Compassionate Conversations

Current State of Mental Health Services-Racine County

Jelena Jones of Racine County Behavioral Health shares an overview of the available mental health services in Racine County as well as the current status of mental health in our communities, including challenges and current trends.

Veteran to Veteran: Navigating PTSD and the Power of Peer Support

In this episode ofCompassionate Conversations, we sit down with two veterans who bravely share their journeys with PTSD, recovery, and the critical role of peer support in the healing process. Through their honest and powerful lived experience, they discuss the realities of military service, the challenges of living with PTSD, and the impact of peer support services for veterans. We explore the unique struggles veterans face, from navigating mental health resources to breaking the stigma around seeking help. Our guests provide firsthand insight into how peer support specialists—veterans helping veterans—offer hope, connection, and a path toward healing. Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or someone looking to better support those who have served, this episode delivers invaluable perspectives, practical advice, and a message of resilience. Call to Action: If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support, visitThe Captain John D. Mason Peer Outreach Program [www.veteranpeeroutreach.org]. This program connects veterans with trained peer specialists who provide guidance, referrals, and access to vital resources. No one should have to navigate PTSD or the challenges of life after service alone—help is available. Connect With Us: FollowNAMI Racine County for more episodes and updates on our mission to eliminate stigma and provide mental health resources. If this episode resonated with you, be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners!

A Veteran’s Journey: Serving Those Who Serve

Episode Description: In this episode of Compassionate Conversations, we sit down with Mark Flower, a dedicated veteran and peer support specialist for those who have served in the military. Join us as we explore Mark’s personal journey through military service, his transition to civilian life, and the ways Mark continues to support the veteran community. We discuss the challenges veterans face today, including mental health, access to resources, and building a life after service. Mark shares inspiring stories, actionable advice, and a powerful call to action for listeners to better understand and support those who have or are serving our country. Whether you're a veteran, a family member of someone who served, or simply someone looking to make a difference, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical ways to serve those who have served. Call to Action: If you or someone you know is a veteran in need of support, visit The Captain John D. Mason Peer Outreach Program, which aims to save lives by utilizing Veteran peers that go into the community and locate Veterans in need engaging them in VA health services, and other community resources, to live a healthy, productive life. The program is designed to provide you the best peer services, referrals for case management support and connection to VA benefits. Lear more at www.veteranpeeroutreach.org Connect With Us: Follow NAMI Racine County for more episodes and updates on how we’re working to eliminate stigma and provide resources for mental health. Be sure to like, subscribe, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you!

Salud Mental en la Comunidad Hispana: Rompiendo con el Estigma

En éste episodio especial de Compassionate Conversations, hablamos con Keydi Bognar, de WWBIC, sobre la necesidad de romper con el estigma sobre salud mental en la comunidad Hispana. Keydi comparte con nosotros su experiencia personal y familiar, como inmigrante y recipiente de DACA y de cómo la terapia se ha convertido en una actividad familiar. Keidy es también la presentadora de "More than a DREAMer", un Tedx Talk que pueden ver aquí: https://youtu.be/siRcm2IPT5U?si=vY5ngM8PjXiSUg-X [https://youtu.be/siRcm2IPT5U?si=vY5ngM8PjXiSUg-X]

Mental Health in the Hispanic Community

In this episode, we have a conversation with Keidy Bognar, from WWBIC, about the need to break the stigma on mental health and mental illness. Keidy shares her experience and that of her family as an immigrant, and DACA recipient, and how therapy has become a family affair. Keydi is also a TEDx Talk presenter of "More than a DREAMer", you can check her presentation here: ⁠https://youtu.be/siRcm2IPT5U?si=vY5ngM8PjXiSUg-X⁠ [https://youtu.be/siRcm2IPT5U?si=vY5ngM8PjXiSUg-X] You can also check the Spanish version of this episode here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/namiracine/episodes/Salud-Mental-en-la-Comunidad-Hispana-Rompiendo-con-el-Estigma-e2lblk8 [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/namiracine/episodes/Salud-Mental-en-la-Comunidad-Hispana-Rompiendo-con-el-Estigma-e2lblk8]