WakeMed Voices

Worried about a friend's mental health and unsure how to begin the conversation? Christina Murray, MD, Psychiatrist, WakeMed Mental Health & Well-Being, explains simple, nonjudgmental openers like "I just wanted to check in" and observation-based phrases such as "You haven't seemed like yourself." You'll learn how to express care, acknowledge awkwardness, invite them to share, and prioritize listening so the person feels heard without pressure.

This episode walks parents through practical ways to open honest conversations with teens about mental health and why those first words matter for long-term wellbeing. Dr. Danielle Keyton, double board-certified in Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and a WakeMed Consulting Psychiatrist, explains how to create a no-judgment space and the best phrases to use when you talk to your teen about mental health. You'll hear tips on listening skills, recognizing signs of depression in teens, early intervention, and where to find mental health resources.

How do you start a mental health conversation with your partner? Ashley Zarco, LCSW, LCAS, of WakeMed Mental Health & Well-Being shares practical guidance on recognizing warning signs, including changes in sleep, appetite, social habits, mood, irritability, or sudden overcommitment. Learn conversation starters using I-statements and open-ended questions, how to choose the right time and place, and ways to communicate with supportive body language and tone. She also explains how to respond if your partner becomes upset, why listening is often more helpful than fixing, and how regular check-ins, vulnerability, and ongoing support can help create a safe space for honest conversations.

In this episode, Steve Smoot, EVP and President, North Carolina and Georgia Division for Advocate Health, shares what patients and families can expect from the proposed WakeMed–Atrium Health combination. He discusses expanded financial assistance, local governance protections, service and workforce growth, enhanced behavioral health care, and greater access to clinical trials and specialty services, including cancer care, all aimed at improving access, affordability, and outcomes for the community.

In this episode, hear from Brenda Gibson, former WakeMed Hospital Board Chair and WakeMed Foundation Board Chair, as she discusses the proposed WakeMed–Atrium Health strategic combination, highlighting its importance for patient access, healthcare capacity, and future growth. For more information visit wakemed.org/wakemed-atrium-combination.

Dr. Bill Lagarde discusses PreciselyYou, a community health research program brought to you by WakeMed. The program helps you understand how your DNA impacts your health and aims to help improve access to more personalized care, while supporting new research discoveries for our community. 

Learn more about Dr. Lagarde. 

This episode breaks down what the WakeMed and Atrium Health combination means for patient care, clinical expertise, and community health across Wake County. Dr. Charles Harr, cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon and chief medical officer of WakeMed Raleigh campus and former U.S. Navy rear admiral, shares firsthand perspective on the health system merger and why it matters. Listen for insights on cardiac surgery advances, minimally invasive surgery, structural heart care, clinical research trials, and physician collaboration. Learn more and stay informed at wakemed.org/wakemed-atrium-combination. 

Learn more about Charles Harr, MD, MBA 

In this episode Dr. Thad McDonald, (retired OBGYN and Chair of the WakeMed Board of Directors) explains what the strategic combination with Atrium Health means for patients and the community. He discusses how the partnership will speed development of local cancer services, preserve safety net care, and improve access to specialty services. Learn more and stay informed at https://www.wakemed.org/wakemed-atrium-combination.

This episode features Sarah Crowley, Nursing Director of WakeMed Mental Health and Well-Being (including WakeMed’s Mental Health and Well-Being Hospital at Wakebrook), discussing how the WakeMed and Atrium Health strategic combination could expand access and elevate patient-centered care. Sarah explains plans to increase inpatient capacity, strengthen community mental health services, and support nursing workforce development.

In this episode, Donald Gintzig, President & CEO of WakeMed Health & Hospitals, outlines specifics about the strategic combination with Atrium Health and why it matters for access, equity, and long-term community health in Wake County. Hear about the benefits of expanded services, new facilities, investments in southeast Raleigh and more that aim to improve care for all. Visit WakeMed.org/wakemed-atrium-combination to learn more.