Waves Ahead: Rebuilding Resilience for Puerto Rico - Episode 64 with Wilfred Labiosa

Wilfred Labiosa, CEO of Waves Ahead, discusses building community-based mental health and support services, including housing, for older adults and the LGBT community across Puerto Rico. He explains how Waves Ahead is working to solve problems through the organization’s hurricane relief work, reconstruction, the creation of regionally located centers, and ongoing research into anxiety, depression, and suicide among older Puerto Ricans. The episode addresses practical challenges—such as technology barriers, food insecurity, limited mental health access, and housing loss—and Waves Ahead’s plans for elder housing, shelters, and restorative community programs. Labiosa also addresses advocacy, policy obstacles, funding losses, and simple interventions listeners can use to support neighbors and reduce isolation.