The Northern Michigan University Center for Rural Health connected with Kristie Buruse and Susan Andary to learn more about the important work being done through Frontline Strong Together (FST5), a peer support program dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of first responders. Kristie serves as a FST5 Support Specialist and brings decades of first hand experience to the role. She spent several years as a paramedic and firefighter before transitioning into 911 dispatch, where she eventually retired after a 25-year career. Susan is both a FST5 Support Specialist while also working full time in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with the UP Health System. Together, they have extensive professional expertise with personal experience navigating mental health challenges faced by first responders. Both Kristie and Susan understand the emotional toll that a career in emergency response can have. They shared they have both “gone down dark roads and know how good it feels to work through it and come out on the other side.” Their lived experiences allow them to build trust with fellow responders and offer first responder support and guidance to those who are facing difficult moments.
Frontline Stronger Together is a statewide initiative that aims to support first responders and their families. This program was developed in collaboration with mental health professionals and clinicians from Wayne State University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and first responders, in order to develop a program that serves their unique population throughout the state. FST5 provides free and confidential wellness services to first responders throughout the state of Michigan. FST5 defines a first responder as the person who rushes in when everyone else rushes out which includes 911 dispatch, police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and correctional officers. In addition to the mental health services, they also provide wellness support, a crisis line, education, and training.
There is a lot of work that can be done in order to improve the mental health of first responders throughout both our region and the state. One of the biggest is by reducing the stigma for reaching out for help. Susan Andary shared that “it’s okay to not be okay.” It is extremely challenging for first responders to admit to themselves when they need help. FST5 Upper Peninsula Wellness Center hopes to be the hub for all U.P first responders and their immediate families to be able to access care and resources. The mental health professionals and first responder support staff are there to help people feel better, listen to them, and get them the much needed help that they need all in a confidential matter.
Throughout the U.P, barriers prevent first responders from seeking the mental health care and support they need including access to therapists or psychiatrists and financial burdens. However, Frontline Strong Together eliminates both of these barriers by providing therapists and psychiatrists with no out of pocket costs for both the first responders and their immediate family. Below are some of the services they provide:
Mental Health Services
- Crisis intervention
- Substance use and support
- Medication management
- Therapy (individual, family, or group)
- Trauma Therapies: EMDR, TF-CBT, and Neurofeedback
Wellness and First Responder Support
- Support from fellow first responders
- Resource navigation and referrals
- Support for burnout, stress, and cumulative trauma
- Family support resources
- Help navigating available services
The amazing work that Frontline Strong Together completes is funded by a generous grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and is operated by Wayne State University Department of Psychiatry in partnership with:
- Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
- Michigan Professional Firefighters Union (MPFFU)
- Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM)
- Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs
- Michigan Sheriff’s Association
- Wayne Health
- Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MICAL)
- Michigan Association of Ambulance Services (MAAS)
- Michigan Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (MAEMT)
If you are a first responder or an immediate family member and want to visit the Frontline Strong Together Upper Peninsula Wellness Center they are located at 220 W. Washington Suite 500, Marquette, MI or call 906-232-0010. You can also contact Kristie Buruse 906-235-0328 or Susan Andary 906-250-0688. You can also visit their website at www.fst5.org or call their 24/7 line that is answered by first responders 24/7/365 at 1-833-347-8766.
The Northern Michigan Center for Rural Health continues to develop and expand partnerships throughout the U.P. and beyond. The new partnership with Frontline Strong Together will greatly assist by connecting first responders to mental health resources and services.