Guests: Kathy Coppola, Executive Director, NAMI Miami (National Alliance on Mental Illness).

Anita Herron, National Manager of Educational Programs, Homefront Program, NAMI

The program focuses on mental health challenges Veterans face when transitioning to civilian life, and the impact of their experiences on family and friends. Coppola is the daughter of a World War II Veteran; Herron’s father is a Vietnam Veteran, and her husband is a Veteran of the ongoing war in Afghanistan. They share their personal stories of how each Veteran handled their emotional difficulties differently and explain how a Veteran’s abilities to cope with the lasting effects of war are often dependent on the cultural norms of the time: the public’s reaction to the war, expectations of gender-specific behavior, and the availability of Mental Health Assistance, which until recently has been largely stigmatized by both the Military and the general public. Acceptance of Mental Health Care is growing, and NAMI has programs, such as ‘Homefront’ specifically for Veterans. http://www.namimiami.org

http://www.nami.org/homefront

Guest: Jennifer Messemer, Media & Public Relations Officer, Miami-Dade WASD.

Messemer alerts Miami-Dade residents that for two weeks, from November 8th thru November 21st, water pipes will be flushed, an annual process to keep the water from the Biscayne Aquifer as clean and pristine as possible. During this time, residents may notice a slight chlorine taste in their water, or some cloudiness. They can just run the tap for a few minutes and the water will clear. Messemer also provides tips on keeping pipes clear and running smoothly, including their 'Can the Grease' promotion, to prevent people form pouring grease down pipes, which eventually solidifies and clogs the pipes. She also offers water-saving tips, and shares information about rebates the county offers for switching to energy-efficient shower heads, toilets and more.

http://www.miamidade.gov/water

Segment 1 - Guest: Laura Whitfield, USMC (Ret), Director of Mission United Miami. Whitfield talks about the adjustments Mission United has made in light of Covid-19, taking many of their group meetings online to accommodate social distancing and safety guidelines. She also provides information about resources available specifically for Veterans during the pandemic, including funding from Miami-Dade County. MUMiami is holding a food drive and fundraiser for Veterans to coincide with Veterans Day, November 11th. This will include food deliveries for Veterans who don’t have access to transportation to drive-thru food distributions.

http://www.unitedwaymiami.org/missionunited

Segment 2 - Guest:Melba Pearson, Esq., Director of Policy and Programs, Center for the Administration of Justice at Florida International University Pearson returns to the program to explain two more State Amendments on the General Election Ballot: Amendment 1, which changes verbiage about who is eligible to vote in the State of Florida, from ‘every’ citizen to ‘only’ citizens. Essentially nothing changes whether one votes Yes or No. She also covers Amendment 2, calling for an increase in Florida’s minimum wage to $10.00 effective September, 2021, with an additional $1 increase each year until reaching $15 hourly in 2026. Yes: Increases the minimum wage, but could create financial hardship for small business owners. No: nothing would change.

https://caj.fiu.edu

Segment 1 - Joshua's Heart Foundation

Guest: Karen Grey, Volunteer

Grey explains how Joshua’s Heart Foundation is a youth-run non-profit, founded by Joshua Williams when he was 4 ½ years old. The organization’s mission is to end hunger and poverty, while engaging young people in community efforts, and teaching them about kindness, teamwork and determination. Joshua’s Heart has a food pantry in North Miami Beach.

http://www.joshuasheart.org To schedule food pickup: 305-944-4452

Segment 2: Voting - Explaining State Amendments 3 & 4

Guest: Melba Pearson, Esq., Director of Policy and Programs, Center for the Administration of Justice at Florida International University

Pearson explains two of the State Amendments on the General Election Ballot: Amendment 3, which would allow open party voting in Primaries for State Legislature, Governor and Cabinet, but not President; and would have the final ballot decision between the top two Primary vote-getters regardless of party affiliation. She also covers Amendment 4, which would require all amendments or revisions to the State Constitution to be approved by voters in two separate elections, with a 60% margin each time.

https://caj.fiu.edu

Segment 1: Women in Distress, Guest: Linda Parker, Presiden / CEO.

Parker is also Chair of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, a coalition of all 41 State- Certified Domestic Abuse Shelters throughout Florida, including WID. FCADV is expanding its coordination efforts between shelters to provide survivors of Domestic Violence more options when escaping a violent situation. Parker discusses the increase in Domestic Violence since Covid-19 began, as well as the corresponding difficulty in escaping . Women in Distress has shifted some services to virtual platforms to accommodate safety guidelines for Covid-19.

http://www.womenindistress.org 24/7 Hotline 954-761-1133

Segment 2: American Cancer Society , Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Peter Rose, Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society, Southeast Region:

Wendy, Robbin, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Team Specialist, Broward County

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society is going forward with its annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, holding the Walk virtually so participants can stay socially distanced in small groups in their own neighborhoods. To increase participation, there will also be a ‘Pink Car Parade’, an appealing option for people currently in treatment and unable to walk. The American Cancer Society has lost about 50 % of its usual fundraising dollars in 2020 due to the Covid-19 Pandemic and associated cancellations of fundraising events.

http://www.makingstrideswalk.org/broward www.cancer.org

Segment 1 - Kim Heard, Board President, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Miami / Fort Lauderdale Chapter.

Heard shares her personal story as a 25-year Breast Cancer Survivor, and the improvements in treatments and survival rates since her own experience, thanks to the funding of research by Susan G. Komen. She also notes disparities in healthcare accessibility and treatment for minorities and poor people, something Komen is working to overcome. Cox Media Group is sponsoring the 2020 Susan G. Komen Virtual More Than Pink Walk – virtual for the first time due to the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic.

http://www.komenmiaftl.org Breast Care Helpline: 1-877-GO-KOMEN (800-465-6636).

SEgment 2 - Karen Grey, Former Board Member, Current Volunteer, SafeSpace Foundation.

It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Grey wants anyone in an abusive relationship to know that SafeSpace Foundation is open to provide services and shelter to those who wish to free themselves of Domestic Violence. SafeSpace now has three locations in Miami-Dade County: South, Central and North. Working with the Miami Dade County Advocates for Victims Program, SafeSpace Foundation provides emergency services, transitional housing, guidance for creating an escape plan and more – and continues to accept new survivors, even during the Covid -19 pandemic.

http://www.safespacefoundation.org 24-hour Crisis Hotline # 800-500-1119

Segment 1: Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health.

Guest: Dr. Lauren Carcas, Breast Oncologist.

On the first weekend of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Carcas reveals the stunning statistic - the number of women getting their annual screening mammograms has decreased 80% since March, when the Covid-19 Pandemic began to spread. She urges women not to wait because the delay can allow breast cancer to progress, potentially making it more difficult to treat and requiring more invasive procedures. She reassures women about Covid safety measures in place at imaging centers. Throughout October, Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health is offering $50 screening mammograms and $100 diagnostic mammograms.

http://www.cancer.baptisthealth.net, 786-596-2000

Segment 2: American Cancer Society, 'Real Men Wear Pink'.

Guests: Peter Rose, Community Development Manager, Southeast Region. James Jackson, Volunteer Board Member, Real Men Wear PinkAmbassador

Rose talks about how the American Cancer Society is finding new ways to raise funds during Covid, with digital events so the organization can continue to provide patient services and fund research. Jackson shares the story of his cancer battle - now a 13-year survivor; and the help he received from the American Cancer Society that made him a passionate advocate. He founded and is an Ambassador for the 'Real Men Wear Pink' fundraising initiative during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

http://www.realmenwearpinkacs.org/browardfl.

http://www.cancer.org

Segment 1 – Covid Fatigue

Guest: Dr. Pamela D. Hall, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Barry University

Dr. Hall discusses the emotional effects of dealing with the Covid-19 Pandemic, and it’s accompanying difficulties – job losses, relationship difficulties, anxiety about health and loved ones, and more. She explains the way the chemicals in our brain are tied in with our emotions, and offers suggestions for ways to increase the release of our ‘happy’ hormones, and improve our immune systems with proper nutrition and sleep, meditation, exercise and positive affirmations.

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

More information: www.barry.edu; www.apa.org

Segment 2. – Voter Registration

Guest: Emmanuela Jean-Etienne, Community Relations Coordinator, Urban League of Broward County

Jean-Etienne and the Urban League of Broward County are working together with ‘Florida Counts.Vote’ on educational outreach to voters so they know how to register to vote, what the deadlines are for registration, vote-by-mail and early voting; as well as providing resources for getting sample ballots and learning about the issues and amendments on the ballot. She also urges Listeners to become more engaged with the community and our civic processes to have more say in things that impact us.

www.ulbroward.com; www/flcounts.vote; www.vote411.org

Segment 1: Caring for South Florida, Guest - Betty Jean-Baptiste, Acute Care Nurse at Jackson North Medical Center Jackson Health System is one of 10 premiere hospitals or health systems in South Florida that have collaborated to form Caring for South Florida, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wearing a mask during the Covid 19 pandemic. As a nurse in the Acute Care ward, Jean-Etienne shares stories from the frontline about the impact of Covid. http://www.caringforsouthflorida.org

Segment 2 - Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Guest: Kim Heard, President, Miami-Fort Lauderdale Chapter Heard talks about the expansion of services and focus at Komen South Florida: Increased outreach to Bahamian and Hispanic residents who are at higher risk for Breast Cancer; Financial aid for patients who need assistance; Advocacy for easier access to mammograms.

http://www.komenmiaftl.org

Segment 1 - Guest: Melissa Dunn, MD Networking, founder of the Return 2 Work Job Fair on September 22nd. https://return2work.us

Segment 2 - Guest: Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Department A look at the extra precautions firefighters have to take in the year of Covid -19. https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/fire-rescue

Segment 3 - Guest: Emmanuela Jean-Etienne, Florida Counts & Urban League of Broward County. New initiatives to reach people who have not yet responded to the Census, how full response helps Florida financially with Federal funding. The deadline to fill out the Census is September 30th. http://2020Census.gov

Segment 4 - Guest: Kim Heard, President, Miami / Fort Lauderdale Chapter of Susan G. Komen Foundation

As part of their Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, SGK is holding their 'Big Wigs' competition - 'Big Wigs' in the community receive Pink Wigs to wear and help promote fundraising for services for people dealing with Breast Cancer. Call Kelly Lindsey, 561-514-3020, or email: [email protected]