2650 Foundation sponsoring 1st Annual First Responders Mental Health Fair

The 2650 Foundation is honored to extend an invitation to local first responders and community members for their 1st Annual First Responders Mental Health Fair on March 16th, 2024, from 10am-1pm. This event, held at the Orlando Professional Firefighters Union Hall, will feature speakers from UCF restores, The IAFF Center of Excellence, and local area current and retired first responders. The primary goal of this event is to raise awareness and provide resources for the mental health challenges that first responders often face in their careers. The event will include two yoga classes led by Tremonte Flowers, a 20-year Firefighter/Paramedic and yoga instructor of 10Flowers Yoga.

The 2650 Foundation was founded in honor of Apopka Firefighter/EMT Austin Duran in September of 2023, just shy of a year after Austin passed away, 15 days after a 4,500-pound sand trailer fell on him while on duty. The 2650 Foundation strives to continue Austin’s legacy by bringing awareness of the importance of safety and training through educational scholarships and opportunities. Equally important to the foundation’s efforts are mentorship and mental health.

Last month, The 2650 Foundation announced awarding three full scholarships to support their missions. These scholarships are not just about financial aid but about investing in the future of first responders. One graduating senior from Apopka High School will receive a full scholarship to firefighter standards, while one graduating senior from Wekiva High School will receive a full scholarship to EMT school. Additionally, one Apopka Firefighter will receive a full scholarship to paramedic school. Finally, in support of their commitment to safety and training, six Apopka firefighters will receive the opportunity to participate in VMR (Vehicle & Machinery Rescue) training.

The 2650 Foundation eagerly anticipates the 1st Annual First Responders Mental Health Fair. This event is about providing resources to first responders and giving the community a unique opportunity to understand the sacrifices this career demands. Megan Garcia, COO of The 2650 Foundation, hopes this event benefits the first responders in attendance and sparks a new wave of advocates for them in the local community. ‘In the year and a half since Austin’s passing, I have realized how underappreciated our first responders truly are. In every event that The 2650 Foundation hosts, we aim to showcase the fire service culture and create opportunities for the public to see these brave men and women as humans deserving of their consideration’.

This event is free to attend, but the two yoga classes happening during the event are $15 per class. 100% of funds raised during the event will be used towards The 2650 Foundation’s commitment to their missions.

To learn more, visit the2650foundation.org or The 2650 Foundation on Facebook.

To purchase tickets to yoga classes, please visit these events on Eventbrite or purchase them on the day of the event.

• For Class 1, go here.
• For Class 2, go here.