Contributed by Nicholas E. Blonien, D.O.

Hitting a hot sauna may be a daunting thought after fighting a fire for hours, but it could help clear toxicants from the body and boost cardiovascular health.

While utilizing sauna therapy for enhancing the clearance of toxic chemicals and cancer-causing compounds is still being studied, the cardiovascular benefits of routine sauna use are much clearer. And remember, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of firefighter illness and death.

The sauna environment (that is, extreme heat with or without humidity) triggers a physiologic response in the body that is quite similar to aerobic exercise. Core temperature rises, heart rate increases, peripheral blood vessels in the skin dilate and sweating ensues. Repeating this practice causes the body to adapt and can result in the following health benefits:

• Lower blood pressure
• Improved circulation
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved cholesterol levels
• Improved mental well-being
• Improved tolerance to heat exposure (acclimatization)

Many of these results are similar to the benefits of exercise.

Overall, routine sauna bathing multiple times per week appears to profoundly improve heart health and decrease risk of all-cause mortality. For firefighters without serious health conditions, sauna use is a simple practice that may lead to boosting performance and heart health.

Practice points

• Aim for 20-30 minute sauna sessions, at least twice per week, at or near the temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit. More frequent use (four to seven times per week) has been shown to be more beneficial, yet shorter and cooler sessions can still be somewhat helpful.
• Stay hydrated in the sauna. Bring a water bottle to drink from while inside.
• Ease into it. The high-heat environment may be unsettling at first. You can certainly start with shorter and/or cooler sessions, advancing to goal temperature and duration over time.
• Confirm you’re healthy enough for sauna therapy. For most firefighters, this shouldn’t be an issue, but sauna is intended to place stress on the body (like exercise). Make sure to talk with your doctor about sauna use before starting. For men, sauna use can decrease fertility. So if you’re trying to start a family, you may want to hold off.

For a deeper dive into how sauna therapy works and why it’s beneficial, you might enjoy Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s summary webpage.

Protect your department from cancer and cardiovascular disease

MnFIRE training provides more guidance and support for firefighters around health and wellness activities like this that can help protect them against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Sign up your department for a FREE training here.

It was 22 years ago when Ellen Kling decided to join the fire department in Ceylon. Her husband Larry had been active at the department since high school, and she was drawn to the comradery she had seen in the fire service.

“You don’t have to like each other, but yet when you get to a fire, you have each other’s backs,” said Ellen.

When Ellen isn’t volunteering as a training officer and EMT, she manages an excavating and scrap iron business with her husband.

With retirement on the horizon, Ellen was startled to find out she had a spot on her lung. After reviewing her shoulder X-ray results in her online portal back in December 2022, Ellen messaged her provider for further review. After several scans and tests, she found out it was cancerous.

Most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread, so Ellen was lucky to catch it early. Ellen’s experience isn’t uncommon – after all, firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population, according to research by the CDC and National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH). But her story is a perfect reminder of the importance of advocating for yourself as a patient.

In March 2023, Ellen underwent surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester to remove the cancerous lung nodules. Fortunately, she is now cancer free and is following up with testing and appointments every six months.

As a training officer for Ceylon Fire, Ellen was already aware of MnFIRE and the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) resources when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She’s the one who coordinated the MnFIRE trainings for her department and even learned about the increased cancer risks facing firefighters. But after her diagnosis, her thoughts weren’t on any programs MnFIRE had. She wasn’t thinking about anything but the next appointment – as is typical when facing a serious illness.

“Until you have cancer or any disease, you don’t really understand the mentality and the things that go through your head – the tunnel vision that you get,” said Ellen.

Luckily, Ellen’s friend and Dunnell Fire Chief, Al Helmers, reached out to remind Ellen about the free Critical Illness benefit available to her through Hometown Heroes.

“Having that support system, that’s one of the things about the fire service that I like,” said Ellen. “There’s always that firefighter next to you to say, ‘hey, have you checked on this or are you doing ok?’”

“To be honest, I wasn’t worried about the financial. I was thinking straightforward. Am I going to die? How bad is this? Having someone there to say, ‘hey, you know there is a program that is going to take some financial burden off and you’re going to need that’ – that’s great.”

Ellen filed her claim but was skeptical about getting the full $20,000 benefit advertised by MnFIRE. That thought was quickly dashed, and she was excited to discover the critical illness policy provider, Securian Financial, sent a check for the entire amount.

It’s certainly not cheap to have cancer. Ellen was off work for six weeks – a significant amount of time especially when you own your own business. Her treatment also required several stays in Rochester, and she has had to make several trips to Mankato and Fairmont for testing and appointments. Like so many firefighters in Minnesota, Ellen lives in a rural area and sometimes it can be quite the hike to access healthcare services.

“As my husband and I are self-employed,” said Ellen, “the money I received allowed me to have some peace of mind knowing I could spend time healing after surgery and not have to stress about money or rushing back to work too soon.”

Although she’s still in recovery, Ellen’s grateful that her treatment has been effective, and she was able to receive this extra financial support through it all.

“It’s a great program,” said Ellen. “Especially because the majority of firefighters in the state of Minnesota fall under the volunteer status and don’t necessarily have access to career benefits.”

Knowledge is power

When firefighters head out on a call – they’re thinking about putting the fire out. MnFIRE has made great strides so far in creating awareness for the high incidences of heart attacks and cancer facing the fire service, but even more can be done.

“Prior to the MnFIRE training, we didn’t have a gear washer,” said Ellen. “We just kept wearing our turnouts … so the training is valuable to any firefighter.”

Ellen believes MnFIRE trainings have been powerful during her time as a firefighter – and even lifesaving in the long run. Learning about the increased health risks firefighters face and how best to protect yourself can make a huge difference, like making sure you’re putting your hood on, getting a good seal and decontaminating gear as soon as possible.

“The small things, those definitely add up,” said Ellen. “I think MnFIRE has been great in helping firefighters become healthier and make good choices.”

It’s so important to check in on each other often and spread the word about the resources available to all of us firefighters. Knowledge is power – with both cancer prevention and care.

Critical Illness Program details

As part of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, all Minnesota firefighters are automatically enrolled in a statewide Critical Illness insurance policy which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac or other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses like medical bills and travel costs to and from specialist visits. Qualified claims for diagnosed illnesses from August 1, 2021, and on are eligible. The firefighter has one year from the date of diagnosis to file the claim. For more information or to file a claim, call 888-784-6634 or visit securian.com/mnfire-insurance.

Critical Illness insurance through Hometown Heroes Assistance Program has been a financial lifeline during difficult time

While a colorectal cancer diagnosis is not what Richard Taatjes was expecting after scheduling his first colonoscopy just after turning 51 in April 2022, he faced it just as he does all his life endeavors – with positivity.

“It was stage 4, but right on the cusp so the doctor said, ‘We’ll treat you for a cure and not just to make you comfortable,’” said Richard, who is a firefighter and president of the Walker Fire Department. “I just told him, ‘Of course, we’re going for a cure.’ There’s no other way for me. I’m just crazy positive.”

As Richard worked with his doctors to set up his medical treatments, his fellow firefighters told him about the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program, the most comprehensive firefighter well-being legislation in the nation that offers resources to all active Minnesota firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time – for free. Because of his cancer diagnosis, Richard was eligible for the Critical Illness Program, an insurance policy that covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac and other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses.

“It was such a fast process,” Richard said. “I had a deposit in my bank account a week and a half after I sent in my paperwork.”

The cash payment became a financial lifeline for Richard and his family during his cancer treatment. With Richard unable to work his job as a bulk propane truck driver for AmeriGas and his wife going through health issues of her own, the cash payment paid what bills the short-term disability didn’t quite cover. These bills included everything from their insurance deductible and prescriptions to groceries, gas and car repairs.

“It’s so helpful having that financial cushion so you can concentrate on treatments and getting better,” Richard said. “It would have been a completely different animal without it, and I’ll be forever indebted to getting this financial support.”

That’s especially true given this was such an unexpected diagnosis during a routine exam.

“I didn’t have any pain and felt confident going in because I wasn’t feeling bad,” Richard said. “That’s why (colorectal cancer) is called a silent killer. I’m glad I went in. It saved my life.”

Richard received care and treatment nearly 40 miles away in Bemidji, including eight rounds of chemotherapy over the course of four months followed by five weeks of daily radiation.

“I can’t be more thankful for all my great doctors and surgeons,” Richard said.

In November 2022, doctors could find no cancer; however, at his checkup three months later, the cancer had come back in his liver. Richard is currently undergoing another round of chemotherapy.

Between treatments, Richard, who has been a part of the Walker volunteer department for 15 years, helps on fire calls where he is able or if he is feeling well enough.

“Everyone has been nothing but supportive,” Richard said. “We’re all brothers and it feels good to still be a part of it.”

In return, Richard has brought awareness to those around him of resources available to Minnesota firefighters.

“I’ve made it a point to check in with people about getting their colon checked, and with others who are going through any critical illness type stuff to make sure they’re aware MnFIRE resources are available,” he said. “I’ve been designated the local go-to guy for MnFIRE information.”

While the treatment, support of fellow firefighters and the payment from the Critical Illness Program all helped him during this tough time, Richard said one overarching aspect has helped him most through this journey.

“Being positive is what helps me fight this,” he said. “If I had stress in my life – financial or whatever – it would be harder. And I’m a grandfather now. I’ve got too much to do yet.”

For more information about the Critical Illness insurance policy available through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program – or to file a claim – click here or call 888-784-6634.

Since it was passed in July 2021, the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) has supported hundreds of peer support calls and visits with mental health providers, trained the majority of the state’s firefighters on their occupational health risks, and has paid out nearly $800,000 in critical illness claims – all at no cost to firefighters, their departments or their communities.

The HHAP dedicates $4 million per year to ensure that every Minnesota firefighter has access to the education, prevention and care needed to handle a cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnosis. It combines three vital elements: an assistance program with expanded emotional trauma resources, an up-to-$20,000 critical illness policy, and ongoing health and wellness training.

In the 12 months since the legislation went into effect, the program has changed – and saved – lives by providing:

• 721 firefighter-focused mental health providers across the state to offer up to five no-cost counseling sessions to firefighters and their families. To date the MnFIRE Assistance Program has facilitated 272 provider visits.
• An expanded network of trained MnFIRE Peer Supporters, which has responded to 430 calls.
• 52 paid Critical Illness claims, totaling $773,000. Illnesses have included full-benefit cancer, COVID-19, post-traumatic stress disorder, skin cancer, other cancer, ALS, heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, heart disease, kidney failure, coronary artery disease needing surgery and other mental disorders.
• 512 MnFIRE trainings to 13,929 firefighters.

William Ewald of the St. Bonifacius Fire Department shared how the MnFIRE Assistance Program and Peer Support network have helped him immensely.

“Going into the fire service, every candidate expects to fight fires, but the fact of the matter is we’re 80% medical response and that has a highly emotional response. The emotional aspect was heavy for me,” says William. “I’ve learned how to better manage my stress and get through it so it’s not so impactful on me or my family.”

Christian Worby, a Coon Rapids firefighter battling multiple myeloma, accessed the critical illness benefit this past year.

“This program has allowed me and my family to focus on my treatment rather than worry about our finances due to the cancer diagnosis,” says Christian. “It’s great having the extra financial support. It’s an extra safety net. It’s an expensive deal having a major illness.”

These are just a few of the success stories that have come out of this monumental legislation. So far, we have provided support to firefighters in 85 of Minnesota’s 87 counties.

All active Minnesota firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time – can access the MnFIRE Assistance Program, are automatically enrolled in the Critical Illness insurance policy and can receive training – all at no cost to them.

Receive help for a crisis, find out more information or file a claim by calling 888-784-6634 or visiting our HHAP page.

Since Day 1, William Ewald has fully supported MnFIRE and its mission, especially the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP).

“But I was the absolute last one who thought I would need it because I felt so good,” said William, who is a captain for the St. Bonifacius Fire Department.

When William faced health challenges, the 59-year-old reached out to MnFIRE for help through the HHAP not once, but twice.

“I was a bit in denial at first that I needed this resource … because pride can get in the way,” he said.

But he is glad he moved his pride to the side to accept the resources from the HHAP, the most comprehensive firefighter well-being legislation that passed through the legislature in 2021. William used two of three components of the HHAP for his health challenges: the MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP), which targets emotional health and stress unique to the fire service; and the Critical Illness Program, an insurance policy which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac or other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses.

“It’s resources available for us in our time of need after we have helped others in their time of need,” William said. “Because sometimes we need the help.”

William has also participated in the third component of the HHAP: training, which provides free education to fire service members across the state about health risks facing firefighters.

All HHAP resources are free to all active Minnesota firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time.

Using MAP: A Call for Help

William first reached out for help after a tough medical call involving a 5-year-old girl, who William said reminded him of his granddaughter.

“Going into the fire service, every candidate expects to fight fires, but the fact of the matter is we’re 80% medical response and that has a highly emotional response,” William said. “The emotional aspect was heavy for me.”

So he called the MnFIRE hotline number.

“All of us at St. Boni have the number programed into our phone,” William said. “But as the phone rang, I hung up because I was too scared to talk. (The MnFIRE Peer Support program director) called me back in minutes.”

William and the peer support director talked through the scenario William had just experienced. After the call, the director texted to reassure William that she and others through MnFIRE, will always answer the call and be there for help.

“That was a meaningful day,” William said. “We continue to encounter those tough scenarios, but through MnFIRE I learned how to better manage my stress so it’s not so impactful on me and my family. (The MnFIRE Peer Support program director) coached me through how to cope and get through the process.”

Using the Critical Illness Program: A Cancer Diagnosis

As a firefighter, William knew his chance of receiving a cancer diagnosis was higher than most people. But it still was a shock to learn in June he has prostate cancer.

“What followed was my strongest support system of the people I met through MnFIRE,” William said. “Emails they sent me were overwhelmingly supportive, encouraging and optimistic. They were engaged in the process, to help with resources and guide how MNFIRE could help with a cancer diagnosis.”

MnFIRE helped William walk through the process of applying for the Critical Illness program.

“I opened the MnFIRE website and pushed the ‘Apply Now’ button,” William said. “I thought, ‘It cannot be this easy.’”

Within five minutes, William had the online paperwork filled out and other paperwork ready for his oncologist to fill out. The process from applying to having the money in his bank account took 10 days.

“It’s that simple,” William said. “I thought it would take months. This is really good legislation.”

The money went to use right away in a variety of ways, including paying the family’s maximum out-of-pocket insurance expenses.

“A PET scan alone is $28,000, and I will need three of those,” William said. “This (Critical Illness program) gives you the comfort knowing you’re already managing cancer. You don’t need to focus on resources, and this allows you to focus on recovering without worrying about your copay. It brought unexpected relief we hadn’t counted on.”

William had surgery the week of Aug. 8 and is working on the recovery process before easing back into work on light duty. He is optimistic for the future, in part due to MnFIRE and the HHAP. For other firefighters hesitant to reach out for help, William shares encouragement.

“Make the call and have that initial courageous conversation,” he said. “The support, resources, encouragement and how much they care and stay engaged will be uplifting even in your darkest hours. It’s a tremendous and valuable resource we all need to use.”

To learn more about accessing these life-changing resources for yourself or a loved one, visit our Hometown Heroes Assistance Program page or call 888-784-6634.

A major health diagnosis, especially cancer, can be a lot to process. There are likely medications, hospital stays or ongoing doctor appointments to manage. This can mean a disruption of daily routines and usually a halt in work schedules. Plus, it’s mentally taxing on everyone – the individual, family members, friends and loved ones included. Oftentimes, stressing over the dreaded question of, “How am I going to pay for all this?” can take precious energy away from the healing process.

Recognizing June is National Cancer Survivor Month, we want to make sure all firefighters who face a cancer diagnosis have the resources available to focus on beating their illness and putting it behind them. The MnFIRE Critical Illness Program through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) can help by keeping the financial stress of a critical illness diagnosis at bay. All active firefighters are automatically enrolled in this insurance policy, which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac, COVID-19 and other critical illnesses, and provides a lump-sum cash payment up to $20,000 to assist with expenses. This is all at no cost to the firefighters. That’s right – it’s free.

Christian Worby, a 42-year-old firefighter for the Coon Rapids Fire Department, is currently battling multiple myeloma. His treatment plan includes chemotherapy along with a six-week hospital stay for a stem cell transplant. Not only is Worby and his family maxing out their insurance deductible, but they also have to pay for gas and accommodations for all the treatment travel. Plus, Worby has had to take time off from work, meaning a smaller paycheck.

“It’s great having the extra financial support,” Christian said. “It’s an extra safety net. It’s an expensive deal having a major illness.”

This National Cancer Survivor Month, we honor those firefighters who were taken from us too soon from this disease, and celebrate those who have survived or are currently battling cancer. And we’re thankful to be able to offer this resource to make that battle a little easier.

Take some of the financial stress off your plate by submitting a claim for your cancer or critical illness diagnosis. For more information or to file a claim, visit MnFIRE’s website or call 888-784-6634.

The MnFIRE team is gearing up for the 2022 MnFORE Golf Tournament on Monday, July 25 – and we hope you’ll join us!

The golf tournament will be held at the Bearpath Golf & Country Club in Eden Prairie on the luxurious Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. All proceeds benefit MnFIRE, which provides 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, cancer and emotional trauma.

MnFORE funds important programs designed to help firefighters and their families. Your registration fee includes the following:

• 18-Hole round of golf
• Cart
• Boxed lunch
• Happy Hour
• Plated dinner
• And MORE!

Register yourself or a foursome here. Non-foursome groups and single golfers are welcome – we will pair golfers for an afternoon of fun. Golfer spots are filling up fast, so register today!

While numerous amazing organizations have already stepped up to sponsor the event, there are still opportunities for businesses and individuals to sponsor this year’s golf tournament benefitting Minnesota firefighters. Check out our full list of sponsorship levels and opportunities.

If you have any questions regarding the event, or if you would like to volunteer or donate, or become a sponsor, please contact Gina Calistro by phone at (612) 309-4462 or email, gcalistro@mnfireinitiative.com.

By MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

People in the fire service experience much higher rates of mental health challenges than the general population – particularly in the areas of sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation/action. The stigma associated with mental health conditions causes many firefighters to stay quiet about what they’re really experiencing – and not seek treatment. They might perceive themselves to be “weak,” feel ashamed, or tell themselves it’s “just a phase” that’ll pass if they push through. They might worry about being treated differently or losing their jobs. Or, they just might not know where to begin finding help.

This is all to say, one of your fellow firefighters may be suffering in silence. You can help set the tone in your department so mental illness is destigmatized, and people feel encouraged to seek out help when they need it.

Learn the signs

While different mental health conditions have different symptoms, with variances depending on the person, early warning signs include behavior changes over time that last for two or more weeks. For example, a previously energetic, reliable colleague now consistently seems fatigued, shows up late and looks disheveled. They also seem angry, irritable, and prone to outbursts.

Some common signs of mental illness include:

1. Excessive worrying or fear
2. Persistent sadness, hopelessness or “empty” feeling
3. Lack of concentration
4. Extreme mood changes, including irritability or anger
5. Changes in eating habits, energy level or sleeping patterns
6. Delusions and/or hallucinations
7. Increased use of alcohol or other substances
8. Persistent physical aches and pains
9. Suicidal thoughts
10. Lack of interest in activities
11. Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems and stress
12. Intense fear of weight gain or concern with appearance

Reach out

If someone you know is showing warning signs and needs help coping with a situational or chronic mental health condition, reaching out can make a difference. Consider using the method like “NOTICE. TALK. ACT.™” from American the Psychiatric Association.³

If you notice a person is exhibiting the warning signs that last for two or more weeks, find a quiet place to ask, “Are you OK?” Compassionately and nonjudgmentally provide a few examples of what’s worrying you. Do not assume you know what is going on. Listen with the aim to learn more from their perspective. Remind them we all have challenging times in life, and getting extra support and guidance can help us get through those times. Recommend they consider taking advantage of the free counseling sessions available to them through the MnFIRE Assistance Program, or to call MnFIRE’s 24/7 peer support hotline, both available at: 888-784-6634.

Then, check back in with the person in a day or two to see how things are going. Please note: If you are worried about the person’s immediate safety, do not leave the person alone. Seek emergency assistance.

Be an ally

You also can help create a supportive environment, increase awareness and reduce stigma for those in your department who are struggling. For example, commit to using respectful and compassionate language to describe or talk about mental health. Using derogatory terms perpetuates discrimination and stigma. It also dehumanizes the people living with mental health conditions, dismisses their experiences and can discourage them from asking for support.

In addition, intervene if you overhear others using verbally abusive language, and challenge misconceptions when you see or hear them.

You can make a difference.

Most of us have probably felt the strain of our job or the difficulty of balancing the fire service with other areas of our lives. It’s easy to try to muscle through it knowing we have an important job helping others and keeping them safe. However, there comes a point where we need to let others help us. And it doesn’t need to be a crisis to reach that point.

With May as Mental Health Awareness Month, we at MnFIRE want to make sure all fire service members know the resources available to those of us in the field. Through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP), every active firefighter in the state – full-time, part-time, paid-on-call or volunteer – has access to mental health support – all free!

It comes through the MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP), one of the three elements of the HHAP. In the fire service, we encounter unique emotional and mental stresses. We need people who understand the distinct and specific stresses and challenges we encounter. This program focuses on providing mental health care specifically to us – firefighters and our families. And it doesn’t matter the size of the help needed, whether through a big crisis or a small issue, the MAP program can steer us in the right direction. There are two ways to access help – calling 888-784-6634 or visiting www.mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP.

One of the best parts about this program is having it available to our families. Our time in the fire service affects them, too. They have their own unique set of stressors. Any member of a firefighter’s household, including children living away from home, can access the interactive website or contact a trained specialist. Each firefighter and/or their family members can receive up to five counseling visits a year with additional support ensured as needed.

No call or inquiry is too small. Simply look at the website or dial the phone. There is someone there to talk you through what is available. If something major happened in your life or if you’re just feeling stressed, the MAP program is here to help.

Another great part of MAP is the peer support program where firefighters are paired with a trained peer supporter who knows firsthand the difficulties firefighters face. They are fellow fire service members in Minnesota who are there to lend a listening ear or offer support, all completely anonymous. They are well-equipped to walk alongside us as we encounter life at the firehall, on calls and beyond.

We don’t need to muscle through challenges alone. There are people ready and willing to help no matter the size of the problem. It doesn’t need to be a crisis to ask for mental health help.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed each year on May 4. Born out of a tragic loss of five firefighters in a wildfire in Victoria, Australia, this day was created to honor their lives, as well as firefighters around the world.

This International Firefighters’ Day, we recognize and honor the sacrifices firefighters make across the globe, and especially those here at home in Minnesota, to ensure their communities are safe. Thank you for all you do!

We also want to honor the firefighters who have been lost in the line of duty or passed on before us – many due to the occupational hazards of cardiovascular disease, suicide and cancer.

We value the work and contributions our volunteer and career firefighters dedicate to our communities every day. As we reflect on that, we know investing in their health and well-being is a moral imperative!

In Minnesota, we can show our support and appreciation to firefighters at home by making sure they have all of the physical and mental health resources they need to prioritize and protect their health, and prevent and/or tackle cardiovascular disease, emotional trauma and cancer.

Thankfully, the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program is now here to provide free resources for all of Minnesota’s active firefighters – volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time. These vital resources include:

• The MnFIRE Assistance Program, offering expanded emotional trauma resources for firefighters and their families, including five counseling visits a year and peer support.
• An up-to-$20,000 Critical Illness insurance policy which covers diagnoses of cancer, cardiac and other critical illnesses.
• Ongoing health and wellness training on the different health risks facing firefighters.

We invite you to honor and support your local firefighters today by making sure they’re aware of these important – and completely free – health resources.