The Resilient First Responder

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.

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio is pleased to offer a number of wellness coaches for first responder agencies, behavioral health organizations, and other caregiving agencies. These coaches work on-site at the agencies or through Zoom calls so they can be available to participants when the time is right. Rich talks with three of the many MHA coaches on the wellness coaching team: Shelby Pressley, Wellness Education Coordinator Phil Rodarte Marquis Brookins They share ideas and views on finding balance when the stress of the job, life, and even our own perceptions of ourselves may cause us to fall away from activities that help us to achieve resilience. The  SAMHSA Eight Dimensions of Wellness are discussed. At the close of the show, Rich shares two June events being offered by MHA: First Responder Mini Retreat at New Day Ranch Mentally Tougher for First Responders with Michael Sherman Find details and register for both 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.

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.

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Northwest Ohio (MHANKYSWOH) has received a generous grant from the Human Resources Service Administration (HRSA). Through this grant, the agency is able to provide evidence-based or evidence-informed strategies to reduce and address burnout, suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. They work to promote resiliency among healthcare professionals, including healthcare students, residents, professionals, paraprofessionals, trainees, public safety officers, and employers of such individuals, collectively known as the “Health Workforce,” in rural and medically underserved communities. Amanda Shaw, Program Director, Mental Health and Criminal Justice at MHANKYSWOH shares details about the Catalyst Project, why it is important to reach first responders, and which counties are served by the project. Rich and Amanda talk about resilience, trauma, wellness, and many opportunities for responders to receive training, wellness coaching, and how to attend workshops to better increase the overall recovery and resilience of the stressors of the job -- and your life away from the job. Learn about the wellness coaches that can support your agency and many of the upcoming classes, workshops, and other training to help you and those in your agency become more resilient.  Call Rich at 513-562-2592 or email him using the contact form at FirstResponderPodcast.net.  

Rich Palmer, retired Assistant Chief, safety educator, and firefighter/EMT-P introduces the show and shares information about upcoming episodes. This show, brought to you by Mental Health America of Northern KY and Southwest OH, promotes resiliency among first responders. The goal is to reduce & address burnout, suicide, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. No one is immune; It is critical for responders to recognize what stress looks like, to work toward resilience & cope with stress, and to know where to go if they need help. Find this show at FirstResponderPodcast.net Episodes begin in late January. Watch for new shows each month. Learn about wellness coaching, classes, and other training available to first responders in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio. Wellness Events Crisis Intervention Team