MnFIRE receives “Transforming Attitudes Award” from NAMI Minnesota

NAMI Minnesota presented the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE) with the “Transforming Attitudes Award” at its annual conference on November 9, 2024, at Saint Paul RiverCentre. The Award recognizes an individual or organization that has promoted justice, dignity, and respect and worked to transform attitudes toward people with mental illnesses.

NAMI Minnesota commended MnFIRE for providing Minnesota’s firefighters with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health by focusing on the three health problems most commonly experienced by those in the fire service: cardiac, emotional trauma, and cancer.

“Firefighters are there for traumatic events but have often suffered in silence, leading to higher rates of depression, substance use, PTSD, and suicide,” said Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota. “The Minnesota Firefighter Initiative works to change attitudes towards treatment among firefighters and provides resources, especially to the many volunteer firefighters across our state. And they are succeeding!”

In 2023, 1,400 firefighters sought assistance, and there have been more than 1,150 counseling visits through the MnFIRE Assistance Program so far this year. NAMI Minnesota applauds MnFIRE for changing attitudes and eliminating barriers to caring for our first responders.

Rebecca Otto, MnFIRE’s Executive Director, accepted the award on behalf of the organization, thanking NAMI Minnesota and emphasizing their ongoing commitment to mental health and community support.

“We’re honored to receive recognition for the work we are doing to improve mental health in the fire service. We are proud of the work we do to fill a critical need in the Minnesota fire service by providing  emotional wellness training, peer support and access to mental health providers – and to positively change attitudes of firefighters around seeking mental health help.”

For confidential help, Minnesota firefighters and their families can always call our 24/7 hotline at 888-784-6634.

Recent News

Antioxidants: Helping firefighters stay healthy
August 22, 2025
MnFORE 2025: A swinging success
July 31, 2025
The benefits of peer support for firefighters
July 24, 2025
Break the silence: Challenge mental health stigma
July 21, 2025
Same team, new titles: MnFIRE leadership update
July 8, 2025
Getting to know yourself better
June 25, 2025
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

MnFIRE stands with our fellow first responders who responded to and are supporting the heartbreaking tragedy at Annunciation Catholic Church and its surrounding community. Every day, these individuals report to duty with courage and compassion. Regardless of the discipline, these professionals answer the call. And while we are trained for these types of incidents, you are never really prepared for the tragedy.

For firefighters needing help, MnFIRE is here for you. We have therapists who understand the fire service, and peer supporters who know all too well the stresses of the job.
... See MoreSee Less

Miles for MnFIRE is just around the corner! Two firefighters, Kyle Bode and Doug Foote, will travel on foot from Duluth to St. Paul from September 13-21, walking about 20 miles per day to show support for MnFIRE’s mission.

By sponsoring or donating to Miles for MnFIRE, you're not only supporting the 150-mile trek, but also helping raise awareness and funds for firefighter health across the state. Check out how you can get involved here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Miles for MnFIRE is just around the corner! Two firefighters, Kyle Bode and Doug Foote, will travel on foot from Duluth to St. Paul from September 13-21, walking about 20 miles per day to show support for MnFIRE’s mission.

By sponsoring or donating to Miles for MnFIRE, youre not only supporting the 150-mile trek, but also helping raise awareness and funds for firefighter health across the state. Check out how you can get involved here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/

Miles for MnFIRE 2025 is just under one month away! During the multi-day, 150-mile walk, two firefighters will be joined by other firefighters, their families and community members to show support for MnFIRE’s important mission.

Want to be a part of the journey? Become a sponsor or donor! See how you can support firefighter health and wellness here: mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
... See MoreSee Less

Miles for MnFIRE 2025 is just under one month away! During the multi-day, 150-mile walk, two firefighters will be joined by other firefighters, their families and community members to show support for MnFIRE’s important mission.

Want to be a part of the journey? Become a sponsor or donor! See how you can support firefighter health and wellness here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/miles-for-mnfire/
Load more
Skip to content