2026 Firefighter Health Forum coming in January

The Minnesota fire service community will gather at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, MN on Jan. 23-24 for in-depth health and wellness training at MnFIRE’s 2026 Firefighter Health Forum.

The 2026 Firefighter Health Forum will bring together health and wellness leaders to share informative tips and resources to help protect and empower firefighters – and their families – both on duty and at home. Last year, nearly 90% of attendees who took a post-event survey said they’d recommend future Firefighter Health Forums to others.

This year’s presenters include exciting and popular speakers like Aaron Zamzow and Dr. Margaret Gavian. Dr. Gavian will address holistic health in the fire service, and connect the dots between physical health, emotional stress and the work you love – so you can keep showing up without burning out. Zamzow is a Firefighter/EMT, certified personal trainer and founder of Fire Rescue Fitness. His sessions will focus on igniting a healthy and fit culture in your department and building resiliency with EMS and a dose of reality.

In addition to these sessions for all attendees, there is a deep dive track for firefighters, and a separate one for their partners and spouses.

For firefighters

Learn from industry-leading doctors, mental health professionals, trainers and fire service colleagues about the latest strategies for protecting and strengthening your physical and mental health in the fire service. We’ll have sessions exploring heart health, nutrition, cancer, sleep and more. Speakers include MnFIRE Medical Director Dr. Zeke McKinney and Megan Lautz, award-winning registered dietician and owner of RescueRD, which provides custom nutrition for fire departments nationwide.

For families

Firefighter spouses and partners will also enjoy a session specifically designed for them – focusing on strategies for supporting firefighter loved ones, identifying signs of concern, how trauma can affect the whole family and open communication around mental health.

Become a peer supporter

Peer supporter training will also be offered on site at the Firefighter Health Forum this year. Help your fellow firefighters as they navigate stress on the job and at home – join the MnFIRE Peer Support team! Training at the Forum includes Critical Incident Stress Management training and MnFIRE Peer Support-specific training (NOTE: peer supporters must also complete Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training to fulfill our training requirements and start working with peers). For details on how to register for this separate peer supporter track, please visit the event overview.

Register to attend

To register for the 2026 Firefighter Health Forum, visit Eventbrite.

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Are you currently using the Calm app through MnFIRE? This news is for you!

We are transitioning from the Calm app to the Calm Health app to provide a more comprehensive experience. Your access to the Calm app will end on October 1, 2026, and you will need to register for a new Calm Health account.

Available through MnFIRE at no cost to Minnesota firefighters and their families, Calm Health offers much of the same mindfulness content as the Calm app – such as meditations, Sleep Stories, music/soundscapes and daily exercises – along with evidence-based programs written by psychologists to support your mental and physical well-being.

Visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap for details on how to access this app for free!
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Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, Minnesota firefighters have access to mental health support, an up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness insurance policy, ongoing health and wellness training and more. Make sure you and the firefighters in your life know about these vital resources: mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/ ... See MoreSee Less

Through the Hometown

Has your department completed a MnFIRE health and wellness training lately? Reminder that our no-cost trainings are available all year long and scheduled at your convenience. We update our trainings regularly, so even if your department has completed one or more MnFIRE trainings, a refresher is always fair game! Register here: mnfireinitiative.com/training/ ... See MoreSee Less

Has your department

In the fire service, making time for yourself isn't easy – but it matters. We’ve been there, and we’re here for you.

Whether it's talking with a peer, doing something you love or giving yourself space to recharge, take a moment for self-care today. ❤️ mnfireinitiative.com/peer-support/

#InternationalSelfCareDay
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