New Hampshire law expands mental health access for volunteer first responders

New Hampshire will extend its Employee Assistance Program to 7,000 volunteer first responders, offering mental health treatment. This new law, effective July 1, 2027, makes New Hampshire the first state to provide this support to volunteers, who often face trauma without access to such services. The initiative aims to address the mental health needs of rural first responders, who may personally know those they treat, with an estimated annual cost of $115,000.