Dr. Kathy Dollard is the Director for Behavioural Health at MidMichigan Health System. In her role, she sets behavioral health strategies and has developed new programs such as integrated behavioral health in primary care settings, and behavioral health emergency services. Kathy has a background in community mental health and is certified in advanced alcohol and drug counseling and clinical trauma and she's also earned a certificate in Applied Positive Psychology.

In this episode, Kathy Dollard, Director for Behavioral Health at MidMichigan Health System, shares how she partnered with a nurse manager to combat loneliness in the health system by triggering a process in 211.

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You’ll Learn:

• [02:46] - Kathy explains what drew her to her work in positive psychology, and how it has impacted her both personally and professionally
• [06:21] - Kathy shares the changes she has seen in her community as a result of her work in positive psychology
• [07:53] - Kathy discusses her impact project from her certification program, the significant impact loneliness has on one’s health and wellbeing, and how she has worked to facilitate referrals to 2-1-1.
• [13:39] - Kathy shares how the learned optimism coming out of her positive psychology program helped her accomplish this work.
• [14:59] - Kathy explains the origins of her project and the collective impact of those involved in its creation.
• [17:28] - Kathy speaks to the mismatch between the amount of belonging that people feel and that they crave, and her desire to increase the level of loving connections in her community.
• [21:29] - Kathy talks about a course created by Dr. Regan for providers in their health system to learn positive psychology, and 10-5 Day created by Michael Rogers.
• [23:35] - Kathy shares a project in the works for her in which she and others will match people who would like to volunteer with people who are lonely and seeking connection and support
• [27:41] - Kathy takes on the Lightning Round!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me again this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the bottom of this post.

Until next time, take care!  Thank you, Kathy!