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Minn. paramedic honored for creating mental health support program

Paramedic Stacy Jensen, who was diagnosed with PTSD after responding to a school shooting, created the program to provide mental health resources for first responders

ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota paramedic is being recognized for her efforts to support first responders’ 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, FOX 9 KMSP 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.

“If anybody is struggling, it’s a slippery slope, and if we can prevent one person from falling all the way down that slope, it’s a win,” 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.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.