Northwest Michigan Peer Network

12/24/2025

We want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday.
Please know that resources are there for you 24/7.

The holidays can be heavy.
Empty chairs. Names we carry. Calls that don’t fade.

It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to remember.
Just don’t carry it alone.

This season, take care of yourself. 🤍
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FST5 program. Supporting the wellness of Michigan's first responders and their families.
Visit your FST5 Website at fst5.org
In 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 or in need of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 call
1-833-34-STRONG
1-833-347-8766

12/11/2025

Breaks my heart to see one agency experienced so many in the timeframe they did.

12/09/2025

We are so proud of OG peer member Kathryn. This is an in depth discussion with the struggles she faced. This is what makes our team so amazing.

Podcast Episode · Minds on the Frontline Podcast · 12/08/2025 · 34m

12/08/2025

Attention all agencies and chief officers. I am working with Dr. Griffin to schedule some in person classes for 2026.

If you haven’t had this class you are missing out.
Dr. Griffin was one of the engineers on the Sofa Super Store in Charleston SC. That day Charleston Fire Dept loss 9 members.

He is looking for locations to host the class and some dates for 2026.

Note: This class typically brings in a large group. So, please make sure the location would be large enough.

His class is a registered Q course. So, please check with your county to see if you will have the funds.

Please email me if you are interested. Thank you.
ctaylor@peninsulafire.org.

Share and like. Thank you and stay safe.

12/08/2025

Frontline Strong Together haves another free CISM class coming up in January.

12/05/2025

Getting help shouldn’t feel complicated.

Many first responders tell us the same thing — by the time you work up the energy to reach out, the process of finding the right clinician can feel like another obstacle. Searching directories, playing phone tag, not knowing who truly understands the culture — it’s a lot, especially when you’re already carrying enough.

We created a simple confidential form to take that part off your plate.
✔ Tell us what you’re looking for
✔ Share your preferences
✔ We send back a personalized list of at least three clinicians who meet your criteria - within 48 hours

No directories to scroll. No unanswered calls. No guessing if someone is the right fit.
➡ For first responders and family members
➡ Completely confidential — one person receives and reviews all submissions
➡ No pressure - you choose if you want to reach out

Whether you're:
• A responder beginning therapy
• A spouse seeking support for your child
• A family member needing guidance

You’re not navigating it alone — we’ll help you make the connection that feels right for you.
🔗 Submit the confidential request form using the LINK in the COMMENTS.
📩 Questions? Contact: info@FST5.org

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FST5 program. Supporting the wellness of Michigan's first responders and their families.
Visit your FST5 Website at fst5.org
In 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐬 or in need of 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 call
1-833-34-STRONG
1-833-347-8766

11/21/2025

11/17/2025

🙏🏼🙏🏼

11/17/2025

The NWMIPN is a team that is protected by senate bill 444. This bill protects our peer team from being called in to court to discuss any information that the team gathers from a debriefing that our team does for agencies.

This is very important to understand. If your agency does your own debriefing, you are at risk of those members that performed the debriefing now being able to be called into court and not being legally allowed to maintain confidentiality of what they heard.

I want to be clear that this isn’t saying departments and agencies cannot do their own. We think it is very important to do your own after action review, hot wash, “bumper talk”, or simply discussing it with the team after. We encourage this.

We just want you to understand how a registered peer team can help maintain that confidential information exchanged during a debriefing, briefing, or peer to peer cases.

11/15/2025

Holidays can be a trigger for many people.

Financial issues can play a big part in trying to enjoy your holidays with your family.

UNRESOLVED issues from work can show their faces during the holidays with the increase stress of money issues, at home issues, the stress of having your house packed with family and friends, and they amount of OT we see responders picking up around the holidays.

You’re not alone. We want you to know that we are here for you 24/7.

The holidays can be a difficult time for first responders, bringing added stress, loneliness, and emotional strain. Join the NVFC for a panel discussion on behavioral health during the holiday season, including myths about su***de rates, signs and symptoms to watch for, and practical coping strategi...