Viewpoint Alabama

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and out of the Darkness Birmingham’s Spokesperson Marissa Grayson talks about the importance of raising awareness for people considering Suicide. She also addresses the signs people should look for and resources that are available for people suffering from mental health issues in Alabama. She also promotes fund raising activities happening state wide.

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This is open Enrollment time for many in the state of Alabama. Emily Brown with the Patient Advocate Foundation Gives a general how to guide and also things to consider when looking at your insurance options for the next year.

Dr. Tom Ellison from the CDC explains why the new vaccine that has been developed is better equipped to help you fight the new strains of the Corona Virus. Dr. Ellison explains why getting vaccinated against Covid’s newest Variant as well as the Flu is the best way to stay health during the winter months.

White Cane Safety Day brings awareness to the contributions and needs of the blind community. Kellee Sanchez, Jason Martin and Grammy award winning recording artist Dave Crenshaw join us in studio to talk about this event that coming up October 10th at the Alys Stephens Center in Birmingham.

Then on the issue of disability, 33% of Alabama’s population has some sort of disability. This is one of the highest rates in the nation and Alabama spends approximately 39% of its healthcare expenditures on its disability services. Beth Moore, Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications at the Patent advocate foundation explains how people need to go about navigating the Social Security system to obtain disability benefits.

On the 59th anniversary of the bombing of the 16th street Baptist Church which claimed the lives of 4 girls in Sunday school, we talk with Lisa McNair, the sister of Denise McNair who died in the attack. In Lisa’s new book Dear Denice, letters to the sister I never knew, she offers poignant, honest, and heartfelt letters to a sister who perished in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. We also talk about the state of race relations 6 decades later and what needs to be done next

Also the Executive Director of the Kentuck Art Festival Amy Echols talks about this upcoming event that creates a space for Alabama artists to connect with interested buyers, as well as an entertaining atmosphere to enjoy all forms of art and even make some of your own.

Help for small business in central Alabama impacted by the flooding last fall has almost ended, but before it does Sharon Gadbois from the US Small Business Administration visits with us to tell listeners what they can do to apply for low interest loans before the deadline ends.

Team Rowland is a group of 100 riders, 25 volunteers, and 1000+ donors with one clear goal: Eradicate Parkinson's Disease from the face of planet. Husband and wife Mike and Stacy Rowland join us in studio to talk about there event at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday the 24. This year the Team Rowland Road Series begins in Birmingham, AL with options for a 5 mile, 10 mile, 15 mile, 30 mile, or choose your own virtual ride.
Then Salley R. Longshore, Director of the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and the Children’s Trust fund join us to talk about “National Recovery Month” and efforts being made by the state’s Attorney General and the ADCANP/CTF and others to curb substance abuse and its effect on the children of Alabama.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Oncologist Ahmed Elkhanany says following the Pandemic there has been a rise in the number of cases of advanced Breast Cancer, do to delayed screenings or general fear of being in a medical setting during a time of pandemic.
We also talk with a parent who was diagnosed with breast cancer and is fighting her illness. She tells the story of overcoming cancer and continuing to fight each day.

The Priority Veteran Program is a VA Funded program administered through the united way to help provide rapid rehousing for homeless Vets or prevent vets from losing hosing in Alabama. Program Director Lula Skowronek and Case manager Shanita White-King join us in studio to tell us about what the program offers and how people can participate or get connected. We also talk with Dione Stephens, a veteran who has been assisted by the program.

As school starts back, many low income kids may not have the cloths they need to return to school and fit in among their peers. This can have a devastating effect on the child’s Psyche. Joining us from Operation Warm is Executive Director Grace Sica to talk about their organizations mission to provide coats and shoes for kids in Alabama and around the country using all privately contributed funds.

The Alabama Women’s Commission has partnered with Well Women Alabama to spearhead a new initiative called “211 Know” That seeks to encourage, strengthen, and provide support for women in Alabama who have been psychologically or emotionally effected by the Pandemic through a text messaging program. The Chair of the Alabama Women’s Commission Junior board Emily Herring along with Pam Mashburn from Explore Media join us to explain how the platform works and how women can get connected. For more information, visit https://www.211know.com/