Our City Our Voice

Kevin Lloyd is a paramedic working at the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center. Before starting his career at Eskenazi, Kevin spent years as a combat medic and Military police officer.

Kevin is happy to be in a position to help when veterans come seeking for help after going through trauma or facing a particular situation in life.

After letting several veterans know that he is a vet, Kevin is able to see the deep breath of relief coming from those seeking help.

Building relationships is important to Kevin. He is able to see people come in at their worst state and leave stable which is such a joy, and makes Kevin love the position he is in to help others.

To learn more about the services Eskenazi Health provides, click here. For more information about veteran services from the state of Indiana click here.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Heading home from active service can be a difficult task for many veterans. Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of HVAF which stands for “Helping Veterans and Families,” started her organization on a goal to help veterans and their families receive the best possible quality of life.

A lot of Indianapolis businesses offer help to HVAF, which makes it possible for them to continue provide services. HVAF has been serving the veteran community for thirty years now, which has been a great help to those in need.

HVAF is grateful for the opportunity to keep expanding. They started off helping 5 veterans in their first year to now helping over 1,300 a year.

HVAF is here to help veterans create a stable life. Learn more on HVAF’S website.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are honored to have Dr. Conor with us today to shed light on a recent and crucial piece of research focusing on PTSD and veterans’ mental health, particularly addressing the issue of stigma.

In a world where mental health concerns often go unnoticed or unaddressed, we must recognize the unique challenges veterans face and provide them with the support and understanding they deserve.

Dr. Conor’s insights will not only inform us about the latest developments in this field but also serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of reaching out to our veterans, ensuring they receive the care and respect they’ve earned through their service to our nation.

Together, we can work towards breaking down the barriers of stigma and promoting a healthier, more supportive environment for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

An Indianapolis-area group is supporting veterans with the help of four-legged friends. For veterans, dogs or cats can offer that unconditional love and companionship they need. Some are even transforming lives for veterans across central Indiana.

It’s unconditional and comes with lots of hugs, a match made in heaven thanks to the nonprofit Veteran’s Best Friend Indiana Inc.

The group focuses on connecting veterans to professional dog trainers with rescue dogs at no cost. They’ve been serving veterans for about eight years to help them overcome anxiety, loneliness, depression, or even PTSD symptoms. The group works with shelters and other organizations to help veterans find their perfect match.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Arts and culture in central Indiana are experiencing a boom according to the Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 report, raking in nearly $530 million in art spending in Indiana last year.

The report took a look at nearly 400 communities. The Arts Council of Indianapolis led the charge in gathering data for Indy, finding that the arts generated money and jobs.

Indiana is becoming a center for the arts and culture, and it’s mark has shown to be a near-$530 million business.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sickle cell is the most common inherited blood disease in the world, and people of African, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent are most likely to get it.

Sickle cell is invisible to the eye. But, many people can experience excruciating pain as a result.

Experts hope to increase awareness of the disease through education and research.

Today, college student Sarah Holdcroft is an advocate for people living with sickle cell. As a youngster, the 20-year-old felt alone, as if she was the only one living with sickle cell.

Sickle cell is an inherited disorder that causes blood cells to be sickle-shaped rather than round. The condition can clog blood flow causing excruciating pain.

Holdcroft, a Delaware County native, is using her platform as a pageant queen to share her story and raise awareness.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Please join WISH-TV in celebrating Hispanic Heritage month by enjoying our special presentation.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month special is brought to you by Eskenazi Health.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One woman is working to amplify the voices of Hispanic students across Indiana, and Rachel Santos isn’t someone who easily gives up when it comes to advocating.

The woman who has a Doctor of Education degree helps lead the charge at the Indiana Latino Institute, a nonprofit that focuses on uplifting the Hispanic community.

Santos is the director of education policy and strategic partnerships at the Indiana Latino Institute, known in the organization as ILI.

She says the Hispanic community is still fighting for education equity in Indiana.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

They say two brains are better than one. And in Indianapolis, a group of Hispanic women is making a positive impact on the Mexican Consulate through the arts.

Local Mexican-American artists Joy Hernandez and Alejandra Carrillo are on a mission to paint a mural on the Mexican Consulate’s outside wall facing Lord Street.

With every stroke of colorful paint, a formerly empty space on the consulate’s wall is taking a transformative turn for Indy’s Mexican community.

Featured in the mural are a monarch butterfly, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway pagoda next to a race car, and a feathered serpent, among other things that represent the two communities that are hundreds of miles apart.

The artists began their work in the summer and aim to finish by the end of October, all thanks to a partnership between the consulate and Arte Mexicano en Indiana.

The Mexican Consulate in Indianapolis also says they’re looking forward to celebrating with the Indianapolis community for years to come.

According to Arte Mexicano en Indiana, the mural was funded by LISC Indianapolis, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Efroymson Family Fund, Global Preparatory Academy at Riverside #44, and The International Center.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One woman is on a mission to help those new to the United States become first-time business owners. While immigrant entrepreneurs are a force in the economy, they often face unique challenges when starting a business. Luckily, in Indianapolis, there’s a Latina who’s helping to change that.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.