Another successful Firefighter Health Forum in the books

That’s a wrap on the 2023 Firefighter Health Forum! We appreciate everyone who was able to join us for this important annual conference in central Minnesota filled with meaningful discussions on firefighter health and wellness.

An animated keynote from Dr. Jody Janati shed light on tips and tricks to communicate effectively and with zero drama. And retired Fire Chief Arjuna George shared his personal experience with burnout and his journey to recovery and better self-care during his afternoon keynote.

In breakout sessions for current peer supporters, fire service leaders, and fire service significant others and spouses, we tackled some of the most critical health issues facing Minnesota’s fire service and their families – from Hometown Heroes Assistance Program resources, to how to have difficult conversations with fellow firefighters and prioritize mental wellness.

The first-ever spouses and significant others track at the forum premiered the brand-new Spouses & Significant Others MnFIRE training curriculum that we’re thrilled to provide to firefighter partners and families this year and beyond! We discussed the tools, skills and perspective needed to make smart decisions about the physical and mental health of the family. Here’s what one attendee said about this new avenue of support:

“From day one, eight years ago, when my husband became a volunteer firefighter, I wanted to learn how to support him on the home front. Spouses had zero resources until now. I am so grateful for all the work MnFIRE is doing to empower firefighters and their families.”

Attendees connected over how to best support the health and well-being of their firefighter loved ones, and we discussed the best ways to navigate potential issues that can arise when you have a firefighter in your family.

Thanks again to everyone who made the 2023 Firefighter Health Forum a success, including our keynote speakers Arjuna George and Dr. Jody Janati, the MnFIRE board, and all of our other health expert partners.

If you’re interested in scheduling a FREE follow-up MnFIRE health and wellness training with your entire department, please see our training page for more information. We’ll soon be rolling out training sessions on new topics including sleep, nutrition, fitness, the session for spouses and significant others mentioned above and more.

Save the date

We’re already looking forward to the 2024 Firefighter Health Forum at Grand Casino Mille Lacs on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. We hope to see you there next year!

Recent News

Taatjes Staying Positive Despite Cancer Diagnosis
May 17, 2023
Now Introducing: The MnFIRE PeerConnect App
May 11, 2023
Resources for firefighter partners & families
April 11, 2023
MnFIRE Supports IAFF and Metro Fire Chiefs Statement on PFAS in Firefighter PPE
March 31, 2023
Sleep Insufficiency in the Fire Service
March 16, 2023
Heart health is important year-round
February 23, 2023
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

Erick from the Chisholm Fire Department is our latest Streamlight Survivor flashlight winner!

When you complete a MnFIRE training, your response to our post-training survey helps us improve our classes for your fellow firefighters, and you get a chance to win this ultra-tough light designed to see through smoke. mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Erick from the Chisholm Fire Department is our latest Streamlight Survivor flashlight winner!

When you complete a MnFIRE training, your response to our post-training survey helps us improve our classes for your fellow firefighters, and you get a chance to win this ultra-tough light designed to see through smoke. https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/

Thanks to Schell’s Brewerewery for their generous donation to MnFIRE from their Firebrick for Firefighters program! ... See MoreSee Less

Thanks to Schell’s Brewery for their generous donation to MnFIRE from their Firebrick for Firefighters program!

Luke is our latest training Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! Thanks to the Easton Fire Department for prioritizing the health and well-being of your team.

Sign up your department for a FREE MnFIRE training today: mnfireinitiative.com/mnfire-training.
... See MoreSee Less

Luke is our latest training Streamlight Survivor flashlight drawing winner! Thanks to the Easton Fire Department for prioritizing the health and well-being of your team.

Sign up your department for a FREE MnFIRE training today: https://mnfireinitiative.com/mnfire-training.

Thank you to all of the dedicated EMS professionals in Minnesota who provide lifesaving care to those in need! #EMSWeek2023 #EMSWeek ... See MoreSee Less

This #mentalhealthawarenessmonth, we invite you to check in on your friends and loved ones in the fire service who experience traumatic stress almost every day.

Learn how MnFIRE can help with free, confidential peer support and mental health resources specifically for firefighters and their families at mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP
... See MoreSee Less

This #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we invite you to check in on your friends and loved ones in the fire service who experience traumatic stress almost every day. 

Learn how MnFIRE can help with free, confidential peer support and mental health resources specifically for firefighters and their families at https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP
Load more