Westmoreland Review

The issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI) among first responders is being addressed in Pennsylvania with a new law aimed at providing greater access to workers' compensation benefits. The law covers firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics for psychological traumas related to their duties, even without physical injuries. Diagnosis by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist is required.

Previously, first responders had to prove "objective abnormal working conditions" to claim PTSI benefits—a standard deemed difficult to meet. The new legislation removes this burden of proof, allowing claims based on individual traumatic events or cumulative stress experiences.

This initiative aims not only to support the mental health of first responders but also to address staffing shortages in the sector. Statistics show a decline in volunteer firefighters from 350,000 in the 1970s to under 70,000 in 2016. A survey indicated a 5% drop in sworn police officers between January 2020 and January 2023, with resignations increasing significantly.

Additionally, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has launched a $10 million PA Mixed-Use Housing Development pilot program. This initiative seeks to expand affordable housing through grants for site development and conversion or rehabilitation of existing structures into mixed-use developments. Eligible applicants include municipalities and various organizations, with applications due by December 6.

In other news, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) warns residents about a potential scam targeting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. Fraudulent text messages claim EBT cards have been deactivated and direct recipients to call a number for reactivation. DHS advises reporting suspicious communications via their fraud tip line.