On January 1, 2019, a new law went into effect that may drastically change the way work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims are handled in Minnesota. For PTSD injuries that occur on or after January 1, 2019, there is a presumption for first responders that their PTSD is work-related.

Forward by Ron Meuser, Jr.

Jen Yackley & I originally met with Dana (who wrote the story below), her husband Ed & his service dog Rex to hear their story and learn how I can help. They founded an organization called Solder’s 6 whose mission is to provide honorably discharged veterans, police officers, and firefighters with specially trained K-9 dogs. The support they provide these brave individuals is nothing short of amazing and, unfortunately, very needed. We hear from our police officer & firefighter clients with PTSD that the suffering doesn’t end when the job is over and many don’t want the job to end. Dana and Ed’s story is very real, heartbreaking, and a reminder that we must be continuously supportive in any way we can.  Please join Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. in supporting this worthy organization by going to https://www.soldiers6.com/how-can-i-help

As Minnesota first responders may know, the Minnesota legislature recently passed legislation to create a workers’ compensation statutory presumption for those individuals who contract COVID-19 while performing first responder duties (Minn. Stat. § 176.011). Hopefully, this legislation will serve to provide immediate workers’ compensation medical expense and wage loss coverage for our State’s first responders who are at greatest risk for contracting COVID-19 while engaged in critical services in our communities.

Meuser, Yackley & Rowland, P.A. is actively involved in the legislative session addressing issues that are important to our law enforcement officers & other first responders. Over the past several months Firefighters For Healing worked with Senator Champion and Representative Dehn to draft 2 legislative bills in support of our Transitional Healing Center for first responders, burn survivors and their families connected by skyway to Hennepin Healthcare. We believe that Minnesota first responders deserve a place to stay should they find themselves in the Twin Cities after an injury or medical diagnosis. There is currently a bill on the house floor which provides for funding towards building a 15,000-square-foot Transitional Healing Center that will offer FREE overnight stays in 1-2 bedroom apartment for qualifying first responders and their families seeking medical care whether it’s for work or non-work related illness or injury. Click here to learn more about the bill on the House Floor (HF 3366) and click here to learn about the bill on the Senate Floor (SF 2975).

By May 8, will you please contact Senator Senjem and/or Representative Mary Murphy to show support of these bills that would provide funding for this building and the skyway that would connect it directly to Hennepin Healthcare?