New York Republican state Sen. Daphne Jordan on Wednesday called for the creation of peer support programs meant to help first responders and health care workers in the state. 

The measures follow the creation of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Veteran's Counseling Program, which provides services to veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. 

"Providing essential services that support, strengthen, and help the men and women who protect and serve – our communities, state, and nation – is vitally important," Jordan said. "I’ve led the fight to establish peer support programs to assist our first responders who respond to critical crises and face deadly dangers daily. Our heroic first responders and military personnel are some of the strongest, bravest individuals in the world. However, even they need additional support to help ensure their mental health and personal wellness."

One bill backed by Jordan would create the Officer Ron Griffith Law Enforcement Personnel Peer Support Program. The measure is named after retired NYPD Officer Ron Griffith, a Sept. 11 first responder whose cumulative experiences led to the development of PTSD. The proposal is modeled after the Dwyer program and would set aside $10 million for supporting it. 

Jordan is also backing legislation that is also modeled after the Dwyer program, but for health care workers who are facing mental health concerns. 

"Passage of my legislation, coupled with the state funding announced for the new CARES UP program, would represent big victories in responding to the needs of our first responders and veterans," she said. "I’m hopeful my legislation will be enacted before the conclusion of our Legislative Session so we can deliver additional support for individuals protecting and serving."