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.

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

We enjoyed a beautiful day on the golf course at our 2022 MnFORE Golf Tournament last week!

We want to thank everyone who joined us out at Bearpath Golf & Country Club for supporting the health and well-being of Minnesota’s firefighters. Thanks to you, we raised more than we ever have before at this event! These funds will help us continue to provide critical support and resources to Minnesota’s firefighters so they can prioritize and protect their health, and live longer, healthier and happier lives.

Let’s also recognize our MnFORE sponsors and volunteers who make this event possible. Thank you to these businesses and individuals for their generosity and dedication to our mission!

From a sold-out event to a full roster of sponsors, you all made a big impact for firefighter health.

Interested in seeing more photos from the event? Follow us on Facebook.

Save the Date

Don’t miss out – join us for the Fifth Annual MnFORE Golf Tournament on July 24, 2023, at Bearpath Golf & Country Club once again. Stay tuned for details and information on how to register.

If you have any questions regarding next year’s golf tournament, 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.

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

As the world at large wrestles with the pandemic, systemic racism and social injustices, among other complexities and difficulties, one thing you can control is how you treat yourself. It’s so important to support your own health and well-being. Whatever you’re going through — good, bad or neutral — are you being kind to yourself? As firefighters who spend all day serving others, this is a question we need to ask ourselves often.

Being kind to yourself is not about feeling self-pity or blaming others; it’s about understanding that life sometimes brings tough times and uncomfortable emotions. It’s also about understanding that everyone endures difficulties and makes mistakes — it’s part of being human.

Self-compassionate people are far more likely to acknowledge and process difficulties to find a path forward. In fact, research shows practicing genuine self-compassion can help you:

• Feel more motivated and optimistic
• Feel safer and more secure
• Be more resilient
• Be more confident and authentic
• Adopt a healthier lifestyle, including being more active and eating more nutritiously

People who practice self-compassion also tend to take greater personal responsibility for their actions. This includes being more likely to reflect, learn and take steps to correct course, such as making amends with someone or something, and looking for ways to be and do better.

Practicing self-compassion

This does not necessarily come naturally. Difficult circumstances and hard times more often trigger people to criticize themselves or to blame others. Both reactions increase stress, and chronic stress can lead to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.

However, you can cultivate self-compassion by consistently practicing it.

For example, think about when a friend is going through something difficult, such as something someone else might have done to them or something that happened beyond their control. If you’re like most people, your impulse is to try empathizing with what your friend is going through and figure out how you can help them. You acknowledge their pain. You try to be present and actively listen. In those moments especially, you don’t second-guess and criticize them, and you don’t tell them what they should have or could have done differently.

Odds are you would also encourage them that they can and will get through this hardship. Odds are you would try to help them think about how to overcome it.

Do the same for yourself.

Taking care of yourself is an important part of coping with tough times, and steeling yourself for the challenges to come. Eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and doing things you enjoy will help you be and feel stronger physically, mentally and emotionally.

MnFIRE also offers a deep-dive training course on emotional wellness. This two hour class will help de-stigmatize talking about mental health in your department, as well as provide practical information around how to properly debrief after a difficult call with your team, ways to maintain emotional well-being and what resources are available for those who need help. Get your department signed up today!

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.