ST. PAUL, Minn. 鈥� A Minnesota paramedic is being recognized for her efforts to support first responders鈥� mental health. Stacy Jensen, a paramedic with M Health Fairview, developed the Peer Support and Resiliency Program to help emergency workers cope with the stress and trauma they face on the job.
Jensen, who has worked in EMS for over 30 years, saw a critical need for mental health resources after witnessing colleagues struggle in silence, reported.
In 2003, Jensen responded to a school shooting in Cold Spring and was diagnosed with PTSD the following year. Years later, she has transformed her grief into a mission.
More than 150 emergency responders now have access to confidential mental health support through phone calls, texts, emails and in-person conversations.
鈥淚f anybody is struggling, it鈥檚 a slippery slope, and if we can prevent one person from falling all the way down that slope, it鈥檚 a win,鈥� Jensen said.
The program provides peer support, mental health training and access to professional resources, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage first responders to seek help.
For her contributions, Jensen was recently honored by the Minnesota Ambulance Association. She hopes this initiative will inspire other departments to prioritize mental well-being for those on the front lines.
