Your Life Matters, Part 19: Mental trauma and peer support among wildland firefighters
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, September 26th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
EASTERN OREGON — Welcome to Your Life Matters, a special project from the Elkhorn Media Group where we embark on a journey of compassion, understanding, and hope. In this space, we aim to shed light on a topic that often lingers in the shadows: suicide and mental health awareness. Here, we believe in the power of conversation to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create a supportive community for those who need it most.
Each month, we’ll share personal stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical strategies to navigate the complexities of mental health. Our goal is to foster empathy, dispel myths, offer resources, and provide a beacon of hope for those who may be struggling.
As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, Garrett Christensen recently spoke with Bob Arnsmeier, training coordinator for the Oregon Department of Forestry, Holly Migas, Executive Director for Responder Life, and Tim Hoffman, Public Affairs Officer for the Oregon Department of Forestry. This week they’re discussing the Oregon Department of Forestry’s peer support team, the often unspoken of mental health challenges faced by wildland firefighters, and the mental health resources available to first responders.
The full interview can be heard by clicking the audio link below:
More information on the ODF Peer Support team can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/odf-peer-team/home
This concludes our interviews for National Suicide Prevention Month. Join us next month for another conversation with local experts. Our previous interview can be found here.
Remember, You are not alone, reach out for help by calling the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Local resources also include New Directions Northwest in Baker County- 541-519-7126, and Center for Human Development in Union County – 541-962-8800, option 6.
