Responding to 14 Border Patrol suicides, Texas Congress members propose new mental health resources
Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, right, speaks during a news conference on rising suicide rates at the U.S. Border Patrol, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, on Capitol Hill in Washington.U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, is leading a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers working to provide more mental health resources to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after 14 agents died by suicide this year.
The legislation would ensure that Border Patrol agents aren’t “adversely impacted” or penalized for seeking mental health treatment, and it would bolster the number of local behavioral health experts who have experience working with law enforcement officers, said U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo. The act would also introduce mental health services to agents as soon as they begin their careers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Cuellar said. Lawmakers also plan to expand existing peer support groups and establish a voluntary alcohol treatment program.
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