New Bill Aims to Boost Mental Health Support for Federal Correctional Officers
A new bill, the Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2024 (HR 9929), has been introduced to expand mental health resources for Bureau of Prisons officers. The American Federation of Government Employees endorses the bill, highlighting the increased mental health risks faced by federal correctional officers. The legislation is currently at the 'Introduced' stage and has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Named after Blake Schwarz, a correctional officer who died by suicide in 2023, the bill was introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa. It aims to address the longstanding staffing issues in the federal prison system, which pose threats to both inmate and staff safety, as identified by the Government Accountability Office. The bill authorizes $300 million in grants over five fiscal years to fund mental health screenings for corrections officers. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, these officers suffer from PTSD and suicide at rates significantly higher than other law enforcement staff and the general public. The legislation requires the Justice Department and Bureau of Prisons to establish grant programs for mental health screenings and referrals to ensure these vital services reach corrections officers.
The Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act of 2024 seeks to improve mental health support for federal correctional officers, a crucial step in addressing the high rates of PTSD and suicide among this group. With the endorsement of the American Federation of Government Employees and a significant funding allocation, the bill stands to make a substantial impact on the well-being of corrections officers and the safety of the prison system.
