Wellness on the Frontline South Dakota State University First Responders Support Training Center

Welcome!

If you're new here, we're the First Responders Support Training (FRST) Center, and we're dedicated to promoting health and wellness for first responders statewide. This month, we will share an update on the Fire Chiefs Summit, a new addition to the team, a message from a FRST Responder in the field, and Nutrition resources. Thank you for joining us this month -- we are excited to have you here!

Firefighter Wellness Summit Thank You

Thank you to everyone who attended our first Firefighter Wellness Summit. We truly appreciate your time and participation in helping us advance our research through these focus groups, and we are grateful for the opportunity to share our mission with you!

FRST Center Spotlight

Audra Janke MS, LPC-MH, Cascade Counseling

"I once heard a first responder ask, "We ARE 911. Who can we call when we need help?"

Dr. Allison Barry and her team at the SDSU First Responder Support Training Center are answering that call. The Center’s mission of creating a holistic wellness program is exactly the resource that our local volunteer and career services need to continue to thrive.

My name is Audra Johnson Janke and I’ve spent over 10 years supporting first responders. I first served as a wellness coach and now serve as a mental health counselor. I'm thrilled to bring this experience to the Center's mission of taking care of those who answer the call to serve."

FRST Center Partners with Sioux Falls Fire

Allison Barry and her team are excited to partner with Sioux Falls Fire to create a blueprint for career departments to use as a guide to develop fitness initiatives. Check out this article to learn more about this new collaboration!

Partner with Sioux Falls Fire Article

First Responders in the Field

Meet Mike Gramlick, the Assistant Chief for Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue, and see what he has to say about the newest collaboration!

"At Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, we've always believed that taking care of our people is how we take care of our community. Our collaboration with Dr. Barry and the SDSU research team is giving us the data and framework to back that commitment with real science. What excites me most is that this work isn't staying within our walls — the blueprint we're building together is designed to be shared with departments of all sizes across South Dakota. Whether you're a career department or a volunteer company in a rural community, the research coming out of SDSU's First Responder Support Training Center is being built with you in mind."

FRST Center Ride Along

Check out Kenzie Thomson, our undergraduate research assistant, riding along for a day with Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue.

Nutrition Column

Take a look at this nutrition flyer for a list of in-season Spring produce, a nutritious smoothie recipe, and a simple guide to understanding protein portion sizes. This guide can help you spring into action this Spring season!

Nutrition Flyer

Center Website

Don’t miss out—explore the FRST Center website today for previous newsletters, updates, expert tips, and resources designed to keep you strong, healthy, and ready for the job. Everything you need, all in one place.

FRST Center Website

Listserv

If you or someone you know wants to be added to stay up-to-date with the latest news scan the QR code or click on this web address, Redcap Listserv, and enter this code: 4EW883FJL.

Stay Tuned For Our Next Newsletter

Highlights from the Summit