What happens when we focus on strengths instead of limitations? R'Kel Mosely takes us on an unforgettable journey through his experience with Project Search, a program that's transformed his outlook on life, work, and his own capabilities.

From the moment R'Kel began sharing his story, his wisdom shines through. "Even if I can do it all myself, I can't do it alone," he reflects, capturing the essence of why supportive communities matter. Through Project Search, he has discovered how to manage his anxiety, pace himself, and build confidence about his future—all while exploring his passion for graphic design and art.

"People saying disabilities can't do nothing or they're just hopeless—they're all wrong," R'Kel declares with conviction. "We're not mutants, we're just humans who live in society." His message to others with disabilities resonates with hope: "Don't give up who you are. Be you." Through R'Kel's eyes, we see how meaningful employment opportunities don't just build careers—they build lives filled with purpose, connection, and self-determination. Listen now and be inspired by what's possible when talent meets opportunity.

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Mental health needs have consistently topped community health assessments in our health system's area for years, reaching critical levels that demand immediate attention. Ismael Gama, Vice President of Centra's Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Service Line, shares how Centra is responding with a strategy that creates multiple pathways to care.

The cornerstone of Centra's approach is meeting patients wherever they enter the system. "Come to whatever door and we will get you to the right place," explains Gama, highlighting how this philosophy removes barriers for those in crisis. From the Psychiatric Adult Urgent Care seeing 20-25 patients weekly to the groundbreaking EMPATH unit that has treated 1,500 patients in two years with an impressive 85% being discharged home rather than admitted, these innovative models are transforming mental health delivery.

Whether you're seeking care for yourself or a loved one, this episode provides information about accessing mental health services throughout the region, including addiction treatment options, telehealth availability and how to navigate the system through primary care or urgent care. 

Learn more at Centrahealth.com/mentalhealth

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Crystal Collette and Jennifer Watson Jamison share their journey to achieving Autism Commission on Quality accreditation for Centra's Applied Behavioral Analysis therapy program and explain how modern ABA helps children with autism through individualized, evidence-based approaches.

What exactly is ABA therapy? As Jennifer explains, it's fundamentally "the science of learning" that addresses everything from communication and social skills to emotional regulation and self-help abilities. Modern approaches have moved away from older error-based methods to "errorless teaching," where children are shown the correct response from the beginning, resulting in faster learning and less frustration.

For parents feeling overwhelmed by an autism diagnosis, the team offers this reassurance: "Take a breath... We're in this together. We will figure it out." Visit Centra's website to learn more about autism services and take that first step toward understanding if ABA might be right for your child.

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What wisdom would you choose to leave behind for your children if you suddenly weren't there to guide them? After losing his wife Johanna to  breast cancer in August 2023, Daryl Calfee found himself confronting this profound question—leading him to write "Skip the Bull: Lessons from Your Dad After Your Mom Died."

"Skip the Bull" emerged from Daryl's realization that the hard-fought wisdom and funny farm stories accumulated through twenty years of marriage might be lost if something happened to him too. The book preserves these conversations—from practical advice about money and work to deeper reflections on faith and death—creating a legacy his children can revisit throughout their lives, finding new meaning in his words as they grow.

Have you considered what wisdom you'd want to preserve for those who matter most to you? Explore Daryl's book at bluehatpublishing.com, where pre-orders are available now before the wider Amazon release in June.

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Dr. Travis Engel, Chair of Pediatrics, brings his expertise and compassion to a thoughtful discussion on the current measles situation affecting parts of the United States. With just under 500 cases nationally—concentrated primarily in West Texas and eastern New Mexico—he offers a balanced perspective on what families need to know without creating unnecessary alarm.

Engel offers practical guidance for what to do if measles appears in your community. Rather than rushing to emergency departments, Dr. Engel explains the protocols already in place for testing and treatment, highlighting how calling your doctor first can prevent unnecessary exposures and healthcare system strain.

Whether you're fully committed to vaccination, hesitant, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers valuable insights free from judgment or panic. Join us for this important discussion that prioritizes information, respect, and child health above all else. Have questions about your family's specific situation? Your pediatrician or primary care physician is your best resource for personalized guidance.

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When 26-year-old Cody Towler walked into an emergency room for an unrelated issue, he never expected to walk out with a stage four colorectal cancer diagnosis that would transform his life forever. Despite his prognosis, Cody radiates a remarkable resilience that defies medical expectations.

After enduring eleven brutal rounds of chemotherapy, over twenty sessions of radiation, and receiving the devastating news that he had only six to twelve months to live, Cody leaned deeper into his faith.

The heart of Cody's story isn't just about fighting cancer—it's about finding purpose and connection during life's darkest moments. After working as an EMT, he found himself in a dispatch position at Centra where colleagues became family, supporting him through every setback. Despite needing a colostomy, Cody continued living fully—going to the beach, working, and refusing to hide away. His message to fellow cancer patients resonates with powerful simplicity: find happiness, surround yourself with encouragers, and never give up. 

"If no one's there for you, I will be," he offers, embodying his belief that no one should fight alone. For anyone facing seemingly impossible medical odds, Cody's journey serves as a powerful reminder that diagnoses don't define destinies.

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Join us as we explore how Centra is addressing critical healthcare shortages by engaging local students through innovative educational programs. Our guests share how local healthcare camps provide students with exposure to a multitude of career options in medicine.

This episode unpacks the role of local healthcare educators who foster student connections with real-world experiences, building excitement for various healthcare roles. As listeners, you'll learn why it's essential to cultivate this interest early and understand the pathways available for students eager to enter the field. Through compelling personal stories, our hosts and guests discuss how these initiatives not only fill imminent workforce gaps but also enhance the quality of healthcare in local communities.

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Join us for a timely conversation during Heart Month, where clinical cardiac navigator MaryAnne Poling, cardiologist Dr. Parichart Junpaparp, and heart failure patient Ken Mueller offer invaluable insights and personal stories. Through an in-depth discussion, we cover the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of heart failure, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing it from other conditions like COPD or anemia. 

Ken Mueller shares how he far surpassed his six month diagnosis living now over five years later. By focusing on empowerment through understanding, we aim to inspire listeners to not only manage heart failure but to live positively and thrive.

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Unlock the secrets to proactive health management with the expertise of Dr. Cindy Hanawalt and Dr. Micki Hall from HealthWorks. This episode delves into the essential role of biometric screening in personal health management, dispelling myths and clarifying its purpose in identifying potential risk factors for various health conditions. We emphasize the importance of these screenings as proactive measures and discuss their historical context, access methods, and their potential downsides, advocating for informed health engagement. 

Join us as we examine the accessibility and benefits of biometric screenings, whether through your annual wellness labs or specialized services like those provided by HealthWorks, which even offer on-site workplace screenings. Learn how biometric screenings can spark meaningful conversations with your healthcare provider, enhancing your wellness journey without replacing regular check-ups. 

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Establishing a health baseline is critical for effective personal health management. By working closely with your primary care provider, you can tailor a plan that addresses your unique health needs and sets manageable goals for lifelong wellness.

Dr. Allega breaks down how your primary care provider acts as the "quarterback" of your health, orchestrating the complex playbook of healthcare to help establish and maintain your health goals. From selecting the right timings for health screenings to monitoring crucial indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol, learn why it's important to start this partnership early. 

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