Rep. Kelly Tours South Suburb Emergency Dispatch Center
Rep. Kelly Tours South Suburb Emergency Dispatch Center
Kelly discusses mental health, emergency response with SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center in midst of Trump administration healthcare cuts
MATTESON, ILL. – During a week of action against the Trump administration's harmful agenda, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) toured the SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center to discuss its employees’ mental health.
“The dispatchers and operators at the SouthCom Dispatch Center save lives every single day, and I was proud to see their work firsthand,” said Rep. Kelly. “My stepdaughter, who was a 911 operator, told me about how the calls expose them to traumatic situations and can really impact their mental health. We need to take care of our 911 dispatchers and operators, especially as the White House and House Republicans continue to slash people’s healthcare and mental health programs.”
Rep. Kelly also recognized the National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time dedicated to honoring the essential work of 911 operators and dispatchers.
"We are honored to welcome Rep. Kelly for a firsthand look at the vital role dispatchers play in public safety. As the heartbeat of emergency response, dispatchers connect those in crisis with the help they need, often under intense pressure," said Athena Barnes, Director of SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center. "During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, SouthCom Combined Dispatch Center is proud to showcase its dedicated team and innovative operations, who ensure the safety and well-being of the community. The Congresswoman's visit is a testament to the critical work of dispatchers and the need for continued investment in their mental health and professional development."
This morning, Rep. Kelly introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the mental health and well-being of the operators and dispatchers with U.S. Reps. Norma Torres (CA-35) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). The Providing Resources and Occupational Training for Emotional Crisis and Trauma (PROTECT) 911 Act ensures that emergency responders have the mental health resources they need to continue providing critical services to the public.
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