The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) partnered with Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen and the Gray Matters Collective to host a recent roundtable devoted to addressing the mental health concerns facing first responders.
The gathering convened union leaders, mental health advocates and community experts “for a frank discussion on trauma, stigma and the critical need for change,” according to an AFGE statement summarizing the event.
Among those on hand were AFGE District 7 National Vice President Jason Anderson, AFGE Local 4070 President Jon Zumkehr, Sorensen and Haley DeGreve, founder and president of The Gray Matters Collective.
Participants shared “personal stories and powerful data, highlighting the staggering rates of trauma, PTSD and suicide among first responders,” according to AFGE.
The discussion focused in part on a proposed “safe harbor” program, an initiative that would allow first responders to self-report mental health issues without concerns for losing their livelihood.
“The main reason a lot of people don’t come forward is fear of losing their job,” said Zumkehr. “Knowing [that] when you recover, your job is still there—I firmly believe this would save lives.”
First responders “show up for us on our hardest days. But too often, they’re left to carry that weight alone,” added Sorensen.
“Hearing directly from them about the mental health challenges they face was powerful and necessary,” he said of those who shared their personal experiences at the AFGE-hosted roundtable.
“We need to do more to support the people who protect our communities, and I’m committed to working alongside them to make sure they have the resources, care and support they deserve.”
DeGreve spoke about her own struggles with mental well-being, and stressed the need to ensure that first responders receive the type of support that Sorensen described.
“On Aug. 8, 2019, I had a plan to end my life,” said DeGreve. “I know now [that] that is not the solution. The average person may experience one or two critical incidents in their lifetime. First responders—especially correctional officers—face hundreds over a 20-year career.”
The trauma these professionals encounter “is relentless, and the stigma of seeking help remains strong,” DeGreve continued. “We MUST dismantle this stigma, improve care and let them know it’s OK not to be OK.”
20 April 2026
Category
HR News Article
