Alive and Well STL

Today we focus our Alive and Well STL lens on Community Trauma and Racial Equity. Jade Harrell with Khatib Waheed, founder of the Racial Equity Learning Exchange. As a national presenter, facilitator and consultant, Khatib A.F. Waheed provides training services in support of judicial circuits, child welfare and juvenile justice jurisdictions and other organizations to improve services and outcomes for children and families of color. In recent years this work has been expanded nationally to engage an increasing number of public and private agencies.Learn more Khatib A.F. Waheed, LLChttps://www.khatibwaheed.com/

When Helping Hurts...Trauma effects you, me and our first responders. How do they cope to be Alive and Well?Jade Harrell with Sgt. Sally Panzer and April Casey who know first-hand what it's like to be on the front lines.

Person-centered care is a shift in the way of thinking and doing things in healthcare that sees the patients as partners to make sure the services meet their needs. Add in a trauma-informed and trained staff and the possibilities are outstanding.Dr. Caroline Day brings respect and consideration to each of her patients in family medicine. The "Alive and Well STL" message provided the piece of the puzzle that was missing from sustainable results and care with her patients. She became an ambassador and found it to be as rewarding to her as it was for those who benefited from the application of the training.Veronica Richardson is at the senior level of administration as the Vice President of Quality Improvement with Affinia Healthcare. She not only discovered the "Alive and Well STL" Ambassadors training was essential for improving the communication and relationship between staff and patients; but it also improved the well-being of their staff in their personal and professional lives. Veronica came to healthcare early on as a child and was taught that community care is what truly makes us all Alive and Well!!!Learn more about Dr. Day and Family Care Health Centers at http://www.fchcstl.orgFor more about Affinia Healthcare visit http://affiniahealthcare.orgFor Alive and Well STL visit www.aliveandwellstl.org

As occupational therapists, Denise and Carrie have years of formal training and experience with children and trauma. They signed on to be ambassadors with Alive and Well STL and found that the training not only complimented their existing body of knowledge but positively impacts their work in the classroom--with students, teachers as well as parents. What they discovered along the way was the positive impact the AWSTL training and community had on their personal lives as well. Inside this episode of Alive and Well STL we meet these dynamic ladies who's hearts and passion is to make our region's children and families healthier. Log on to www.aliveandwellstl.com for ways you can connect and tools to help you address your stress.Also in this episode:- learn ways to address your own personal tragedies and responses- how to give more of our best selves to our children and those we care for- what tools we have available to make a difference with what we have- why we should sign up for AWSTL training whether or not we plan to be ambassadors-what hope is ideal as well as practical to build a healthier St. Louis

Meet the Ambassadors!!! Robert White, III, Youth Programs Worker and trained AWSTL ambassadorElle Potter, Founder and Instructor, Yoga BuzzAlive and Well STL is recruiting ambassadors to serve as experts in, and liaisons to, the community to further communicate the message of Alive and Well STL. Robert and Elle signed on and have been making an impact. The reward is more than a sense of community pride and giving, their lives have been influenced in ways that are immeasurable.Ironically, Robert learned of AWSTL from the radio commercials and decided to learn more. Elle can't even remember how she came to the knowledge of the Alive and Well STL movement, but she knew immediately that it held a place of purpose in her work as well as her personal traumatic experiences.Improving the wellness of our community is up to all of us, and everyone is invited to join in the conversation. If you are interested in being part of Alive and Well STL and helping continue the conversation in your organization, neighborhood, and faith community, please, visit www.aliveandwellstl.com or email [email protected]. Let them know you heard all about it on the podcast!!

According to the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, a chronic disease is one lasting 3 months or more. By definition, chronic diseases generally cannot be prevented by vaccines or cured by medication, nor do they just disappear. So how can you live Alive and Well? Meet Anonymous. Though she didn't want to disclose her name, she wanted to share her story, the stress of her chronic bipolar disease and how she's learning to cope. Her condition caught her completely off guard but she's learned to manage her life and disease with education, sleep management and stress reduction. She lives in recovery, but she's living! She offers healthy strategies for the rest of us to be Alive and Well even when living with a chronic diagnosis.

Alive and Well STL enters the complicated world and minds of our teens with call-in talk show host Sean Mulroney. Through his tumultuous and challenging childhood he became an advocate and place of comfort to thousands of American teens. They talk to him. And though he struggles through difficult health issues, he uses his life as a beacon of hope for the teens he meets in school assemblies and live through his show.Sean, Spanky and two of their teenage team members share their traumatic stories and how they found hope, happiness and victory on the other side of darkness. They also give the top 3 things parents can do and should watch for to be a help rather than a hindrance to their very volatile teenage children.Learn more at www.teensofamerica.netListen to Teens of America here-https://soundcloud.com/teensofamericaradio

Meet Greg Kenner. Also known as Mr. Bigg. Clever, funny, dedicated and determined. A father and husband living a dual existence. On the outside, he's the happiest guy in the world. Inside he's burried under the stress and anguish of something painful and frustrating. So much so that he uses food among other things to insulate him from the hurt. His health, his weight and his heart suffer through the suppression. And though his weight has ballooned to nearly 400 pounds, he keeps trying. For anyone who might see him, they would say Mr. Bigg hardly has a care in the world. For Greg this is by design so that he may bring joy to others and maybe gain a little joy for himself as he works on the rest.

Meet Joni. After spending 20 years in the state hospital, she overcame the control that the voices in her head seemed to have over her. She nearly died trying to punish herself through self-mutilation. With help, treatment, support from friends, prayer and determination, Joni was able to find hope. Though she still hears the voices, she has the ultimate voice of victory. We unite with Joni to break the stigma of mental illness."We may have a mental illness but that's not something bad. We can have a cold and get over it and with mental illness we can still get over it. There's hope. We are not alone. There is hope for us!"Alive and Well STL teams up with the For Sake of All project at the St. Louis Science Center to host a forum on emotional well-being. We extended the microphone to participants who wanted to join the conversation.

Meet Evelyn and Gladys. Doctors, friends and wellness advocates. They come to the conversation with decades of experience, involvement and commitment. They found a renewed connection to Alive and Well through realizing the Mind, Body, Spirit and Community relationship."It's not about you, it's about how you are connected to one another and to your community. What are you going to do to make things better!"Alive and Well STL teams up with the For Sake of All project at the St. Louis Science Center to host a forum on emotional well-being. We extended the microphone to participants who wanted to join the conversation.

Meet Ronald. In the prime of his life lost his eyesight in an unsuspecting accident on a basketball court. His story of resilience and determination helps us find pathways to Alive and Well when it may seem out of view. His message for us is powerful to stay true to who you are at your core and never give up. "Don't let anyone tell you what you cannot do or where you cannot go...If I can do it, so can you!"Alive and Well STL teams up with the For Sake of All project at the St. Louis Science Center to host a forum on emotional well-being. We extended the microphone to participants who wanted to join the conversation.

Meet mother, author, triumphant victor over childhood challenges, career and educational obstacles, even a 100 pound weight loss journey. She discovered a mindset, strategies, resilience and an all out resolve to be Alive and Well.Be inspired, encouraged and influenced by Montrice to carve out Alive and Well for yourself.

Jade Harrell with Culeta Hendricks, the founder and president of Reprieve: A Spiritual Wellness Center for Women. Reprieve is a newly established non-profit organization that seeks to provide women of all walks of life a spiritual haven where they can escape their day-to-day stresses and demands. Research shows that women are juggling a great deal of responsibility with the different roles they play and are experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety. At Reprieve women are able to relax in the luxurious suite where they can come to read, watch an inspirational movie in peace and quiet, listen to gospel music, jazz or easy listening sounds of tranquility. Women have an opportunity to take advantage of spiritual counseling and Sister Chat where they can engage in empowering conversations. Women are able to fully rejuvenate and indulge in the blessing of just being. The center has hours that will accommodate the working woman, the mom of many, and the senior citizen in retirement. They have created an environment where women can relax, rejuvenate and better thrive in such a demanding world.Take an audio tour in this Alive and Well episode and learn more at www.reprievewellness.org.Reprieve is located at 6614 W. Florissant, St. Louis Mo 63136.To schedule a visit of our facility please contact Cue at (314) 382-5488 or [email protected]

Producer, Jade Harrell with Lisa Baron, Founder and Executive Director and Jill Cigliana, Program Director of Memory Care Home Solutions with Chuck Jahneke, volunteer and board member.

Bethany with Dr. Faisal Khan, Director of the St. Louis County Department of Health and Melba R. Moore, MS, CPHA Acting Director/Commissioner of Health for the City of St. Louis.A frank and powerful conversation that reveals the challenges, the politics, the misconceptions and the opportunities that exist for the newest leads to public health. Hear how they are taking it on with strength and in stride to ensure a healthy region.

Bethany continues intimate conversation with St. Louis American publisher and editor, Dr. Donald M. Suggs (part 2 of 2)

Bethany with St. Louis American publisher and editor, Dr. Donald M. Suggs (part 1 of 2)

Alive and Well Producers Meeting - Maribeth Hollinshead Jennie OberkromeMary Beth Hollinshead, Program Director and Nurse Navigator with Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns with Jennie Oberkrom, MSW, LCSW Prenatal Care Coordinator, Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns.Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns is a funded program through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) that aims to improve prenatal care, health care delivery, and pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women and their families. A grant to implement the Strong Start program was awarded to Signature Medical Group, a physicians group that includes six OB/GYN offices that provide excellent healthcare services in the greater St. Louis area and surrounding counties.The Strong Start program offers a comprehensive prenatal health care program for pregnant women. The Strong Start team assists women with Medicaid insurance enrollment, connects them to a Signature Medical Group OB/GYN of their choice, and provides additional care and support with a nurse navigator and prenatal care coordinator. The comprehensive medical team is patient centered and focuses on increasing access to prenatal health care and improving health outcomes for women and children. Strong Start for Mothers and Newborns is an innovative program that addresses all aspects of a woman’s health.

20 yo REGGIE and 11 yo NADIA hold vastly different AWSTL perspectives. Both feel the toxicity of racism.

Meet Stacy and Heather

Producer, Jade Harrell sitting in for Bethany in the studio with Reverend Rice, Pastor of New Horizon Christian Church and founding member of the Bridges to Care and Recovery program, along with Rose Jackson-Beavers, Community Connector Project Manager for Bridges. So much of what we talk about with Alive and Well shows us how important faith communities are to our community’s well being. Before we get started, we want to highlight some of the work that the Behavioral Health Network does here in St. Louis called “Bridges to Care and Recovery”. Bridges views faith communities as an integral part of the mental health response of our community. The program works with churches in St. Louis to help their pastors and lay leaders better understand mental illness and how to respond to congregants in need. They also help connect those experiencing mental health crises to the right types of resources. Bridges works to make faith communities spaces that are supportive of members living with mental illness and their family members and caregivers. In this episode discover: How the Bridges to Care and Recovery program started here in St. Louis. The services that are offered to members of the churches Rev. Rice and Rose work with.After a church goes through the Bridges program, what changes its congregant’s notice.What goes into making a church a “Bridges church”.Much of Reverend Rice’s life has been devoted to advocacy in our community and working to make it a less violence and healthier place to live. He shares how trauma and stress impacts the people and faith community. Why it is so important to have our faith communities informed about mental health-what it looks like, how it is treated, and how it affects families and caregivers. What makes Reverend Rice so passionate about doing this work with churches.Thank you everyone for joining us for another episode of Alive and Well STL. We look forward to speaking with you next week. For more information about Alive and Well STL follow us on Twitter @aliveandwellstl, Facebook or visit us online at aliveandwellstl.com.We’ll be back next week. Thanks for listening!

Producer Jade Harrell (sitting in for Bethany Johnson-Javois) with Pat McGonigle, anchor for KSDK Channel 5 and Sergeant Sally Panzer from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Through their work, as well as their life experiences, they have a unique perspective on what our region needs to become Alive and Well. Mr. McGonigle and Sgt. Panzer were brought together at the McAtee Awards, of which Mr. McGonigle was the host. These awards, given by Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, honor law enforcement officers whose compassion and dedication make a significant difference in the lives of persons living with mental illness. Sgt. Panzer was honored twice this year for two separate situations with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, both of which had positive outcomes. She clearly has a proven track record of success -- as an officer -- of helping people living with mental illness get connected to care they need to become well. As host for the second year of the Mental Health America McAtee Awards, Mr. McGonigle has become a champion for officers who help facilitate positive outcomes for families and individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Mr. McGonigle has seen first-hand the difference a well-trained, compassionate officer can have in the life of a family member of someone living with mental illness. Surprised to hear a police officer and a television news anchor talking about mental illness? Discover how the two worlds became involved in this topic. IN THIS EPISODE: Sgt. Panzer's role as a law enforcement officer when responding to someone in a mental health crisis. Share Mr. McGonigle's story about having law enforcement responding to calls in his home. The impact that the officers made when interacting with his family member living with a mental illness. How we as a community can support the ability of law enforcement to respond effectively to people with mental illness. Pat's recommendation to families who may be going through this difficult time. Why having a family member living with a mental illness can be difficult without having a support system in place. Sgt. Panzer's suggestions for us who may find ourselves in a situation with a family member in crisis and the police become involved. Thank you everyone for joining us for another episode of Alive and Well STL. We look forward to speaking with you next week. For more information about Alive and Well STL follow us on Twitter @aliveandwellstl or visit us online at aliveandwellstl.com. We’ll be back next week. Thanks for listening!

Orvin Kimbrough, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, works to provide resources to those most in need in our community. He emphasizes the importance of fostering good coping skills in children and fostering a connection between people through small acts of kindness.

Joyce Johnston and Sandra Hartge of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) of St. Louis speak about the trauma a mental illness diagnosis can have on an entire family and the chronic worry that may result. They emphasize self-care for family members of a person with mental illness and discuss how gaining knowledge about treatment and best practices can improve relationships between family members.

Pediatrician and activist Dr. Huldah Blamoville seeks to get parents involved in their children's lives in order to help young people be active and productive in their community. She shares her worldwide experiences and her outlook for children, parents and St. Louis.

Tricia Rolan-Hamilton and Celeste Smith of the Magdalene House founded a home where women who have suffered serious trauma can recover in a safe and supportive community. They provide education, job training, and love so that women graduate after two years with the ability to be self-sufficient and successful.

African Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS, and this disparity has grown deeper over time. Angela Clabon, CEO of Myrtle Davis Hilliard Comprehensive Health Centers, and Dale Wrigley, Director of Engagement & Advocacy with Saint Louis Effort for AIDS, encourage medical providers to make HIV testing a standard of care so that patients can know their status. They invite all people to get tested in order for treatment to begin early, especially since treatment has become more effective in recent years.

Dr. Kira Banks, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Saint Louis University, examines how to dismantle racism and, in the meantime, how to help people who are experiencing it cope with it and avoid its negative effects. She speaks about the effects of racism as a chronic stresser and how to achieve emotional emancipation through discussion and social support.

Frankie Muse Freeman, age 98, shares her story of civil rights activism and how she became a lawyer in a deeply segregated society. She was a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and helped enact progress through the Civil Rights Commission.

Sister Mary Antona Ebo speaks about her inspiration for civil rights activism and reflects on the meaning of her walk in Selma 50 years ago. She stresses the importance of daily prayer and bringing God into our homes and hearts.

Rachel Deffenbaugh, Urban Farm Manager at Gateway Greening, and Connie Fisher, Director of Mental Health Promotion at Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, discuss how gardening can be integrated into self-care. They share how a garden can be a place where people enjoy work and exercise, connect with their community through sharing food and flowers, and be spiritually mindful of the life they are living.

The loss of a child is considered one of the most traumatic experiences, regardless of a child’s age. Debbie Cochran, Executive Director of Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support, and Teresa Brassfield, Registered Nurse and Share Coordinator at DePaul Hospital, speak about how loved ones can support a family grieving the loss of an infant. They also discuss the many resources that are available for grieving St. Louis families.

Chris Krehmeyer, President and CEO of Beyond Housing and host of the local weekly talk show, “Going Beyond,” shares what makes up a resilient community and what you can do to make your neighborhood stronger, more resilient and more trauma-informed. He recognizes the importance of knowing your neighbors and utilizing the principles of empowerment, transparency, respect, and collaboration when engaging in community development.

Alive and Well STL ambassadors speak about how trauma and toxic stress affect us emotionally and physically. They discuss a case study of a 51-year-old man who has been to the Emergency Room four times in the last two months because of chest pain. He has suffered trauma throughout his life and the ambassadors evaluate how this is affecting his physical well-being.

Alive and Well STL ambassadors share how they became involved and why they share the message. They also analyze a case study about a man leaving prison and re-entering the community after serving 2 years. The ambassadors evaluate the options to help him live safely and with opportunities.

At an event for Alive and Well STL ambassadors Jennifer Brinkmann of the Regional Health Commission encourages community members to engage by visiting AliveandWellSTL.com. Rosetta Keeton, also RHC staff, discusses assumptions and why we should let people tell their own story. Ambassador Tinley speaks about how we can each help our community become more trauma-informed.

Dr. Johnetta Craig, Chief Medical Officer at Family Care Health Centers, and Rosetta Keeton, Patient Access Consultant at the St. Louis Regional Health Commission and also a long-time patient of Dr. Craig’s, speak about the confidence and wellbeing that comes with acquiring health insurance and, in turn, eliminating stress. They discuss how the recent policy developments in insurance allow patients to secure reasonably priced treatment and allow doctors to help patients to their maximum capacity.

Our host Bethany Johnson-Javois in on site at the first Alive and Well STL Ambassador Open House. Ambassadors Erin and Danny present the Bonfyre app, through which community members can have conversations about trauma and its effects. Other ambassadors spoke of a group discussion about a case study in which a student is continually acting out in class, exhibiting trauma-related behavioral issues.

Connie Fisher, Director of Mental Health Promotion at Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, and Riisa Easley, Project Director at St. Louis Regional System of Care, give advice for moving past negativity and gaining and sharing hope. They recommend practicing acceptance, starting the day with positivity, and being honest about pain so you can make a difference in your health.

Connie Fisher, Director of Mental Health Promotion at Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri, and Riisa Easley, Project Director at St. Louis Regional System of Care, recommend small steps for achieving wellness in all areas of our lives. They share signs that allow us to recognize when we are chronically or intensely stressed and how we can move past it.

Robin Saenger, Founding Director of Peace4Tarpon, a trauma-informed community movement in Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Marsha Morgan, Chief Operating Officer of Truman Medical Center Behavioral Health in Kansas City and partner of Trauma Matters KC, a trauma-informed care model, share the changes they have seen in their communities since implementing a trauma-informed approach. They speak about why understanding trauma is so important and how everyone can and should play a part in the movement.

Serena Muhammad, Director of Strategic Initiatives at the St. Louis Mental Health Board, and Toni Jordan, Peer Specialist at Queen of Peace, help trauma survivors recover through empowerment and aid them in living a fulfilling life. They encourage all of us to engage with those who may need to see a friendly face and to look at problems' root causes at the individual and community level.

Sherrill Wayland, Executive Director of SAGE (Service & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) Metro St. Louis and Andrew Shaughnessy, Manager of Public Policy of PROMO, work to eliminate the health disparity gap between GLBT people and the general population. They stress the importance of health and social service organizations adopting GLBT welcoming policies and always showing dignity and respect, even during disagreement.

Nancy Spargo, CEO and Co-founder of the St. Louis Center for Family Development, and Emily Phillips, Mental Health Professional for the St. Louis Center for Family Development, speak about how adults can help children recover from a traumatic experience. They share how asking "What happened?" instead of "What's wrong?" takes the event outside the child's domain and presents it as an external event that affects him or her, but is not the child's fault.

Larry Bastain lost his nephew to a brutal homicide, yet remains hopeful through the hurt and trauma his family is facing. He found that forgiveness can be not only freeing, but also an integral part of healing. Hear why retaliation, though he considered it, was not an option, and how he found a greater response.

Dorothy Burgess attends weekly grief meetings put on by the Demetrius Johnson Charitable Foundation, which help her and other loved ones of homicide victims cope with loss. She expresses the way homicide has changed her life and the daily pain she faces. Burgess shares her hopes for the future and her grandchildren.

Major Ronnie Robinson of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and Demetrius Johnson started a weekly grief meeting for loved ones of homicide victims. Robinson encourages law enforcement to use outreach, intervention, and enforcement to reduce violence and to work with people in the community in order to gain their trust. He wants society to admit the stigma of the young black male so that we can cure it.

"Our perceived lack of empowerment may have a negative impact on our health." Dr. Vetta Sanders Thompson, Professor at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work, talks about how class and race matter in St. Louis. She encourages community members to take care of themselves and maintain resilience. Dr. Thompson shares her vision for the future improvements of St. Louis.

We know that those who experience persistent, toxic stress or traumatic, adverse events are less likely to achieve good health. Dr. Terry Jones, Founder’s Professor for Political Science at University of Missouri-St. Louis, discusses how historical discrimination against African-Americans affects current education and wealth disparities. He explains the challenges of our current democracy and how citizens can get involved in their local government and why they should.