The First Responder Mental Health Initiative Act (House Bill 539) went into effect this month, allowing 911 dispatchers to be considered first responders. The bill will bring many changes, according to Missouri District 7 Representative Peggy McGaugh. “HB 539 adds emergency telecommunicators to the definition of “first responders, which previously included people like firefighters, police and emergency medical personnel,” said McGaugh. “The proposed re-designation has been discussed and debated for years while legislators and state agencies worked to consider what changes it would bring and how to best implement it.” Dispatchers will have access to the same mental health support as those in other jobs. The change could also create access to grant dollars to see local agencies expand the latest forms of 911 access in Missouri that do not have it. The bill established the following, according to the bill language: • First responders have access to behavioral healthcare services,…