Our first responders are critical parts of our community, their life saving work comes during some of the most difficult moments in our lives. These jobs are dangerous, and the dangers might not always appear at first. The smoke, toxic gas, and chemicals encountered on fire and accident scenes can pose dangers to firefighters and EMS personnel in the form of cancer and other health issues. First responders have high rates of cancer and coronary disease.
 
We know that early detection of cancer and other diseases/conditions is crucial to saving lives and protecting a patient’s quality of life. By providing our first responders with these kinds of screenings we can save their lives and ensure they can keep saving other people’s lives.
 
My bill would require access to cancer and cardiovascular screenings for firefighters and EMS employed by a municipal fire department through a health care benefits plan or program provided by the public employers. Some of the cancers to be covered include liver, kidney, lung, skin, testicular, and ovarian cancers. No co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket costs will be required for these examinations.
 
Please join me in cosponsoring this piece of legislation to help protect our first responders and ensure they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.
 
Previous co-sponsors were Senators Pennycuick, Dillon, Santarsiero, Schwank, Kane, Brewster, Miller, Robinson, and Tartaglione.