Nevada lawmakers are considering creating a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Peace Officer Wellness to focus on the mental health and well-being of police officers and firefighters in the state. The task force, proposed in Assembly Bill 433, will review state policy and make recommendations on personal wellness initiatives for state and local agencies over the next two years. The idea arose after concerns were raised about post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues faced by first responders. The bill has gained support from municipalities and associations representing police officers and firefighters. The Las Vegas Metro Police Department has also made efforts to prioritize officer wellness, with the establishment of a new wellness bureau under Sheriff Kevin McMahill. Dr. James Tenney, head of the bureau, highlighted the higher levels of stress and mental health challenges that police officers face compared to other professions. Lobbyists have credited the work of the wellness bureau for preventing officer suicides in recent years. The task force would complement these existing efforts to prioritize the mental health and wellness of Nevada’s first responders.
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