.
“Many of our members employed by the federal Bureau of Prisons are military veterans, a group that has experienced staggering rates of PTSD and depression in recent years.”
“AFGE extends our condolences to the family of the late Officer Blake Schwarz, after whom this legislation is named who lost his life to suicide. They have honored Officer Schwarz by allowing this bill, meant to prevent future tragedies such as this, to bear his name.”
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