Best Ever CRE Blog

Best Ever Cause: First Responders Resiliency, Inc.

Written by Best Ever CRE Team | Jul 3, 2023 2:50:08 PM

Who They Are

First Responders Resiliency, Inc. (FRRI) is an organization established in 2018 that focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, psychological, relational, neurological, and physiological impacts of trauma and stress on first responders and their families. They aim to change the culture within first responder departments and agencies by promoting mental health and wellness through evidence-based education, information, and modalities.

FRRI's unique curriculum is delivered by an instructor cadre primarily composed of career first responders working in collaboration with advisors, therapists, researchers, and scientists. They provide proactive, science-based training that covers various aspects of trauma and stress, with a strong emphasis on prevention and resiliency. The training program is offered nationwide and targets active and retired first responders including fire, law enforcement, dispatch, emergency department physicians, and nurses.

The overall goal of FRRI is to create a culture shift where mental health and wellness become commonplace in first responder departments and agencies. They also aim to establish the First Responders Resiliency Center, a facility dedicated to supporting first responders and their families. In 2021, FRRI purchased 18 acres in Cotati, CA, as the site for the Resiliency Center and launched a capital campaign to fund its development.

The organization's proactive approach is motivated by concerning statistics indicating that more first responders die by suicide each year than die in the line of duty. First responders also have shorter life expectancies, a high divorce rate, and a greater likelihood of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, and cancer compared to civilians.

What They Do

To achieve its mission, FRRI provides training to first responders and their families, with an impact that includes serving more than 200 agencies and training more than 7,000 individuals since the organization's establishment. Their training modules cover various areas, including: 

  • Neuroanatomy
  • Mindfulness
  • Autonomic and central nervous system
  • Physical discharge
  • Exercise and nutrition
  • Sleep importance
  • Toxin exposures
  • Psychological health
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Emotional awareness
  • Leadership
  • Family health
  • Modality training
  • PTSI/FIOPS
  • Substance abuse
  • Suicide awareness
  • Stress and injury reduction

Overall, FRRI is dedicated to improving the mental health and overall well-being of first responders and their families, aiming to address the negative effects of trauma and stress and promote resilience within the first responder community. 

How We’re Helping

Our $1,000 donation will go toward first responder scholarships to FRRI’s conferences and training along with the development of the First Responders Resiliency Center.

Give to First Responders Resiliency, Inc.