Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T.

This episodes topic ventures into territory we haven't discussed yet, and it's intriguing!  David Cook us a certified therapist with Venture Counseling in Manhattan, KS, and we discuss some of the benefits and challenges of using "magic mushrooms" for treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. 

Emily and Chaz Mailey are married and represent two different entities.  Emily is a professor in kinesiology at K-State. Chaz is a licensed psychologist in private practice.  This is a wonderful discussion on the impact nature can have on your mental wellness.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.org

Shari La Grange-Aulich returns to the P.A.C.T. studio and is joined by Chris Wilson, who along with her husband, Ron, own the Lazy T Ranch just southwest of Manhattan.  In this episode, Shari and Chris tell Lori about how being in nature can  provide positive impacts for those who are struggling with some mental health challenges.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.orglazytranch.us

Eric Kirsch is the Sheriff of Wabaunsee County.  He's become known throughout the state for his insightful and somewhat whimsical social media posts, with over 5,000 followers.In this episode, Sheriff Kirsch shares his story of growing up in New York City, his service in the US Marines, PTSD, alcohol abuse, recovery, faith and law and order.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.org

LightMHK supports mental health and wellness by removing barriers to care for those struggling with mental health challenges in the Greater Manhattan Kansas area, including Wamego and Junction City.  In this PACT episode, Deanna Nitschke and Jill Jacoby talk about the work Light MHK does and the lives they touch.  There's also a bit of info about a new fundraiser scheduled for January 31st!LightMHK.comFlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.org

Grieving during the Holiday season is a challenge for many. Today we talk about what that is like for those who are missing their loved ones. Joining us today for a frank discussion on handling grief during the holidays and beyond is our FHVC PACT Ambassador, and RSVP of Riley County volunteer, Brad Starnes.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.org

Jan and Carolyn share their life experiences as widowed women.  Jan's husband passed unexpectedly.  Carolyn's husband was ill and disabled for many years due to war illnesses.  Their journeys are tied together, but their individual paths through the grieving process are quite different.  Enjoy hearing how they continue to deal and grow in grief.

Amanda Yenzer is the Director of Crisis Services at Pawnee Mental Health. The 11-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit provides voluntary treatment for those experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Individuals receive intensive therapeutic services in a warm, supportive environment and then are assisted with transitioning back into the community with continued care and support. FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwarenessmcfks.org#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

Cathie Bear is a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Her focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. She achieves this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.

Joslyn Roadstrom lost her son at 22 months. She shares with us her journey of grief and depression. She became a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. She is also a certified death doula through DoulaGivers International and a certified Grief Educator through David Kessler.Joslyn shares her journey of how hating and loving her grief began to unfold.  Healing from grief has been heart wrenching, eye opening, confusing, and a gift.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers, Brad Starnes and Samantha Brown, are long-time educators in the Flint Hills region, and in this episode they share with Lori about the work that they are doing as FHVC PACT Ambassadors.

 Dr. Christine Durrett is a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist in Manhattan, Kansas, and in this episode, Dr. Durrett addresses concerns for our elderly population that are transitioning into a delicate time of their lives.  We discuss dementia, depression and anxiety, and provide some suggestions for families to assist their loved ones in finding help.  It's a wonderful discussion.  We hope you enjoy itwww.FlintHillsNeuropsych.comFlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwarenessmcfks.org#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

Sally Linton is an ADHD specialist.  Her personal experiences with individuals dealing with ADHD have led her into a career study of the condition.  In this episode, Linton gives us advice on how ADHD can be handled in a caring, supportive manner. FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwarenessmcfks.org#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

Nate McClendon's journey into mental health challenges began when he and his wife were notified of their 18 year old daughter's sudden death.  In this episode, McClendon shares how he navigated the pain and disbelief and forged a way to reach out to others who have also shared a loss of their loved ones. FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwarenessmcfks.org#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

Melissa's experience in losing her sister to suicide in 2006 inspired her to create Beacon of Hope, a local non-profit suicide prevention organization located in Emporia, KS.  The work on suicide prevention efforts help those who are dealing with ideation. Beacon of Hope is active with a number of events that raise awareness of their services and provide training to teach others about recognizing the signs of those that are dealing with their challenges.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwarenessmcfks.org#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationhopelinks.org620-412-8335melissa.owen@hopelinks.org#hopelinksustogether

Jareem Dowling is a coach for K-State Basketball.  He tells his personal story of depression and grieving following the death of his brother.  Coach also shares how his experiences have helped address mental health concerns with players and students.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.org

We had a wonderful opportunity to visit with 2 authors from opposite sides of the country  in this P.A.C.T. episode.  Gina Cavalier joins us from Oxnard, California and Dr. Amelia Kelley checks in from Cary, North Carolina.  They share their stories and inspirations that lead them to their chosen careers in helping people in distress.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.orgKelley-Counseling.comTheLiberatedHealer.com

Dane Jorento is a licensed BCA Holistic Mental Health Therapist based in St. Paul Minnesota.  He is also an author and artisit whose works reach out to young people dealing with mental health challenges.. He is an Innovative, creative problem solver who reaches others through a holistic approach to mental health.  It's a refreshing approach to mental health care.www.EmotionalPowers.comFlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.org

Brayden Merrill is currently a senior at Manhattan High School in Kansas. In this episode of the FHVC Suicide P.A.C.T. Podcast, Brayden tells about his journey dealing with the challenges of being a student during the Covid 19 pandemic.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com #FlintHillsVolunteerCenter #AmeriCorps #suicideprevention #suicidetreatment #suicideawareness #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation #GMCF mcfks.org

Dr. Kristie Clark returns as our guest in this episode. She started Victory Clinic in Junction Cityin January, 2023, and has since added clinics in Manhattan, Dodge City andLansing/Leavenworth, Kansas. In this FHVC Suicide P.A.C.T. episode, Dr. Clark shares hownew treatments, such as TMS and Spravato, can help individuals dealing with mental healthchallenges. VictoryClinics.com 785-209-3779  GenesSight.com SpravatoHCP.com ClinicalTMSSociety.org #TMS #Spravato #TreatmentResistantDepression #HealDepressionWithoutMeds #HopeForDepression  FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com #FlintHillsVolunteerCenter #AmeriCorps #suicideprevention #suicidetreatment #suicideawareness #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation #GMCF mcfks.org

In 2020, Cheyenne Strunk of Wamego, lost her dad to suicide.  He was a lifelong farmer in western Kansas.  Cheyenne and her husband, Tim, share their story and tell the need and resources available to prevent suicides in the farm communities.FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundationmcfks.orgKansasAgStress.org

Dr. Kristie Clark started Victory Clinic in Junction City in January, 2023, and has since added clinics in Manhattan, Dodge City and Lansing/Leavenworth, Kansas. In this FHVC Suicide P.A.C.T. episode, Dr. Clark shares how new treatments, such as TMS and Spravato, can help individuals dealing with mental health challenges. There’s so much good information here that we’re bringing Dr. Clark back! VictoryClinics.com 785-209-3779 GenesSight.com SpravatoHCP.com ClinicalTMSSociety.org #TMS #Spravato #TreatmentResistantDepression #HealDepressionWithoutMeds #HopeForDepression  FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com #FlintHillsVolunteerCenter #AmeriCorps #suicideprevention #suicidetreatment #suicideawareness #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation #GMCF mcfks.org

There’s a new effort that has been developed to connecting patients with mental health professionals. MHKMentalHealth is a website that has been developed by some Manhattan-based mental health professionals that not only helps patients get connected, but also connects health care providers with other professionals in the community. Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Sarah Wesch, tells Lori and Dave how the website was developed and how it can be helpful. MHKMentalHealth.org #MentalHealth #GMCF #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation mcfks.org #AmeriCorps #FlintHillsVolunteerCenter FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

The Flint Hills Wellness Coalition is an organization that was established in Manhattan to explore and advance health care needs, including mental health opportunities throughout the Flint Hills region. Deb Nuss is the Director of the Coalition, and she shares the challenges in the community and discuss the work being done to help those in need.  FlintHillsWellness.org FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com mcfks.org #GMCF. #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation #AmeriCorps #suicideawareness. #suicideprevention 

There's a concerted effort in the Flint Hills Region to tackle the issues that are associated with the availability of opioids and fentanyl.  Julie Gibbs and Jenni Ebert share what Riley County's Health Department is doing to create awareness...for kids AND parents.RileyCountyKS.govFlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention

Jenny Keener is a social worker in West Virginia. She tells the story of addictive behaviors in her family which also led to the passing of her sister.  It's a story of family and faith that begs to be shared.www.hhomwv.orgwww.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention

The Hope Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with all abilities through horseback riding and equine-assisted activities.  Listen as owners Ken and Cathy Scroggs share life-changing stories on how humans can connect with horses and find hope!#flinthillsvolunteercenter#hoperanchks#AmeriCorps#SuicidePreventionHopeRanchKS.orgFlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

Eric Martin is a Recovery Services Manager with Pawnee Mental Health.  On this episode, Eric delves into the challenges many face with mental health and addiction issues.  It's full of stories of hardship, despair, recovery and hope.  flinthillsvolunteercenter.org#AmeriCorpspawnee.org

This episode features discussion about how becoming a volunteer can help with your mental health.  Lori brings in 2 staff members from the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, Karen Paulus and  Aillene Aquino, to share stories of the numerous volunteers that have impacted others by sharing their time and talents.flinthillsvolunteercenter.org#volunteer #volunteering #AmeriCorps

Jacob Sanderson is a brilliant man who has been working through several mental illnesses.  Hear him tell his story, and how his art is therapeutic for himself...and has impacted others.https://www.facebook.com/groups/872491950214519/[email protected]#suicideprevention. #flinthillsvolunteercenter#AmeriCorps

Many struggle during the holidays with depression, anxiety and grief.  Courtney Graby, LSCSW with Endeavor Therapeutics, and Sheri La Grange Aulich, Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, join hosts Lori and Dave and share thoughts on how to handle the emotional challenges of the season.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com#AmeriCorps#SuicidePrevention#HolidayBlues

Celebrate Recovery is a Christian twelve-step program designed to facilitate recovery from a wide variety of troubling behavior patterns. Mick Tener was a long-time psychologist with the US Army and is currently a therapist with Andrews & Associates in Manhattan, KS.  Mick introduces us to a woman who found help through Celebrate Recovery through the University Christian Church. She tells a powerful story filled with challenges and triumphs.  www..celebraterecovery.comuniversity.church/celebrate#AmeriCorps#SuicideAwareness#SuicidePrevention#FlintHillsVolunteer Center

November is National Month of the Military Family.  This PACT episode features Ashley Delehanty, the Community Engagement and Partnerships Coordinator with the Eastern Kansas Health Care System.  At VA Eastern Kansas Healthcare System, their health care teams are deeply experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers.www.va.gov/eastern-kansas-health-care#AmeriCorps#SuicideAwareness#SuicidePrevention#FlintHillsVolunteer Center

K'Lee Reynolds is one of the founders of "Homefront Heroes Ministries" based at Fort Riley, Kansas.  In this episode,  K'Lee talks about how their faith-based ministry to military spouses is a resource to help with many of the emotional challenges military families face.  https://www.homefrontheroes.org#AmeriCorps#SuicideAwareness#SuicidePrevention#FlintHillsVolunteer Center

 Kathy Shepard is working with a number of agencies to help bring down the number of deaths by suicide amongst our veterans.  She is Chair of the Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Subcommittee through the Governor's Behavioral Services Planning Council.  In this episode, Kathy details their work  addressing the sub-committee's goals in reducing the number of veteran related suicides and their recommendations to KDADS Secretary Howard and Commissioner Andy Brown on the Governor’s behalf. liveconnectedkansas.org#AmeriCorps#LiveConnected#FlintHillsVolunteerCenter#suicidepreventionhttps://kdads.ks.gov/kdads-commissions/behavioral-health/gbhspc

Alexandra Wyman was plunged into grief when her husband died by suicide in 2020.  In this episode, Alexandra tells her story of grieving as a young mother, and how she has been able to share her experiences through public speaking, advocacy, podcasting and writing.  Her book "The Suicide Club: What To Do When Someone You Love Chooses Death" is available here:  "https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+suicide+club+alexandra+wyman&crid=3M7GBZV000BQS&sprefix=the+suicide+club%2Caps%2C165&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_2_16Also, follow her podcast "The Widow's Club," and find her online at www.forwardtojoy.com#Americorps#FlintHillsVolunteerCenter#suicideprevention#AlexandraWyman#Greater Manhattan Community Foundation#FHVCPACT

Brad Starnes is a long-time educator. He and his wife, Mary, lost their son, Jeremy, to suicide in 2003.  In this episode, Brad shares his family's story of loss, recovery, faith and hope.  It's a profound interview and we're proud to offer this story for those who've lost loved ones to suicide. RileyCountyKs.govKDADS.ks.govAmeriCorps.govmcfks.org #suicideawareness#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation 

Samantha Brown is the Mental Health Liaison for the Manhattan/Ogden USD 383 school district, and is also part of the Flint HIlls Suicide Prevention Task Force.  In this episode, Samantha talks real life concerns that deal with school aged children and how school officials and faculty are working to respond to their mental health needs.#Americorps#suicideawareness#KDADS#flinthillsvolunteercenter#Teenmentalhealth#childrensmercyflinthillsvolunteercenter.comAmeriCorps.govsamanthabr@usd383.org

A Kansas Community Suicide Prevention Grant from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is intended to address the ongoing crisis of suicide in Kansas though community driven suicide prevention programs which aim to reduce and prevent suicidal behaviors through the implementation and sustainability of effective, culturally competent suicide prevention strategies and activities.Riley County Health Department Director, Julie Gibbs and Licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Shari LaGrange-Aulich, explain how these monies will be utilized in the area.Go to FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com/pact-training-request/  to request a training presentation. HeartlandPsych.comRileyCountyKs.govKDADS.ks.govAmeriCorps.govmcfks.org#suicideawareness#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

Tom Ruest is a US Army veteran and currently works as a Public Affairs Specialist at Fort Riley.  As a former soldier, Tom shares his experiences in conflict and dealing with PTSD. This episode is very revealing of the realities that many service men and women face, and how the US Army is working with soldiers in need of help.#AmeriCorps#SuicideAwarenessflinthillsvolunteercenter.comLive Connected

Opioid usage and addictions have wreaked havoc in families locally...and across the nation.  The Riley County Health Department was able to secure a grant to educate young people in the area about the dangers of opioid and fentanyl usage and myths.  RCHD Director, Julie Gibbs, and Community Health Educator, Asia Sampson, describe the work they are doing in RIley, Pottawatomie, and Geary County schools to make kids aware of the dangers of the use of these drugs, and how mental health concerns often coincide with drug usage.rileycountyks.gov#RileyCountyHealth  #CommunityHealthEducation #OnePillCanKill

Amanda Hodges tells her deep, personal story of struggles with drug addiction and suicidal thoughts, and how she has been able to turn her life around.  Task Force member, Rachel Braddy, returns to the podcast to share what she has witnessed in Amanda's new life as a sober person with many hopes and goals ahead of her#BeAble  #FlintHillsVolunteerCenterbeablecommunity.com#Americorps

Joseph Disberger is our guest on this episode, and here he shares how he utilized his creativity to tell his story of dealing with mental health concerns.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com#suicideprevention #suicideawareness #AmeriCorps

Suicide awareness and prevention is key to saving lives.  In Wamego, Kansas, a  student group is working toward helping their fellow schoolmates identify warning signs.  Here's a delightful and compelling interview with Keldin and Cara.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com#suicidepact #suicideprevention #suicideawareness#AmeriCorps

Every community has individuals that "fall through the cracks." The list includes people who have dealt with addictions, mental health challenges, desperation or trying to reintegrate into society after spending time in the penal system. Scott Voos of Manhattan, Kansas, saw this void and created "Be Able." In this episode, Scott describes his experiences and what lead him into creating a community to help people transition back into society.beablecommunity.comflinthillsvolunteercenter.com#suicidepact #suicideprevention #suicideawareness#AmeriCorps

Dantia MacDonald is a Manhattan, Kansas, resident that has suffered from severe mental illness and was on a suicidal track.  She found help.  Now, she's helping others.  Hear of her efforts through a Manhattan agency called "Morningstar" and the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI).  It's a poignant tale of despair, recovery, and hope.#NAMI #AmeriCorps #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention#MentalIllnessmorningstarmentalhealth.orgNAMIKansas.org

Law enforcement officers are often the first responders to suicide threats and completions.  Riley County Police Department's Director, Kurt Moldrup, and Officer Joshua Berard, share their experiences and discuss the training and tactics that have been helpful in preventing potential suicides,  helping families who've lost loved ones, and how the officers handle their own emotions.#RCPD #RIleyCountyPolice  #AmeriCorps #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePreventionrileycountypolice.org

Funeral services can be challenging for those who've lost loved ones to suicide.  Melanie Nord is a pastor at First United Methodist Church in Manhattan, and also works with families and funeral homes, to bring messages of hope and faith to those that are mourning.  In this episode, Melanie shares how she constructs her messages for these services.  Melanie's video blog "Slow Spirit Sanctuary" can be found on Facebook.“P.A.C.T.” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, Training.” It’s a collaborative effort with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, the Kansas Health Foundation, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. In the PACT podcast series, we’ll visit with community members and professionals to address the various myths and the stigma associated with suicide.If you know someone who may be considering suicide, please share these stories and click here for more. https://www.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/yrspp/#suicideprevention #suicideawareness#americorps 

Troy Hartman is the pastor of the Rock Hills Church in Manhattan, Kansas.  In this episode of Suicide P.A.C.T., Pastor Troy shares how recklessness in his younger years led him to dark places, and how he was able to find peace through faith, and turn his life around.  It's a profound interview.“P.A.C.T.” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, Training.” It’s a collaborative effort with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, the Kansas Health Foundation, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. In the PACT podcast series, we’ll visit with community members and professionals to address the various myths and the stigma associated with suicide.If you know someone who may be considering suicide, please share these stories and click here for more. https://www.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/yrspp/#suicidepact #suicideprevention #suicideawareness#AmeriCorps

The director of USO Kansas, Mark Claussen, came up with a super cool concept:  therapy dogs for those that serve in our military.  In this episode of Suicide Awareness PACT, Mark tells Lori and Dave how rescue dogs Farley and Remi, are reaching out to soldiers, and how their senses can tell if a soldier is experiencing mental health struggles.Follow both dogs on Instagram:Farley4theforcesRemi4theforceskansas.uso.orgusofortriley.uso.orgflinthillsvolunteercenter.com“P.A.C.T.” is an acronym for “Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, Training.” It’s a collaborative effort with the Flint Hills Volunteer Center, the Kansas Health Foundation, AmeriCorps Seniors, and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation. In the PACT podcast series, we’ll visit with community members and professionals to address the various myths and the stigma associated with suicide.If you know someone who may be considering suicide, please share these stories and click here for more. https://www.flinthillsvolunteercenter.com/yrspp/#suicidepact #suicideprevention #suicideawareness#AmeriCorps