Artwork by Dan Sundahl, internationally renowned artist, speaker, advanced care paramedic, prehospital educator, and retired firefighter.

www.dansunphotos.com

(used with permission)

Please join us for our conference

SHIFT:

MENTAL WELLNESS

FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Two full days for just $110!

(includes continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day)

14 Preparatory EMS CEs

14 LE MCOLES Training Hours

Dispatch SNC Approval # MREN2024-4274

Tuesday & Wednesday, April 16-17, 2024

Delamar Hotel, Traverse City, MI

YOUR MENTAL WELLNESS MATTERS. As a first responder, you face stressful situations every day. Far too often the emotional, physical, and psychological toll of the job is overlooked or pushed aside, which can result in strained relationships with those close to you and hinder your ability to perform at your best. Left unchecked, stress and trauma can lead to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide.

THE RIGHT TOOLS ARE CRITICAL. Having the right resources and strategies can lead to an improved ability to handle future challenges, a better understanding of yourself and others, and a greater appreciation for life. You will learn how to build resilience and emerge stronger for yourself, your colleagues and your family, and to serve your community with a renewed sense of compassion.

MEET THE EXPERTS. We're bringing together industry experts and individuals who have "been there" to discuss the effects of job-related stress and trauma, how to recognize when you or a colleague might need support, and develop best practices to mitigate the effects of stress and improve your quality of life on and off the job. You'll learn about resources and strategies to ensure not only your personal well-being, but also the ones who call on you for help.

REGISTER EARLY - SPACE IS LIMITED!

Daniel Sundahl (DanSun) is a published artist and writer and has three art books produced of his works. Articles of his work are featured in Canadian Paramedicine, Journal of Emergency Medicine (JEMS), Fire Rescue Magazine, EMS One, EMS World Magazine and The Canadian Journal of Emergency Nursing. His art is recognized worldwide, and he travels internationally sharing his art and his own experiences with occupational stress injuries and post-traumatic growth. Daniel is the president and founder of the Peer Recovery and Resiliency Society, a group that supports emergency workers from around the world and aids in their post traumatic growth. He is an advanced care paramedic, firefighter, pre-hospital educator, photographer and photo editor.

Dr. Olivia Johnson is founder of the Blue Wall Institute, an Air Force veteran, and former police officer. Olivia is a subject expert in law enforcement suicide and holds the Law Enforcement Psychological Autopsy Certification from the American Association of Suicidology. She holds the only database in the world that looks at over 100 data points regarding suicide deaths of law enforcement officers. From her data collection, she developed the Fatal 10, which is currently used as a risk assessment tool by health insurance companies. She holds a master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Missouri, St. Louis, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership Management from the University of Phoenix.

Ashley Iverson is the founder and Executive Director of the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness. In 2017 Cory Iverson, a Fire Apparatus Engineer for CAL FIRE, paid the ultimate sacrifice while battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County, California, one of the largest wildfires in California history. He was survived by his wife Ashley, their daughter Evie, and – at the time – their unborn daughter Taylor. Just one month prior to Cory’s passing, a colleague took his own life leaving behind a young child and wife, bringing an understanding to Cory about the gravity of mental health and the devastation it can leave in its wake. In founding the Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness (IFAA), Ashley is able to keep Cory’s memory alive for their daughters and to continue on Cory’s legacy through his sacrifice to help all first responders; those that selflessly help others on a daily basis. The mission of the IFAA is to change the culture of “if you’re not strong enough mentally to take it, you don’t belong” within the first responder community, and create and environment for consistent decompression or the open communication necessary to maintain sound mental health after seeing and experiencing things the human brain can only compartmentalize, cover up, or “add to the bucket” for so long.

David Woods Bartley is a highly acclaimed mental health speaker/trainer, and has given more than 500 keynote talks, workshops and presentations worldwide to corporations, government agencies, community organizations, faith communities, first responders, and school students. He is a subject matter expert in mental health and suicide, a published writer, the 2021 Steinberg Institute Mental Health Champion, and two-time TEDx speaker.

This conference is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a 4-year award totaling $800,000 with 0% financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Michigan Rural EMS Nework (MiREMS) provides programs and resources to strengthen rural EMS Systems in Michigan, resulting in improved practices and outcomes.



Visit www.mirems.org for more information.

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