John,

Today is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, and it's time to take action. Around 13 million Americans—about 5% of all U.S. adults—suffer from PTSD each year. Military veterans, police, and other first responders are especially vulnerable due to the high-stress nature of their jobs. Throughout my career in law enforcement, I've seen firsthand how untreated PTSD can devastate both professional and personal lives.

At LEAP, we're committed to following the evidence wherever it takes us. The science behind psychedelic-assisted therapies using substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA is simply too compelling to ignore. That’s why LEAP has become a prominent voice in supporting the decriminalization of psychedelics and expanding access to psychedelic-assisted therapy for both law enforcement and the wider public. After generations of largely ineffective treatments, studies suggest these substances can have remarkable results.

Earlier this year, The Daily Beast profiled the work of LEAP speaker Sarko Gergerian, a Massachusetts police lieutenant and trained psychotherapist who has emerged as a leading law enforcement voice in the psychedelics reform movement. Gergerian has spoken on panels across the U.S. and Europe about the role psychedelic-assisted therapy could play in combating the high rates of PTSD and suicide among police officers.

For too long, we have resisted these potentially transformational therapies because of an outdated belief that drug prohibition keeps people safe. The emerging research into psychedelics provides just the latest data point in support of retiring that view, once and for all.

Your support is crucial. Please consider making a contribution today to join our fight to revolutionize mental health care for both law enforcement and the communities they serve.

You can:

• Advocate: Contact your local representatives and urge them to support legislation that decriminalizes the use of psychedelics and expands access to psychedelic-assisted therapies. Share our mission on social media to raise awareness.
• Donate: Your financial support helps us continue our advocacy and educational efforts. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference.
• Educate: Inform yourself and others about the benefits of psychedelic therapies and the importance of mental health care. Attend local events and join discussions to stay engaged and spread the word. Help reduce the stigma around mental health treatments.

Together, we can make a difference. Every action counts. 

LEAP is Leading the Charge:

• Testifying and Supporting Decriminalization: Over the past 18 months, LEAP has actively supported the decriminalization and safe use of psychedelics by submitting letters and testimony for bills in states, including California and Colorado, aimed at regulating the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes, and decriminalizing the possession and personal use of certain natural psychedelics.
• Engaging in Global Advocacy: In March 2024, our delegation called upon global policymakers at the UN to explore new treatments for complex mental health conditions and PTSD. At the annual CND in Vienna, policing veterans shared their personal journeys with trauma and highlighted the promising potential of psychedelic therapies.
• Sponsoring Legislation: In California, we co-sponsored SB 803, the Heal Our Heroes Act, to create a pilot program allowing first responders and veterans to access psilocybin for mental health treatment in a regulated setting. We also co-sponsored CA SB 1012 to establish a regulatory framework for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Unfortunately, SB 803 was just pulled, and SB 1012 was killed, but we will continue the fight for break through therapies.
• Providing Expertise: We have provided speakers for op-eds, media quotes, and panel discussions in states like Nevada, Illinois, California, and Washington, on the need for psychedelic therapies for veterans and first responders.

In solidarity,