Johanna Garibaldi, RN, nurse navigator for the Firefighter Cancer Initiative, plays a pivotal role in protecting the firefighters who protect us. Cancer due to their occupation is the leading cause of death among firefighters, accounting for 70% of deaths. Firefighters are 14 percent more likely to die from cancer than the general U.S. population. At Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Garibaldi helps by:
- Raising awareness about the risks to firefighters locally, nationally and worldwide.
- Ensuring they receive needed healthcare.
- Inspires nurses to prioritize this at-risk population.
She is a passionate advocate for education, prevention measures and research opportunities to promote firefighter health, inspired in part by her background in emergency medicine, including experience as a paramedic with a local fire department and as an emergency room nurse.
