WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) announced that more than $320,000 has been awarded to the Nevada Department of Public Safety and Washoe County through the Department of Justice’s Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) program to improve access to mental health and wellness programs for Nevada’s law enforcement officers.
“Nevada’s law enforcement officers risk their lives and work tirelessly every day to keep us safe,” said Senator Rosen. “It’s vital that we provide these officers with the training and assistance they need to keep themselves and our communities safe, and I’m proud to announce these funds.”
“This funding will help police officers across the state access vital mental health and counseling services,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Nevada’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day, and I’ll always work to get them the resources and support they need.”
Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto have consistently supported Nevada law enforcement and police departments. Last month, they announced over $7.2 million they secured for Nevada’s critical equipment upgrades, needed officer wellness programs, and much more for law enforcement and first responders. Earlier this year, Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto helped pass the bipartisan Recruit and Retain Act in the Senate to support law enforcement agencies’ efforts to hire and retain more police officers. The bill establishes a federal pipeline program to support increased collaboration between local departments and schools to facilitate recruitment activities and encourage young people to enter careers in law enforcement. Senator Rosen also announced federal funding opportunities for local police departments to hire more officers and incentivize community policing efforts. Senator Cortez Masto’s bipartisan bills to combat the crisis of law enforcement suicide and provide mental health resources to officers have been signed into law by presidents of both parties.
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