Assemblyman John Mikulin has expressed his support for the “Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act,” which aims to establish a peer support program offering confidential counseling services for law enforcement officers. The act is named in memory of Lt. Joseph Banish, a New York state trooper who faced PTSD and mental health challenges due to traumatic experiences while on duty, ultimately leading to his suicide.
Mikulin stated, “This proposal was introduced in memory of Lt. Joseph Banish, a New York state trooper who struggled with PTSD and poor mental health resulting from traumatic experiences in the line of duty and tragically committed suicide.” He emphasized that the act would provide confidentiality protections for peer-to-peer support programs, enabling officers to receive and offer counseling services among themselves.
“Our officers put their lives on the line each day to keep us safe,” Mikulin continued. “Recognizing and providing confidentiality protections for these programs is a great way for the state to give back. It is time we safeguard our law enforcement officers’ mental health and well-being and ensure they have access to the support services they deserve.”
