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.

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. 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!

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.

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!

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

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

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

The Inclusive Bean is a new Coffee Shop with an important mission in the Racine, WI area.

A place "...where individuals of all abilities can have a sense of belonging, be challenged appropriately, and be supported in wherever they may be going next in life."

In this episode, we talk to Amelia Fahnrich, Co-owner, and Helena Fahnrich, Manager, about the experience of inclusion of people who live with mental health disabilities and the impact of compassion in the workforce in the development of those living with mental health issues and in the community at large.

For more information about The Inclusive Bean, go to https://www.theinclusivebean.org/

To fill out the application form follow this link:

https://www.theinclusivebean.org/employment

May is Mental Health Awareness Week, and May 5th - 11th is Children's Mental Health Acceptance Week.

To discuss the critical issue of Children's Mental Health, we have invited Julie Hueller, Manager of the Racine Collaborative on Children's Mental Health, to share important information, guide what signs to look for in children, and discuss mental health.

You don't want to miss this important episode!

If you're interested in the "Access for All" Program, don't hesitate to get in touch with Julie Hueller at [email protected]

To access resources and information on mental health, please go to the Racine County Family Resources page at https://racine.wi.networkofcare.org/family/

We appreciate your support!

Jelena Jones is the Administrator of Behavioral Health Services for Racine County.

In this episode, Jelena and Carlos have a very informative conversation about the status of mental health services in Racine County and the County's efforts to fight the current opioid epidemic.

More information on the Human Services Department is here: https://www.racinecounty.com/departments/human-services

More information on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline here: https://988lifeline.org/

March is "Self-Harm Awareness Month"

Our guest, Kevin Wahl, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and NAMI Racine County Board Member

In this episode, we talk about Self-Harm or NSSI (Non-Suicidal Self-Injury), some possible reasons why people engage in this behavior, and what can be done to shift to a healthier coping mechanism.

For more information on this Self-Harm Awareness Month, click here:

https://www.pennfoundation.org/march-is-self-harm-awareness-month/

For more information on Kevin's specialties, click here:

https://lifestance.com/provider/kevin-wah-dsw-ma-lpc-csac/