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.

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If you're in search of a special way to celebrate and remember a firefighter in your life, consider the MnFIRE Honor Wall. After making a donation of $100 or more, fill out the form to create a personal tribute in memory or honor of your loved one, and it will be added to the collection of heartfelt messages. Find more information here: mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate ... See MoreSee Less

If youre in search of a special way to celebrate and remember a firefighter in your life, consider the MnFIRE Honor Wall. After making a donation of $100 or more, fill out the form to create a personal tribute in memory or honor of your loved one, and it will be added to the collection of heartfelt messages. Find more information here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/ways-to-help/#donate

Make a lasting impact by sponsoring MnFORE – a golf tournament with a great purpose. From sponsoring a hole to donating raffle prizes, your sponsorship goes a long way to support the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. See opportunities here: mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/ ... See MoreSee Less

Make a lasting impact by sponsoring MnFORE – a golf tournament with a great purpose. From sponsoring a hole to donating raffle prizes, your sponsorship goes a long way to support the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. See opportunities here: https://mnfireinitiative.com/mnfore/

Claps for the firefighters of Chisago City Fire Department, who recently became "MnFIRE Aware" of their occupational health risks through MnFIRE Awareness training! 👏

Our trainings help Minnesota firefighters protect themselves from some of the physical and emotional dangers they face. Take this step for your department today: mnfireinitiative.com/training/
... See MoreSee Less

Claps for the firefighters of Chisago City Fire Department, who recently became MnFIRE Aware of their occupational health risks through MnFIRE Awareness training! 👏

Our trainings help Minnesota firefighters protect themselves from some of the physical and emotional dangers they face. Take this step for your department today: https://mnfireinitiative.com/training/
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