The JBHHF provides cardiac education and screenings for first responders, so every firefighter and law enforcement personnel always come home. In honor of Captain Jeffrey Brozich, who did not make it home.
Cardiac events are the second leading cause of death for active-duty firefighters. In the last decade, about half of on-duty firefighter deaths were caused by a heart attack. Despite these statistics, first responders know little about their cardiovascular risks. The Jeffrey Brozich Healthy Heart Foundation was created to educate first responders on the prevention of heart disease.
Our purpose is driven to be a key screening tool to proactively aid in underlying heart conditions among fire fighters and law enforcement officers. Through our cardiac education, we discuss how preventative measures such as cardiac screening secure a healthy future for all first responders.
Jeffrey Brozich
On March 1st, 2021, Captain Brozich, a 20 year veteran, suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty at the Madison Heights Fire Department. He was found by his fellow firefighters when he failed to report to Engine 71 for a medical run. He was 57.
Jeff seemed fit and healthy and passed the various physical tests required for the job. There were no warning signs and no evident symptoms of an underlying health condition. The cardiac event that Jeff suffered could have been prevented or treated, had he have known something was wrong.
Captain Brozich was married to Lindsay Brozich, a Madison Heights Police Officer, and father to Brianna, stepfather to Lucy and Milo.
Cardiac Education and Screening
44% of Firefighters death results from a cardiac event. Despite this significant statistic, first responders know little about their cardiovascular risks.
Our mission is designed to educate on the prevention of heart disease and encourage to seek preventative measures by providing a CT of the heart, and in hopes to keep the occupational risk limited to fighting fires and providing aid to those in need.
Our goal is to provide each first responder with a cardiac CT for calcium scoring and potentially other related scans. This screening provides pictures of the coronary arteries to determine if they are blocked or narrowed by the buildup of plaque – an indicator for atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease (CAD). The information obtained can help evaluate whether the individual is at an increased risk for a heart attack.
By offering heart health and heart screening to every firefighter and law enforcement personnel in the state of Michigan, the foundation is honoring Jeff’s legacy by helping our first responders make it home to their loved ones.
Support from Communities
Our foundation seeks to inform and educate our first responders, their families and the community in which they live and work. We want to be sure our loved ones have the tools and support to stay strong and healthy throughout their incredible careers - and long after! We ask for your support and the support of the community to help us grow this important and life-saving foundation. Please give what you can, spread the word, and be well.
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
information@jbhhf.org
Address
P.O. Box 71809
Madison Heights, MI 48071
