Pasco sheriff's app helps with post traumatic stress

Earlier this week, lawmakers passed a bill expanding benefits for first responders suffering from work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office also rolled out an app that could help.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office PTS app is now available for Android devices. On the app, users can take a mental health assessment, read more information about PTSD, and access links to additional resources.

Development of the app came from special funding in last year's budget to address the issue of PTSD among law enforcement and their families.

But the app isn't meant solely for sheriff's office personnel.

"What we want to do is get this out to our community because when you're at those low points and you need somebody, you may be embarrassed and you don't want to call somebody, just look this up,” explained Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “You can scroll through it. There's critical information. There's information to get help, there's information so you can understand what you're dealing with."

The app is available now on Google Play and soon in the Apple app store.

It is called Pasco Sheriff's Office PTS.