The Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) recently hosted its third five-day Struggle Well program in collaboration with the nationally recognized Boulder Crest Foundation. This program, rooted in the science of posttraumatic growth, aims to equip first responders with tools to thrive in the aftermath of trauma.
Following CAFMA’s session, the Prescott Valley Police Department hosted a fourth Struggle Well program, continuing the commitment to first responder well-being.
Struggle Well is a comprehensive, prevention-focused initiative that aims to empower participants to transform struggle into strength, benefiting their families, communities and organizations. These sessions have welcomed participants from CAFMA, the Chino Valley Police Department, Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District, Prescott Fire Department, Prescott Police Department, Prescott Regional Communications Center, Prescott Valley Police Department, the Verde Valley Fire District and firefighter retirees.
Through a series of interactive exercises, participants explored personal perspectives on struggle, reflected on their growth and developed actionable SMART goals (objectives that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) for ongoing transformation.
“CAFMA is proud to partner with the Boulder Crest nonprofit to offer the five-day course to all local first responders and dispatchers,” said Brody Fields, CAFMA health and safety officer. “Struggle Well provides in-depth training on how to survive the struggles we encounter that are specific to first responders, building healthy practices that will help each individual thrive.”
“The Struggle Well program is one of several initiatives we have embraced to support the behavioral health and wellness of our team and their families,” added John Feddema, CAFMA interim fire chief. “We know the challenges of these professions do not stop at the station door, which is why programs like this are so important. They help our people grow through those challenges, so they can continue serving our community and supporting their loved ones with strength and resilience.”
The Boulder Crest Foundation is dedicated to fostering thriving communities by serving military members, veterans, first responders and their families. This program is offered at no cost to participants.
For more information about the Struggle Well program or CAFMA’s ongoing efforts to support first responders, contact Fields at 928.772.7711.
