Pennsylvania § 75A05 - Toll-free helpline.

§ 75A05. Toll-free helpline.

(a) General rule.--The department shall:

(1) Establish a toll-free helpline to respond to calls from emergency responders who have been involved in a critical incident or are dealing with mental wellness issues.

(2) Obtain the toll-free telephone number 866-1ST-HELP for such purposes. If the telephone number 866-1ST-HELP is not available, the department shall obtain a substantially similar telephone number acronym for such purposes.

(3) Permit persons to provide information anonymously, should they choose to do so.

(4) Ensure the confidentiality of the names of callers, information discussed during the call and any referrals for further services.

(b) Helpline operators.--An operator of the helpline must be an individual adequately trained in identifying post-traumatic stress injuries and other emotional and psychological reactions common to emergency responders or capable of making an appropriate referral to either a peer-to-peer support program or a licensed behavioral health professional for further mental health evaluation or care.

(c) Posting.--A sign shall be posted at all sites where emergency responders serve and shall:

(1) Be no smaller than 8 1/2 by 11 inches.

(2) Be posted in a conspicuous manner clearly visible to emergency responders.

(3) Include the following information:

(i) The toll-free telephone number, which must be printed in bold type and large font.

(ii) Notice that callers may provide information anonymously if they choose to do so.

(d) Online access to sign.--The department and cooperating officials and agencies shall provide the sign on their respective publicly accessible Internet websites for any person to print as needed.