The Milledgeville City Council meeting on November 26, 2024, spotlighted a significant legislative development aimed at supporting first responders dealing with PTSD. Council members discussed the implementation of House Bill 451, which mandates critical illness insurance and long-term disability benefits for PTSD cases among first responders across Georgia.

City officials presented two resolutions related to this new program. The first resolution seeks to add membership to the Georgia First Responder PTSD program, while the second authorizes the mayor to sign necessary forms for participation. This initiative follows the precedent set by House Bill 146 in 2017, which provided cancer benefits for firefighters.

The proposed plan includes a $3,000 lifetime benefit for diagnosis and a maximum monthly disability benefit of $5,000 for affected first responders. Council members were encouraged to review the details outlined in the resolutions, including optional coverage limits, although the recommendation is to stick with the basic plan that meets the legislative requirements.

As the council prepares to vote on these resolutions, the discussion highlighted the importance of timely support for first responders facing mental health challenges. The council aims to ensure that the necessary measures are in place to provide adequate benefits, reinforcing the city’s commitment to the well-being of its emergency personnel.