About this episode

Melody Mesmer discusses the impact of Foundation 1023 on peer support and PTSD care for first responders.

Melody Mesmer tells the story behind Foundation 1023, a peer driven nonprofit born after a string of 2015 line of duty tragedies. Melody explains how 1023 (Kristen McLean’s badge number) connects first responders, dispatchers, medical crews, tow operators and families in Texas and Colorado to culturally competent, trauma informed counselors, peer support training, and outdoor resiliency programs like paddle boarding and movement-based therapies. She covers what early intervention looks like, how peer support reduces isolation, confidentiality protections for peer teams, and practical steps to access help. Melody emphasizes rural volunteer gaps, the importance of community outside the workplace, and why asking for help is a hero’s act. This podcast is brought to you by Medical Shipment: https://medicalshipment.com/

People in this episode

Guest: Melody Mesmer

Topics covered

• peer support
• PTSD care
• resilience
• first responders
• mental health
• community support

Keywords

• peer support
• PTSD
• first responders
• mental health
• resilience programs
• counseling
• outdoor therapies

Sponsors

Medical Shipment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Foundation 1023

Places: Texas, Colorado

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