Westmoreland Review

A new law in Pennsylvania, Act 121 of 2024, has been enacted to support first responders suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Injuries (PTSI). The legislation allows firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics to access workers’ compensation benefits for psychological traumas without the need for physical injuries. To qualify for these benefits, a diagnosis by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist is required.

The previous requirement for first responders to prove "objective abnormal working conditions" made it difficult to claim PTSI benefits. With this burden of proof removed, the new law acknowledges both individual traumatic events and cumulative stress as valid causes of PTSI.

The intention behind this legislation is not only to assist affected individuals in maintaining their health and personal lives but also to address staffing shortages across first response sectors. Statistics indicate a significant decline in volunteer firefighters and municipal police officers over recent years.

In related news, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is now accepting applications for its $10 million PA Mixed-Use Housing Development pilot program aimed at expanding affordable housing options. The deadline for grant applications is December 6.

Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has issued a warning about a text message scam targeting SNAP benefit recipients. The fraudulent texts claim EBT cards have been deactivated and instruct recipients to call a number—a practice DHS confirms it does not engage in.