The CARE for First Responders Act aims to significantly enhance mental health, substance use, and counseling services for first responders, including public safety telecommunicators. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to extend crisis counseling assistance to these qualified emergency response providers when they respond to major disasters. This expansion recognizes the critical role and unique stressors faced by these professionals.

The bill establishes a new, comprehensive program within the Public Health Service Act, to be developed and carried out by the Secretary of Health and Human Services through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). This program mandates 24-hour mental health care availability and a confidential, toll-free hotline operated through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, staffed by appropriately trained mental health personnel. It also requires outreach and education programs for first responders and their families, with a priority for those involved in major disaster responses.

Furthermore, the legislation directs research into best practices for providing mental health services and preventing suicide among qualified emergency response providers, involving multiple federal agencies. It also establishes a peer support counseling program, enabling active and retired first responders to volunteer as counselors to assist their peers. To address immediate needs, the bill authorizes competitive grants for eligible entities to establish mobile units providing integrated, short-term crisis services on-site for first responders during major disasters, with an appropriation of $5,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.