The Resilient First Responder

MHANKYSWOH

This show offers information, resources, and contacts to help first responders build resilience to the stressors related to their work. Interviews & discussions in each episode help break the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. Hosted by Rich Palmer, retired assistant chief, and firefighter/paramedic, now Outreach Coordinator for Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio.

Episodes

  1. A Conversation with a First Responder Therapist

    07/11/2023

    A Conversation with a First Responder Therapist

    Rich talks with Alison Fienning, MSW, LISW-S, LMHC, CCTP, EMDRt Alison is the founder and owner of Pinpoint Behavioral Services in Cincinnati. This agency specializes in working with veterans, first responders, and their families. Some of their services include the science-supported, skills-based REAL Essentials Respond certification training, other training and workshops (including a first responder spouse workshop), equine EMDR, and of course therapy. Pinpoint has providers licensed in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Florida with offices in Ohio and Kentucky. They are also available online and have the ability to travel to you! Rich and Alison talk about challenges seen among the first responder community and how stressors are showing up. They also talk about the opportunities for building resilience and overcoming stigma by having a conversation about mental wellness. Alison shares insights on the services provided by Pinpoint BHS and why she started the practice. Be sure to register for the 1st Responder Mental Health & Wellness Conference! Both MHANKYSWOH and Pinpoint Behavioral Services will be there. This national conference is coming to Columbus, OH September 7 & 8, 2023. It will be held from 8 AM to 4 PM on both days at Marriott Columbus Northwest, 5605 Blazer Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017. At the close of the show, Rich shares several education and wellness events offered by MHA: Meal Prep and Fast Nutrition for Busy People  Zoom session Tuesday, August 8, 2023; 6-7:30 pm Utilizing Fitness Trackers and Apps Zoom session Friday, July 14; 11 am Budget and Credit Basics Zoom session or In-person: Kenton County Public Library-Erlanger Branch  Thursday, July 20 12-1 p.m. Resources for Building Resilience & Psychological CPR at MHA of Northern KY & Southwest OH Thursday, August 3 and Friday 4 from 9 to 4 each day Find details and register for these events and more: MHA Wellness Events Take a Checkup from the Neck Up! This is a FREE, confidential mental health screening from Mental Health America Learn about Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) from MHANKYSWOH mhankyswoh.org/cit         Would you like to be a guest on this show? Please register.

    30 min
  2. Women First Responders: Take Care of You While You Take Care of Others

    03/06/2023

    Women First Responders: Take Care of You While You Take Care of Others

    Jenni Snyder, Captain of Whitewater Township Fire Department and career safety educator, shares her perspectives on challenges that many women face working as first responders in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Rich and Jenni talk about how important it is for women (and all first responders) to be aware of the stressors in their lives. They share ideas and views on finding a balance when the stress of the job, life, and even our own perceptions of ourselves may cause us to fall away from resilience. The SAMHSA Eight Dimensions of Wellness are discussed. Jenni talks about how her understanding of the importance of these dimensions has helped her move forward in her career and in her personal life. As this show was being recorded, Jenni was preparing for a special presentation at Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio called "Female First Responders: Taking Care of Yourself While Taking Care of Others" on March 7, 2023. This program will be held at the MHANKYSWOH Blue Ash facility and on Zoom. [Register!] As discussed in the show, if you or someone close to you is experiencing thoughts of suicide or are suffering from substance use, and/or a mental health crisis, CALL or TEXT 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text, and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crises, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Take a Checkup from the Neck Up! This is a FREE, confidential mental health screening from Mental Health America Attend free wellness events from MHANKYSWOH mhankyswoh.org/wellnessevents Learn about Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) from MHANKYSWOH mhankyswoh.org/cit         Would you like to be a guest on this show? Please register.

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

This show offers information, resources, and contacts to help first responders build resilience to the stressors related to their work. Interviews & discussions in each episode help break the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. Hosted by Rich Palmer, retired assistant chief, and firefighter/paramedic, now Outreach Coordinator for Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio.