Contributed by MnFIRE Mental Health Director Melinda Coscarelli, PhD, LPCC, LADC

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, recent data shows more than 800 Minnesotans die by suicide every year. In Minnesota’s fire service, research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness tells us that nearly 50% of firefighters are currently experiencing or have experienced suicidal thoughts. Sadly, approximately four to six Minnesota firefighters will choose to die by suicide each year.

The causes of suicide are complex, but we do know the repeat exposure to traumatic events that firefighters face can pose significant risk to their mental health, and leave them at a higher risk for suicide. Suicide is preventable, but there is a stigma around the topic that stops people from admitting they are struggling and getting the help they need. By raising awareness and learning how to support each other, we can make a positive change and save lives.

Know the risk factors

Being aware of risk factors is one of the first ways you can help prevent suicide. Two of the most common risk factors for suicide are depression and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Studies show that firefighters are five times more likely to experience depression. It usually presents as continuous sadness, hopelessness and a lack of interest for the activities previously enjoyed. Additionally, PTSI can also be a warning sign. In fact, because of the daily high-stress and sometimes tragic calls that firefighters respond to, one in five firefighters meet the criteria for PTSI.

Know the warning signs

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is behavior changes. Warning signs could include isolation or withdrawing from family and friends, a substance abuse disorder, poor sleep habits, mood swings, or lack of hygiene and weight loss. Listen for language that refers to not being included anymore, or the world being better after not being around any longer. It’s important that if you fear someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone – call a crisis line or health care provider.

There is help

It’s important for all first responders to have a healthy outlet for releasing their mental and emotional struggles. Counseling can offer professional support by giving you tools to manage and relieve mental and emotional symptoms. Peer support is another great option for having a trusted person you can talk to and relate to with your story. Exploring faith and spirituality can also sometimes help you find more direction, connection and clarity in life.

Life is full of ups and downs and twists and turns. We all experience hard times. But it’s always temporary. Suicide is never the answer. Know that it’s OK to ask for help, and it’s a gift to allow someone to help you.

MnFIRE is here

As a Minnesota firefighter or family member, you have a whole support team behind you thanks to the MnFIRE Assistance Program! The MnFIRE helpline is staffed by masters-level clinicians all day, every day. From one-on-one calls to department debriefs, during the middle of a crisis or after a tough call, we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to use this free, confidential resource available 24/7 to all full-time, part-time, on-call and volunteer firefighters and their families in Minnesota. Just call 888-784-6634.

Contributed by MnFIRE Mental Health Director Melinda Coscarelli, PhD, LPCC, LADC

Summer is a popular time for outdoor gatherings and celebrations with friends and family. So many of these social events, parties and get-togethers will have alcoholic beverages at the ready. Let’s face it: we live in a culture that likes to drink! But how do we know where or when to draw the line? What is considered to be within healthy limits of alcohol consumption and what is abusive or unhealthy drinking behavior?

What is a healthy limit?

The key to enjoying alcoholic beverages within a healthy limit is moderation. Research shows that men who drink eight or more alcoholic beverages weekly could experience internal medical issues such as elevated liver levels, kidney damage, inflammation of the pancreas and several stomach problems, among other ailments. Women typically have slower metabolisms than men so they don’t require as much alcohol to have the same harmful health effects. For women, weekly consumption of six to eight alcoholic beverages can elicit the same medical concerns.

Use within the fire service

A recent study measuring firefighting drinking habits showed over 50% of firefighters abusing alcohol. Firefighters reported using alcohol as a means of taking the edge off, escaping, coping and self-medicating. Some reported being physically dependent and unable to stop.

Do I abuse alcohol?

As an addiction specialist who has worked with firefighters for several years, I have seen several times how alcohol has ruined firefighters’ lives, careers and families all in an instant. Here are a couple of quick questions you can ask yourself to see if you might have an issue:

• Have you felt the need to cut down on your drinking?
• Do you feel annoyed by people complaining about your drinking?
• Do you ever feel guilty about your drinking?
• Do you ever drink an eye-opener in the morning to relieve the shakes?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions or know someone who needs help with alcohol or substance abuse, please call our 24-hour helpline at 888-784-6634. Free counseling visits, peer support and other resources are available through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. This confidential, free service is available for all active volunteer, paid-on-call, part-time and full-time Minnesota firefighters and their families, and for all levels of support.

Contributed by MnFIRE Mental Health Director Melinda Coscarelli, PhD, LPCC, LADC

As firefighters, you’re taught to always be prepared. Your department spends hours practicing and preparing for that moment when someone calls for help. But how do you answer the call from one of your own?

Mental health problems can come in all sizes, from a firefighter facing burnout to one who is having suicidal thoughts. With the mental demands and emotional toll of firefighting, fire service leaders must be prepared to offer support to their fellow firefighters when needed. After all, firefighters with more supportive cultures and departmental resources perceive their work environment as less stressful, which can lessen manifestations of mental health problems such as anxiety, substance abuse, insomnia and depression.

Here are a few things you can do to be better prepared.

Get trained

Fire service leaders should receive training on how to talk to their crew about mental health concerns. These situations are delicate and at times need to be handled differently than your typical calls. MnFIRE provides access to suicide prevention classes and emotional wellness deep-dive trainings. Because with proper education, you can identify the warning signs for emotional trauma and feel more comfortable having these conversations with your firefighters.

Build awareness and support

Making small changes now can help build a stronger foundation to stand on later. Put up posters around your department with messages and tips for managing different symptoms such as sleep deprivation or moodiness. Posters can be placed in prominent areas like the kitchen, or more discrete locations such as the restrooms. MnFIRE also offers educational materials on resources to help, which show MnFIRE’s free helpline for getting support 24/7.

While a few posters or brochures won’t change the fire service culture, having them visible and accessible can be helpful to someone suffering in silence and start building awareness for the support that’s always available to them.

Be proactive

Several departments have started doing regular check-ins with their crews. A good time for doing this is at roll call or shift changes. It can be as simple as asking your crew to rate their current mental status on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being mentally maxed out. If one of your firefighters is at a seven or higher, pull them aside and ask them what you can do to support them. A simple check-in adds accountability and shows the crew that you genuinely care.

It’s also helpful to develop a safety plan for your department so you know what process to follow to de-escalate any type of crisis situation.

Stay calm

If a mental health emergency does arise, stay calm. Ask the firefighter what you can do to support them through their difficult situation. Steer clear of offering advice, but rather listen and empathize.

Be attentive

Taking a class like MnFIRE’s emotional wellness training or the suicide prevention skills training we put on for our peer supporters can be very beneficial to learning warning signs for someone in distress. Non-verbal and verbal language both give clues about when a firefighter’s mental health may be starting to decline, or they may even become suicidal. It is best to recognize these signs before they escalate into a dangerous situation.

Call MnFIRE

If you don’t feel prepared, know that we are. The MnFIRE toll free number is staffed by masters-level clinicians all day, every day. From one-on-one calls to department debriefs, during the middle of a crisis or after a tough call, we are here for you. Don’t hesitate to use this free, confidential resource available to all full-time, part-time, on-call and volunteer firefighters in Minnesota. Just call 888-784-6634.

To Our Minnesota Fire Service Sisters and Brothers:

Everyone at MnFIRE joins the entire state as we mourn the loss of Burnsville firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth and police officers Paul Elmstrand and Matthew Ruge in yesterday’s tragedy. During this difficult time, please remember that the full resources of the MnFIRE Assistance Program are available to all Minnesota firefighters and their families.

Confidential help – including connection to no-cost mental health care and peer support – is available anytime for any Minnesota firefighter and/or their family. Phone lines are answered 24/7 by Master’s-level trained mental health professionals who provide confidential support, guidance and mental health resources.

For immediate, 24/7 support call 888-784-6634.

Any member of a firefighter’s household can use these important Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) resources. Each firefighter and/or their family members can access up to five counseling visits a year (additional support is available as needed). Firefighters are also matched with a member of MnFIRE’s team of trained peer supporters who know firsthand the difficulties firefighters face and are well-equipped to walk alongside a firefighter in need as they navigate their situation.

If you’d like to talk, we’re here.

For more information or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit liveandworkwell.com, access code: MnFIRE.

Mental health conditions affect people of all ages, backgrounds and lifestyles in all kinds of ways. In fact, about one in five people globally live with a mental health condition. For firefighters, the rates are even higher than the general population – particularly in the areas of sleep disorders, depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress injury and suicidal ideation/action.

And too many of these firefighters are suffering in silence.

Mental health conditions are treatable illnesses. Yet, despite how common mental health concerns and conditions are, stigma persists. And most people don’t seek help.

Here are seven ways you can help stop stigma, so people feel safer and more comfortable getting the help they may need:

Be kind

A simple rule of thumb is to remember people are people, not conditions. Treating people with kindness and compassion can go a long way toward creating a welcoming, supportive environment.

Study the facts

There is a lot of bad information out there. Check your source before you repeat or repost a tidbit off the internet. It may not be accurate. Consider the motivation behind a dramatic portrayal on a TV show before assuming it’s credible. Educate yourself, so you can help set the record straight. It’s best to start with legitimate resources that are committed to raising awareness and mobilizing support for mental health. The World Health Organization is a great example. Learning about common conditions, like depression, anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and others, will help you spread good information.

Be an ally

Encourage respect and dignity for all people. If you hear someone saying hurtful or false things about mental health concerns or conditions, politely speak up and address it.

Talk openly about mental health

Listen respectfully and invite open conversation about the importance of mental health and well-being. People should not feel ashamed or reluctant to get the benefit of professional help.

Foster understanding

Encourage yourself and those you influence to view mental health just as you would physical health. If, for example, a friend sprained an ankle or broke an arm, you would encourage them to seek medical attention. The same should be true for mental health conditions.

Share your own experience

If you have personal experience with mental illness, consider telling others about it. Sharing your story can foster understanding and provide perspective. The MnFIRE Peer Support program provides a confidential outlet for firefighters to share what they’re going through with someone who understands.

Get involved

Around the world, people are working hard to improve mental health care perceptions, systems and policies. There are many ways to show support. Make sure you post only accurate information on your social media. Drive a friend to a therapy appointment. Make your vote count in local elections. Donate time or money to an advocacy organization like MnFIRE. Every show of support helps normalize the conversation around mental health and wellness.

The emotional and disturbing calls we go on can stick with us – and it’s important to recognize how the stresses of the job can negatively impact our mental health. MnFIRE’s emotional wellness training can help your department de-stigmatize talking about mental health, as well as provide practical information around how to properly debrief after a difficult call, ways to maintain emotional well-being and what resources are available for those who need help.

Confidential peer support and mental health resources are available to Minnesota firefighters and their families for free through the MnFIRE Assistance Program. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/#MAP.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum.

 

Sources

American Psychiatric Association, “Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness.”
psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination Accessed July 17, 2023.

BetterHealth Channel, “Stigma, discrimination and mental illness.”
betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/stigma-discrimination-and-mental-illness#challenging-stigma-associated-with-mental-illness. Accessed July 17, 2023.

Mind, “Mental health problems – an introduction.”
mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/stigma-misconceptions/. Accessed July 17, 2023.

NAMI, “Pledge to be stigmafree.”
nami.org/Get-Involved/Pledge-to-Be-StigmaFree. Accessed July 17, 2023.

From the anticipation of beginning a new year to adjusting to whatever else life throws at you, the holiday season can be stressful for many people, but for firefighters and first responders especially so thanks to icy road conditions; increased cooking, heating and electrical hazards; and more.

As you’re celebrating the season with fellow first responders, loved ones and friends, it’s important to stay in touch with how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally, especially after a tough or traumatic call. Here are seven ways to guard yourself against and alleviate potential stressors, during this holiday season and year-round:

1. Be realistic – and optimistic
   You are one person with 24 hours in a day. Avoid putting pressure on yourself to be perfect. Instead, make goals about doing the best you can. Also, look for reasons to be positive. Inviting yourself to take pride in your personal and professional accomplishments, however small they may feel, can go a long way in helping you feel energized and motivated.
2. Set boundaries
   Resist the pressure or urge to make yourself available at all hours for all people. Trying to fit too much into one day can make you less effective and eventually lead to exhaustion. Do what you can to organize your time and tasks, so you’re focusing on the highest priorities first and most. For example, divide errands or chores into “must-do’s,” “could-do’s” and “no-need-to’s” where possible.
3. Take time for yourself
   Make sure to take time for yourself – even if it’s just a few minutes or an hour or two. Also, give yourself permission to decline requests for extra shifts or social invites. Giving yourself downtime to recharge can ultimately help you be more positive and productive overall.
4. Try to limit distractions
   Aim to limit distractions and focus your time and attention on one task at a time. Although it can be difficult to know when the next call will pull you away, dedicating certain hours in the day to one task at a time – such as checking your phone notifications or setting aside time to put on headphones and decompress after a shift – can help you feel more focused and at ease.
5. Take a break
   Relaxation is the natural countermeasure for stress, so do your best to take breaks to help you refresh and recharge. Even short breaks help improve your mood, performance and well-being. Also, schedule in activities you enjoy. When it comes to taking a break, it doesn’t matter what you do, so much as that you do take the opportunity to rejuvenate. If you do feel intensely stressed, consider using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, mediation, yoga or whatever else helps slow your breathing and heart rate to regulate your nervous system and bring you back to equilibrium.
6. Take care of your health
   Even when your schedule heats up, make time for regular exercise, getting enough sleep and eating nutritious foods. All of these can help you be more resilient to stress and feel better overall.
7. Reach out
   Having a solid support system among co-workers and loved ones can help you ultimately feel less stressed and be more productive. In a moment of high stress, having someone to listen to what you’re going through can help calm you down or cool off and reset. Plus, maintaining positive friendships generally correlates to mental health and happiness. That’s because healthy friendships can help keep your spirits up, give you a sense of connection, and improve your self-confidence, among other benefits. Take advantage of peer support and free counseling visits through the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program. Get confidential support and speak to someone who gets it and understands the full experience and challenges of being in the fire service.

For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

Five tips for dealing with a new diagnosis

Life can bring many stressors, which can deteriorate both physical and mental health. Many people know how to care for their bodies when they are dealing with a physical ailment, but if you are diagnosed with a mental health condition, what happens next?

You may feel a bit lost with this new information, but we want you to know there are ways to help you feel better. For World Mental Health Day Oct. 10, we have compiled a list of five tips of how to deal with a new mental health diagnosis.

Acceptance of your diagnosis

While people have shared more about mental health in recent years, it still sometimes carries a stigma. But we’re here to tell you mental health is just as important as physical health. It’s OK to receive a mental health diagnosis. Here’s the good part – there are care plans out there to help you feel yourself and live a fulfilling life. Take a deep breath, accept your diagnosis and stick to your care plan. You’ve got this!

Find others to support you

Having supportive people to help you through each stage of your diagnosis can make a big difference. If you feel comfortable, open up to family and friends you trust. Writing your thoughts and feelings in journal can also be helpful when you don’t feel like talking. Or if it’s not already in your care plan, consider finding a therapist to assist you sort through all the thoughts in your mind. You don’t have to do this alone.

Learn about your diagnosis

Being able to care for yourself can only be done if you understand what you’re caring for in the first place. Even if you think you know about your diagnosis, do some research and learn about symptoms, treatments, and short- and long-term outcomes. Make sure you look at reliable sources such as government institutes, professional associations and patient advocacy organizations.

Take care of your physical health

Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Your sleep schedule, diet and exercise can impact how your mind feels. You don’t have to be perfect every day but try to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night, eat nutritious and filling foods, and move your body regularly. Taking care of your physical health isn’t a cure for a mental health condition, but your body will at least be ready to handle any physical stressors.

Set realistic expectations

Managing a mental health condition takes time and effort. Sometimes it can take a few tries to find the right medication or a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Know that this is normal and part of the process. You may also experience setbacks or challenges. Try not to let those get you down. Keep those supportive people around you, take care of yourself and continue moving forward so you can feel like yourself again.

Everyone’s mental health journey is different. Be patient with yourself as you figure out this new diagnosis. If you need support in your mental health journey, we’re here for you. The MnFIRE Assistance Program provides free and confidential help online or over the phone, anytime, for dealing with:

• Traumatic calls
• Relationship problems
• Parenting and family issues
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Eldercare support
• Substance use and addiction
• Financial guidance
• And more

Experienced specialists trained in the rigors of the fire service will listen to your needs and connect you to the appropriate resources, including mental health counseling. For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

Firefighting is no easy task. The mental struggles that come with the job run as deep as the physical ones. Firefighters experience traumatic stress at high rates, which can weigh on someone day after day in this vital yet demanding job.

Those 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 what we’re bringing more awareness to today, suicidal ideation and action.

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) estimates that approximately half of all firefighters think about ending their life. In Minnesota, four to six active firefighters die from suicide each year.

In honor of World Suicide Prevention Day Sept. 10, we want to provide reminders about the heightened risks for firefighters, warning signs and how to help yourself or someone you know who may be at risk.

Individual experiences vary, but people who are considering suicide usually report feeling hopeless, worthless, agitated and/or overwhelmed, among other strong emotions. While the feelings the person is going through are intense, they usually are temporary – and treatable with professional help.

Who’s at risk for suicide?

Suicide is a global phenomenon that affects people in all regions of the world. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Each year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide – that’s about one in every 100 deaths. And, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts.

Situational or chronic mental health disorders are often linked to a person’s suicidal thoughts or attempts. Globally, WHO estimates more than 264 million people of all ages have depression, which also is the leading cause of disability worldwide and a disorder that can lead to suicide. However, not all people with mental illness contemplate suicide. People who do not have a history of mental illness also might consider and attempt suicide.

Risk factors and warning signs

Factors that could put a person at risk for suicide include:

• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Mental illness, particularly depression
• Alcohol or substance use disorder
• Stress and crises, such as financial or legal problems
• Chronic pain or physical illness
• Severe emotional distress, such as from war, conflict, disaster, physical or sexual violence, abuse, loss of a loved one
• Social isolation
• Discrimination, bullying, especially due to gender identity or sexual orientation
• Family history

Most people who die by suicide exhibit verbal and behavioral warning signs before doing so. These may include: talking about wanting to die or threatening to kill oneself, feeling trapped or hopeless or having no reason to live; looking for ways to kill oneself; increasing use of alcohol or drugs; showing rage or talking about seeking revenge; giving away valued possessions, or writing a will; withdrawing from loved ones; sleeping too much or too little; and experiencing extreme mood swings.

Helping someone who’s at risk

Important: If you fear a person is in immediate danger of harming themselves, do not leave them alone. Reach out for professional help – contact emergency services, a crisis line, or a health care provider.

If you are concerned a loved one is considering suicide, discreetly let them know of your concern and start a conversation to encourage them to seek professional help from a clinician or a local prevention resource or support group. Listen to what they say, and offer to help them find a resource and/or to go with them as support. From there, keep in touch with them and ask how they’re doing. If need be, reiterate your concern and again encourage them to seek professional help.

Helping yourself cope

Losing someone you care about to suicide can be – in a word – devastating. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, shocked and grief-stricken. It’s also common to feel a host of other emotions, including anger, confusion, guilt, shame and relief. The reality is, there is no right or wrong way to feel because everyone – whoever or wherever they are – experiences loss differently. As hard as it is, in time and with support, you can begin to heal and feel better.

Try to remember you are not alone, and you do not have to go through this alone. Ask for support and accept help from trusted friends and family. Peer supporters who have experienced similar tragedy and stress are also available to listen and provide confidential support.

Especially if you have been unable to complete day-to-day activities, are struggling with difficult emotions, or have felt emotionally numb for several weeks, seek professional help.

We’re here for you.

Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any firefighter and/or their family through the free and confidential MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP). No call or inquiry is too small. If something happened on the job or in your life, or if you’re just feeling stressed, we’re here to help.

For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit https://mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

Firefighters experience loss more frequently than most. And with loss comes grief, survivor’s guilt and other feelings that can be difficult to manage and hard to carry. Whether that loss is related to a lethal fire, responding to a difficult 911 call, or a fellow firefighter dying in the line of duty, loved ones and fellow crew members can provide meaningful support to first responders coping with grief.

When someone you care about suffers a significant loss, it can be difficult to know how to help them, especially because moment to moment, day to day, they may not know what they need and what they need may change. Not only that, firefighters often deal with ongoing traumatic stress as their demanding work continues on after a loss.

The best way to help a grieving person often depends on how well the person was prepared for the loss, the person’s perception of death, and the person’s personality and coping style. Your relationship with the person also matters and plays a role in how they may accept your support.

In general, if someone you know is grieving:

• Encourage the person to grieve at their own pace. The grieving process does not happen in a step-by-step or orderly fashion. There will be good days and bad days. There will be better moments and harder moments. Do not try to “fix” the person’s grief. Provide support and be willing to listen.
• Be sensitive to the effect of your words. But don’t ignore the person who is grieving just because you aren’t sure what to say. Check in regularly during the first year and beyond, especially on important days, including the anniversary of the death, holidays and birthdays.
• Recognize that this person’s life has changed forever. Encourage the person to participate in activities that involve and build their support network. Help them experience moments where they are reminded of their value and purpose in life.
• Respect the person’s personal beliefs. Listen to their feelings without making judgments. Do not try to change the person’s beliefs or feelings.

Remember that actions speak louder than words, and sometimes an action is all that is needed. Offer to help with practical tasks that can make their day easier, such as laundry, meal preparation, cleaning and other chores that need to be taken care of. Be present with them in ways that work best for them.

Listening is another simple yet highly impactful way to help someone coping with loss. Be there to listen if they need to talk through a decision, want to share stories, or begin to reminisce. Listen often and encourage them to talk as much as they need or want to. Let them know you care about what they have to say and will listen without judgment.

You and your family have confidential support. For any emotion. For any concern.

Confidential help is available over the phone or online, anytime for any firefighter and/or their family through the MnFIRE Assistance Program (MAP). No call or inquiry is too small. If something major happened on the job or in your life, or if you’re just feeling stressed, we’re here to help. Peer supporters who have experienced similar loss are also available to listen and provide confidential support.

For more details or for help, call 888-784-6634 or visit mnfireinitiative.com/hhap/.

Repurposed from MnFIRE Assistance Program partner, Optum

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.