EP.11  A Bridge Between Health and Home

EP.11 A Bridge Between Health and Home

From Code Forty4 by Amy Cortez

February 16, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

Amy Cortez interviews Mick Yinger about mental health support for first responders and their families through retreats and community initiatives.

In this episode, Amy Cortez interviews Mick Yinger, a retired police officer and co-founder of First Responders Bridge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders and their families. Mick shares his personal journey, the motivation behind starting the organization, and the structure of their retreats designed to provide a safe space for healing and connection. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, the role of spouses, and the ongoing support available through the Healing Bridge program. Real stories of transformation highlight the impact of these initiatives, while addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. Takeaways The organization focuses on mental health support for first responders and their families. Spouses play a crucial role in the healing process of first responders. The retreats aim to create a safe and confidential environment for attendees. 85% of first responders experience mental health issues, highlighting the need for support. The Healing Bridge program offers six free counseling sessions post-retreat. Community and connection are vital for healing in the first…

People in this episode

Host: Amy Cortez

Guest: Mick Yinger

Topics covered

  • mental health
  • first responders
  • community support
  • healing retreats
  • family support

Keywords

  • mental health
  • first responders
  • healing
  • community
  • retreats
  • support
  • transformation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First Responders Bridge

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