We work to optimize wellness, longevity, occupational health, and on-duty performance among firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics/EMTs, and other emergency response professionals.
Supporting Idaho’s First Responders to stay healthy and on the front lines of service to our community.
SINCE 2019
OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
We promote first responders’ access to the specialized medical & mental health resources they deserve.
OUR APPROACH
We collaborate with leading health and wellness providers to promote first responder well-being – body, mind, and spirit.
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First Responders put their lives on the line to safeguard ours, in ways we can see and many more that go unnoticed.
First Responders Need Our Support
In addition to burns and bullets, first responders face a number of threats in the line of duty:
- Career-ending injuries from extreme physical exertion
- Increased risk for cardiac events and many cancers from chronic stress, smoke inhalation, and chemical exposures
- Infectious disease transmission from close contact with the public
- Acute depression and anxiety from repeated exposure to trauma and life-threatening incidents
Help us support these great men and women. Donate Today!
FRHI works to ensure…
that First Responders receive care that measures up to the physical and psychological demands of their profession through:
- Information – Customized Wellness Education & Outreach
- Innovation – Access to Medical, Mental Health & Integrative Healing Services
- Inquiry – Research to Elevate First Responder Well-Being
OUR PROJECTS
Recent Accomplishments
Paving the Way to Trusted Mental Health Care
Since 2023, FRHI has worked with Emergency Responders Health Center and other wellness allies to increase first responder access to the mental health care they deserve, when they need it. Through this collaboration, FRHI has helped to launch:
Mental Health Outreach | Presentations delivered by mental health professionals support first responders to identify duty-related mental health risks, and increase their awareness of proven resources for hope and recovery.
Innovative Mental Health Screening | “Check-In Sessions” enable first responders to debrief with a therapist familiar with active-duty challenges and culture. An “annual exam” for mental health, Check-Ins encourage responders to make their emotional health a habit, before concerns escalate into troubling conditions.
Occupationally Relevant Therapy | Individual, couples, and group therapy supports first responders and their family members to “unpack” the emotional trauma of emergency service, addressing commonly-occurring concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSI, substance abuse, and suicidality.
Health Resource Directory
FRHI is a proud sponsor of the ERHC 360 Health Resource Guide, featuring area professionals dedicated to advancing first responder mental health.
Current Initiatives
Improved Wellness is on the Way
Your generous donations will help our responders overcome health-related challenges to enjoy optimal quality of life and career longevity.
“Advanced Alert” Cancer & Cardiac Screening
First responders are at greater risk than the general public to develop severe cardiac conditions as well as many types of cancer. Routine screening ultrasounds can support the early detection, and timely treatment, of these life-threatening diseases.
Round-the-Clock Infectious Disease Protection
First responders risk exposure to infectious disease with every shift. The joint Ada/Canyon County Infectious Disease Exposure System (IDES) teams physicians, medical laboratories, and emergency agencies to ensure 24/7 support following possible transmissions. Rapid response protocols help to prevent the onset of – or expedite treatment for – HIV, Hepatitis B & C, Tuberculosis, and more.
PEAK Performance Center for Tactical Athletes
First responders take exceptional care of their emergency equipment. The PEAK Performance Center will promote injury prevention/recovery, functional fitness, and total-body wellness. Occupationally-based coaching and peer support will enable our community’s “tactical athletes” to maintain their most vital asset – themselves.
OUR STORY
FRHI was launched by active-duty members of Idaho’s firefighting, law enforcement, and paramedic sectors, along with medical and business allies, to improve well-being among our community’s selfless emergency response personnel. We work to identify, and fill, gaps in occupationally-relevant health and wellness services.
Founding Board Members
Rob Hilvers, MD
President
Founder and Medical Director, Emergency Responders Health Center
BIO
Robert Christensen
Vice President
Boise Fire Department
Joe Andreoli
Secretary
Boise Police Department
Dina Hardaway
Member At-Large
Ada County Paramedics
Ryan Zelinsky
Treasurer
Community Member