Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
All Things Considered
Tom Crann

Minnesota-made app helping first responders nationwide

An ambulance
University of Minnesota researchers say their app to help first responders manage stress has now been downloaded in all 50 states.
iStockphoto 2016

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

University of Minnesota researchers say their app to help first responders manage stress has now been downloaded in all 50 states.

The First Responder Toolkit allows users to take surveys so they can monitor job-related stress, or compassion fatigue, and then offers tips, resources and feedback — including that it might be time to take a break. About 30 percent of first responders experience depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, compared with 20 percent of the general population. They’re also at higher risk of dying by suicide, according to federal estimates.

Tai Mendenhall, an associate professor who helped develop the app, said the ultimate goal of the app is to allow health and emergency response professionals take care of themselves so they can continue to take care of others.

Mendenhall spoke with MPR News host Tom Crann. Hear their conversation using the audio player above.

This reporting is part of Call To Mind, our MPR initiative to foster new conversations about mental health.