From Stigma to Support: 10 Years of Parkdale and CRNA Peer Assistance

Mental health and substance use have been impacting CRNAs and SRNAs, but we’ve come a long way in recognizing and addressing these challenges thanks to organizations like the Parkdale Center for Professionals. This episode is a powerful one centered on healing, growth, and the critical role of peer support. We’re excited to welcome Linda Stone, DNP, CRNA, peer advisor Jack Stem, and Bridget Petrillo, MS, APRN, CRNA to reflect on 10 years of progress since the founding of the Parkdale Center. They share powerful personal stories of struggle and recovery, the evolution of peer assistance in nurse anesthesia, and how initiatives like the AANA helpline and Parkdale’s 24/7 peer-driven support have become literal lifelines. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📞 Lifeline moments – How the AANA helpline and Parkdale save lives in critical moments. 🧠 Stigma and recovery – Why openly sharing stories reduces shame and fuels healing. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Peer assistance legacy – The history of CRNAs supporting each other since the 1980s. 🏥 Healthcare-specific care – Why addiction treatment for providers requires unique approaches. 🌟 Celebrating Parkdale – 10 years of profession-specific recovery and wellness support. If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Parkdale here: https://parkdalecenter.com/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate