In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we focus on mental health and speak with a local politician who started a caucus dealing with black family health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Month and National Adolescent Health Month. In addition, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is May 5-11th. CT Paid Leave gives up to 12 weeks of income Replacement for your own serious health conditions or that of a loved one. That includes maternity and bonding leave and mental health issues if your health care professional deems it a serious health condition. 

Guest Kai Belton, a state representative and advocate for children's mental health and victim services, shares her journey into politics, inspired by the late Rep. Q Williams. Belton emphasizes the importance of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus in addressing racial disparities in maternal health. She recounts her personal experiences with healthcare and advocates for the critical role of paid leave in supporting families and caregivers, particularly during crises. Belton also discusses the need for diverse healthcare workers and the impact of maternal mental health on community health.

Representative Kai Belton: Belton | Connecticut House Democrats or call 1-800-842-8267, 860-240-8585.

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In this episode, we are talking about auto-immune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system is overactive and attacks and damages the body's own tissues. May 9th is Autoimmune Arthritis Day, and it is also ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day (May 12).  ME stands for Myologic Encephalomyelitis, formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a chronic, complex, neuroimmune disease that affects the quality of life of its' patients. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by pain stiffness and tenderness in the muscles of the neck shoulders back hips arms and legs, and there are many other symptoms as well. 80 percent of autoimmune diseases affect women. 

Our expert today is Melissa Marquis, a nurse, author, and emergency management specialist. She has many years of experience in nursing, so when she started to not feel like herself, she started on a very long journey to diagnosis of her symptoms.  She wrote a book about her experiences called, Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease.  We talked about her long diagnosis that took 13 years. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and support systems. Melissa's book aims to empower patients and families by providing practical advice and strategies. She talks about her daily struggles and how CT Paid Leave may be a great resource for her to use, as her disease is progressing. She says we should all be grateful for programs like these that helps patients and their caregivers.

Melissa Marqui's book online at Amazon:  Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease: Marquis MS RN, Melissa: 9798891129184: Amazon.com: Books

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In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we discuss Parkinson's disease, what it is, what it does, and how to treat it. Parkinson's Awareness Month is observed in April and is an opportunity to increase awareness about the ailment and its symptoms, as well as to support victims. National Parkinson's day is observed on April 11 every year to raise awareness about this medical condition and its severity. Muhammad Ali, and Michael J Fox are the most well-known people to suffer from Parkinson's disease. Joining this conversation is Holly Seymour, the Program Director for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association, also known as APDA. Heather Pierce joins as a caregiver. She supported her father after his diagnosis of Parkinson's in 2019 and was his caregiver and advocate before he passed in 2021. She's now a board member for APDA and leads a support group where she helps those with PD and their care partners navigate the changes of life with PD. She also owns a company called Clearview Senior Living Advisors, where she helps families connect to resources. She's starting school in Vermont to be an end-of-life doula to further the support she can offer families. She's also a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association.

Holly explains Parkinson's symptoms, treatments, and the importance of support groups. Heather recounts her father's personal journey with Parkinson's, highlighting the challenges of caregiving. They emphasize the significance of mental health support and the benefits of Connecticut's Paid Leave program for those diagnosed who are still working, and to their caregivers. The podcast aims to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by Parkinson's.

To join a support group with the APDA visit: apdaparkinson.org/CT or call 860-996-4276.

To get in touch with Heather Pierce: Clearviewseniorlivingadvisor.com or call or call 860-733-9506.

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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and it’s also Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on April 2nd; it is also National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 6-12.

In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Rachel McKnight, Program Manager from the Office of Victim Services (OVS), and Marc Pelka, Deputy Director. They explain how OVS assists crime victims with financial expenses, receiving around 2,000 applications annually. They detail the types of crimes, including violent and property crimes, vehicular crimes, and the various expenses covered by OVS, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost wages. They also discuss the collaboration and the change of law that allows OVS and CT Paid Leave to work together. With the two agencies working together, it offers income replacement and support for victims of violent crimes and their families, emphasizing the importance of financial aid in the aftermath of crime.

To get in touch with OVS visit: jud.ct.gov/crimevictim.

or email them at: [email protected].

or call OVS at: 888-286-7347.

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LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is in March and was started in 2003. It raises public awareness regarding the unique health needs and disparities in the LGBTQ+ community.  It also highlights many aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.

Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Bill Ollayos, the administrator of the Connecticut LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network and a Law Fellow with Children, Women, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO). He says the network's mission is to advance equity through policy advocacy, community outreach, and grant funding that can be used for some unique events for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, noting that 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals accessed mental health services in the past three years, but 15% were refused care due to their identity.  Bill also talked about how CT Paid Leave talks about chosen family and the importance of the program covering mental health as well. Bill also discusses the network's efforts to improve healthcare access and the significance of Connecticut's non-discrimination laws and supportive legislature.

CT's LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network visit: ctlgbtqnetwork.org

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National Burn Awareness Week is in February, and it's recognized by the American Burn Association. It is a chance to promote burn prevention and awareness in communities. With more than 3,000 members, the ABA dedicates their efforts and resources to promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research.

The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state. Dr Roselle Crombie is a member of the ABA. She is a Surgeon specializing in Burn Surgery and Surgical Critical Care at several of the Yale New Haven Health Systems flagship hospitals, in Southern Connecticut, including the Bridgeport Burn Center. Her particular passion is a mix of burns, burn and trauma reconstruction, wounds, and general surgery. Dr. Crombie talked about the long road to recovery for some burn patients. She says the number of burn patients has decreased and many burns are preventable. The most common type of burn is a scald burn usually in the kitchen. Dr. Crombie says patients and their families can benefit from CT Paid leave, because it can help financially and emotionally, and it allows for caregiver leave.

The American Burn Association: ameriburn.org      American Burn Association – Improving the lives of those affected by burn injury

Bridgeport Burn Center go to their website at: The Connecticut Burn Center - Bridgeport Hospital

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February is National Heart Month and It's also Congenital Heart Defect Week. Host Nancy Barrow spoke with CT. Representative Corey Paris, he represents the 145th District, about his serious heart issues. He suffered from TIA's, also known as transient ischemic attacks or mini strokes. Upon further testing Rep. Corey was diagnosed with a hole in his heart known as Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). Rep. Paris emphasizes the importance of seeking medical specialists and advocating for oneself. He highlights the significance of paid leave for health recovery and family support, noting its impact on reducing poverty and increasing productivity. Corey also discusses his commitment to public service and community activism, and his vision for anti-poverty laws in Connecticut.

Rep. Corey Paris please visit: Paris | Connecticut House Democrats

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More than 84 thousand children live in poverty in Connecticut, and 122 thousand in near poverty. In this episode, we talk about a new program that has expanded into Connecticut that gives unconditional cash to expecting moms or new mothers. It takes them from pregnancy to prosperity and helps them invest in their baby's future. The program is aimed at stopping child poverty.

Laura Clancy, Executive Director of the Bridge Project, explains the program's mission to provide unconditional cash to low-income pregnant women for the first 1,000 days of their baby's life. She says giving the unconditional cash to spend the money as they want to, can empower the moms.  She says the program can also improve babies social, emotional and mental development, and long-term well-being. The program, funded by philanthropists offers a prenatal stipend of $1,125 and monthly stipends of $750 for 15 months and $375 for 21 months. Clancy highlights the program's success in reducing stress, improving health outcomes, and supporting financial security. The Bridge Project has received over 2,000 applications for 500 slots in Connecticut but continues to accept more applications. They have filled 150 of the slots already and are hoping to expand into rural areas of the state.

The Bridge Project please go to bridgeproject.org

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In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI’s happens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. TBI is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that happen to the brain. The damage can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (happens in more than one area of the brain). The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death. Barbara Rubin is the author of a book about her daughter Jennifer, More Than You Can See: A Mother’s Memoir. Barbara discusses her daughter Jenn's traumatic brain injury (TBI), sustained at age 17 which led to a prolonged coma and severe communication and mobility issues. Jenn required extensive rehabilitation, including relearning basic life skills. The family benefited from a supportive therapy center and later transitioned Jenn to a group home in Danbury, Connecticut called Abilities Beyond. Barbara emphasizes the importance of utilizing available resources and advocating for care, highlighting the impact of her book on helping others in similar situations. Barbara also says parents in the same situation today need to take advantage of any programs made available to them including CT Paid Leave.

To get a copy of Barbara Rubin's book, More than You Can See: A Mother's Memoir:  More Than You Can See: A Mother's Memoir: Rubin, Barbara: 9781647422493: Amazon.com: Books

To learn more about Ability Beyond in Danbury visit their website at: Ability Beyond

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Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states, but nearly half a million people don’t know where their next meal is coming from. More than 84 thousand children live in poverty in Connecticut and 122 thousand in near poverty. About 35 percent of Connecticut households are burdened by housing costs, compared to about 32 percent nationally.

The United Way of Connecticut released its ALICE Report for 2024 in October, showing that 13% more state residents, or an additional 65,000 households, are struggling to make ends meet despite being employed and not earning enough to cover the basic cost of living. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, and it’s a statewide problem.

Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO of the United Way of Connecticut, leads the organization’s staff of 360 as a nonprofit contractor to seven Connecticut state government agencies. She says more and more residents are living paycheck to paycheck without any emergency funds saved. Lisa said the most important thing we can do us support a fully refundable, permanent child tax credit for families with kids who have that additional set of costs for raising children. Lisa says the United Way of CT is so pleased that Connecticut Paid Leave is available, because it has been an incredible benefit to the ALICE households. 

To get in touch with the United Way of CT Please go to CTunitedway.org.
For services or help dial 2-1-1.

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