New Benefits for First Responders with COVID-19

New Benefits for First Responders with COVID-19

Last week, I filed a temporary emergency rule change to allow first responders to make claims for financial assistance with the Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Disability Benefits Trust Fund when they contract COVID-19 on duty.

The Trust Fund is administered by the Office of the Attorney General. It pays disability benefits to career and volunteer firefighters and law enforcement officers when they sustain injuries in the line of duty and cannot work. Under this emergency rule change, a first responder who contracts COVID-19 on duty may be able to access this assistance, as well.

The rule change includes two new forms – one from a health care provider verifying positive COVID-19 test results and one from a supervisor verifying that the first responder was exposed in the line of duty. If approved, the first responder may be eligible for a disability payment equal to 34% of the covered individual’s work wages. The rule change will be in effect until September 4, 2020, and may be extended if the circumstances continue to warrant assistance for this exposure. To view the temporary rule change and the new forms, click here.

Our first responders stand on the front lines in this pandemic, ready to protect us and our families. We must do everything we can to support them. By instituting this temporary rule change, we can give them and their families peace of mind when their sacrifices in the field during this crisis impact their ability to work.

To find out more or to file a claim, contact General Fitch’s Office at (601) 359-6766 or LEOFFFund@ago.ms.gov.

Ole Miss and Mississippi State Football team up with the Attorney General

No matter whom you cheer for on the gridiron, this is a time of unity as we all face the same opponent.

I am proud to team with Ole Miss head football coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach as we help guide all Mississippians to victory over COVID-19.

We must continue to practice good social distancing and proper handwashing techniques so that we keep each other safe.

Click the video box below to watch the entire video.

2020 Census – Beware of Scammers

With the 2020 Census underway nationwide, it is important that all Mississippians participate in this survey.

The information that you provide can help determine how much Mississippi receives in federal funding and other assistance for the next decade.

But beware of bad actors looking to take advantage of the Census. Click the video box below to learn how to protect your family’s personal information from scammers as you participate in the 2020 Census.

National Prevention Week

Governor Tate Reeves has declared May 10-16 Mississippi’s Prevention Week, coinciding with National Prevention Week recognized across the country. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.

Led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Prevention Week is a nationwide effort to increase focus on preventing substance abuse and promoting mental health, especially among young people.

According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health data, Adolescents and full-time college students most often use substances for the first time during June or July.

The early summer months are critical periods of social transitions and, therefore, an important time for schools, communities, and professionals to re-focus on prevention.

Each year, Prevention Week incorporates daily health themes to focus on pressing substance use topics. The 2020 daily health themes are:

• Monday, May 11: Preventing Prescription Drug and Opioid Misuse

• Tuesday, May 12: Preventing Underage Drinking and Alcohol Misuse

• Wednesday, May 13: Preventing Illicit Drug Use and Youth Marijuana Use

• Thursday, May 14: Preventing Youth Tobacco Use (E-cigarettes and Vaping)

• Friday, May 15: Preventing Suicide

For more information on National Prevention Week, visit the SAMHSA website.