Bureau Land Management
“Northern Nevada Peer Support Network is so much more than just a website for me. The resources and clinicians they have vetted on their site is a constant reference for myself and constituents. There is a plethora of information and resources that I use with my Department. The feedback from the firefighters has always been positive, thank you for building this coalition of compassion and wellness!”
— Asad Rahman, South Zone Battalion Chief
Reno Police Department
“Being a police officer, a mental health clinician and a family member who has lost someone to the perils of addiction and trauma, I acutely remember the importance of my peers in my times of crisis. The Northern Nevada Peer Support Network has made resources like these so accessible, so well organized and so welcoming that anyone in the first responder world will benefit from their aid. Don’t hesitate to take them up on any of their fantastic & meaningful services.”
— Brandon Cassinelli
Carson City Fire Department
“As a Peer Support Team Member for a local department in Northern Nevada, the NNPSN website has proved to be an invaluable resource. For example, the ‘Licensed Clinician’ page has been very helpful in providing individuals seeking professional help with vetted clinicians who are covered under various insurance companies. Additionally, it provides other helpful tools that I have used such as recommended reading, podcasts, and training opportunities. Even more than a resource, the NNPSN website is a symbol of a collaborative effort by numerous local departments willing to address increasing mental health issues affecting first responders.”
— Christopher Boyer Firefighter / Paramedic | Peer Support Lead
One Firefighter’s Story
I personally have been going through some challenging life problems. I was sitting at home pondering, thinking, and asking myself why won’t my brain shut off. I had not been sleeping well and I woke up early.
I decided to look on the Peer Support website.
I found right on the front that there was an Intro to Mindful Meditation. The class was that morning and I had been wanting to do something different because what I had been doing was not working. I signed up and went down that morning. I did not know what to expect but everyone was warm and welcoming.
After the first class I knew that this was something I needed in my life.
The experience and the knowledge of the instructor was helpful and professional. I ended up taking some time off from work to make sure I didn’t miss the next class. I didn’t want to miss anything. Part of the class that I didn’t expect was the connection between the students. We are all working on our challenges and by the last class we had all developed a comfort and trust amongst each other. We didn’t want to see it end. We were all wanting the next class. It only seemed like we had scratched the surface.
Personally for myself the class opened my mind to a better way for me to be. I am focusing on being more mindful and living in the moment. I am working to have self compassion and to have loving kindness. Meditation has given me a tool to help me along my path in a healthy way. I am so glad I looked at the Nevada Peer Support Network web site that morning. If I had not I don’t think I would be where I am today. At the beginning of a new journey.
This is just my short story from a firefighter.
Thank you the support.