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Hunger is a Growing Problem in Connecticut
12 Nov 2024
00:28:02
Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states, but close to half a million people don’t know where their next meal is coming from, and 1 in 8 Connecticut residents experience food insecurity. That's where Foodshare comes in and bridges that gap, allowing a dignified way to put food on the table.
Jason Jakubowski is the President & CEO of Connecticut Foodshare, the official Feeding America food bank serving the entire state of Connecticut. He works alongside a team of 120 employees and 6000 volunteers. Jason says he loves his job and realizes that Foodshare helps the people of Connecticut when they need it most. During the Holidays and in the spirit of giving, Foodshare will feed close to 50,000 Thanksgiving meals to hungry Connecticut families.
Maria Paredes is a Resident Services Coordinator with Monterey Place in New Haven and they offer affordable housing. Maria is also on the board of CT Foodshare and has used the food pantries when she needed them as a single mother of 5. Maria also used CT Paid Leave recently when she had a car accident. She said the process was easy and it allowed her to hold onto the job she loves while taking 2 months off of work to recuperate.
Connecticut Paid Leave helps address food insecurity by providing financial support to workers who need to take time off for their own serious health condition or to care for a loved one with a serious health condition. That income replacement can keep food on the table and bills being paid.
For information about Foodshare please go their website at: Connecticut Foodshare (ctfoodshare.org)
October is Safe Sleep and SIDS Awareness Month. According to the National Institute for Health (NIH) SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between one month and one year. The vast majority of deaths take place before a baby reaches six months of age. Every year there are about 3,400 cases of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths know as SUID in the U.S.
Alison Jacobson is the CEO of First Candle, which is a national non-profit addressing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. They do this through community partnerships, educating families on life-saving safe sleep practices, while also providing bereavement support services to families who have tragically experienced the death of their baby from SUID or Stillbirth. Alison is a loss mom herself, her son Connor died in 1997, and she is passionate about helping save babies lives while supporting grieving families.
In this episode, we talked about SIDS and SUID prevention and how to create a safe sleeping environment for your baby. We discussed the racial disparities that exist and how mortality rates increase for black and brown babies. We also discussed how CT Paid Leave can help with time away from work with income replacement for behavioral health and mental health appointments for parents who are dealing with the emotional trauma from the loss of their baby. Alison also stressed the importance of educating about safe sleep practices to anyone who deals with a sleeping baby like grandparents and other family members as well as babysitters.
Studies have shown that taking paternity leave helps fathers to feel less stressed, anxious, and depressed. The reason this happens is because of a hormone called oxytocin. When released, it promotes bonding and reduces stress levels. 43 percent of fathers are taking bonding leave through CT Paid Leave. This gives fathers time away from work with income replacement so they can bond with their baby whether by birth, adoption or fostering.
Just in time for Father's Day which is June 16th, I talked with two fathers for a special podcast. Guest David Sergi lived in a state without a paid leave program when his first child was born, and moved to CT so they could expand their family in a state with a paid leave program with their second child. Guest Charlie Johnson has resided in CT and wasn't able to use CT paid Leave for his first child because it wasn't available yet. He was able to use it for his second child. Both David and Charlie say being able to take bonding leave has been life altering.
David and Charlie discuss the stigma of being a father taking bonding leave, how long they took off from work, how the CT Paid Leave program worked for them and how it changed their relationships with their families.
The complexity of diagnosing and treating Lyme disease and facts you may not know.
28 May 2024
00:35:09
Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector borne infectious disease in the United States. The CDC says more people are infected with Lyme Disease than breast cancer. Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases come with a lot of unknowns. Before starting to treat symptoms, you must first get a proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnosing Lyme disease can be complicated and unclear. Lyme disease can turn into a chronic health condition if it goes undiagnosed. CT Paid Leave can help with this by giving you income replacement while you take time away from work for appointments, treatments and flare ups. Dr Myriah Hinchey is the medical director of Tao Center for Vitality in Hebron. Dr. Hinchey is a naturopathic physician and Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), and she is recognized as an expert in the field of Lyme disease and other complex chronic inflammatory conditions, with over 17 years of specialized experience. She has helped thousands of people infected to get effective treatment. She says it is tough to get a diagnosis without getting more in depth and accurate testing done. Dr Hinchey says not all Lyme disease tests are created equal. The accuracy of Lyme disease tests can vary widely between testing methods, leaving many people without a reliable diagnosis, or misdiagnosis that can lead to many health complications. Dr. Hinchey also had Lyme disease and treated herself. She believes that prevention is the key and by doing tick checks every time you go outside, can save you years of agony.
Doulas deliver emotional and postpartum support to mothers.
13 May 2024
00:29:36
May is Maternal Mental Health Month. During the month, the focus is on increasing awareness about mental health and the well-being of mothers during pregnancy and the time after birth. About 10-15% of women experience postpartum depression. Mental health issues are the most common complication of childbirth. Doulas can help alleviate some of the emotional stress and burden from a parent as they help recognize what the parent needs. Guests Brittany Needham and Shannon Knox created Golden Radiance Village, a holistic full spectrum doula company. They talked about what they do as doula's and the certifications and training they went through and how their friendship and business partnership grew. Doulas provide support to mothers regarding prenatal care and post-partum care which can include post-partum depression, which can be considered a serious health condition under CT Paid Leave. Shannon and Brittany talk about some of the signs families and friends should be looking for with post-partum depression. They talk about the emotional struggles for single parents, and how doula work can really help parents through trying times. Shannon and Brittany both think CT Paid Leave is a great service to offer their clients, because it can give new parents a chance to have time away from work, and to focus on their new baby and their own health needs and not worry about finances.
A couple opens up about infertility, their IVF journey, and the joys of parenthood.
19 Apr 2024
00:27:34
National Infertility Awareness Week is April 21-27. The week is an observance that aims to raise awareness about infertility, provide support, and foster conversations around this critical health issue. Roughly one out of six people experience infertility. The chance to expand a family can take time away from work to focus on testing, diagnostics, and treatment. Dr. Maya Barsky is a lead physician at the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and Assistant Professor in the Department of OB/GYN at the UConn School of Medicine and is an infertility specialist. Dr. Barsky talks about some of the testing that can occur when infertility is an issue. She also discusses the treatments available to her patients who want to expand their family. She said this can be a burden on a family financially, emotionally and physically. Crystal and Everett have underlying health issues that caused their infertility. Everett was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child and had a double lung transplant. He knew that having children would be challenging with his condition and the anti- rejection medications. Everett and his wife Crystal went to the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services and had IVF treatments and had their first baby girl and are now pregnant with their second child due in July as a result of IVF treatments! Crystal is a unionized State of Connecticut employee and is not able to utilize CT Paid Leave. However, Everett is planning on taking CT Paid Leave for bonding with his second child. He also used CT Paid Leave when he had serious complications from COVID and was under the care of his doctor. Dr Barsky says that CT Paid Leave is a wonderful program for patients to utilize for the hardships of infertility diagnosis, and infertility and mental health treatments.
April is Autism Acceptance Month. According to the CDC, in 2023 one in 36 children were diagnosed as falling somewhere on the autism spectrum. The cost of caring for people with autism is predicted to reach $461 billion by 2025 in the U.S.
Alanna, who has three children, knew very early on that something was different about her youngest son Lawson. She had to wait 2 years for further testing, and Lawson was diagnosed as Level 2 on the autism spectrum. Alanna feels that receiving an early diagnosis was very important to Lawson's wellbeing and treatment plan. She sees the beauty in the little things that Lawson does, like reading and drawing.
Dr. Kristine Schlitchting is the founder and CEO of Hopewell Health Solutions, a therapeutic and psychiatric practice offering intensive outpatient therapy for children as young as 8 who suffer from a variety of disorders, including autism. She believes that a child's autism is a broader family issue, and that all the stakeholders including teachers and schools need to be on the same page to provide the best treatment strategy. Dr Schlitchting encourages parents to utilize CT Paid Leave benefits, as there is usually a time commitment needed from the parents or caregivers with intensive outpatient therapy. Whether it is driving the child for treatment or being involved in family therapy, parents need the flexibility that CT Paid Leave can provide.
Gratitude from a Nurse Who Had Two Kidney Transplants
25 Mar 2024
00:32:42
March is National Kidney Month. The average cost of a kidney transplant in the United States ranges from $300,000 to $500,000. This figure includes pre-transplant evaluations, the surgery itself, post-operative care, immunosuppressant medications, and follow-up appointments. Programs like CT Paid Leave can help with up to 12 weeks of income replacement while you heal from major surgery.
Nick Arsenault is a seasoned nurse who's navigated his own two kidney transplants, all while continuing to hold down his job. Nick talks about the challenges he faced physically and emotionally during the process, and complications that came up during his fight with kidney disease. Nick used CT Paid Leave twice and considered it to be crucial to his healing process, allowing him time away from work so he could focus on his health. He utilized CT Paid Leave for his second transplant to supplement his company's short-term disability. He considered the program to be a lifeline, because he was able to cover his bills while he was at home recovering. He also talks about the importance of asking for help if you are struggling with the reality of your health crisis. He talks about his journey with therapy to help with the emotional toll of undergoing dialysis and facing a kidney transplant. He now tells his patients that is it important not to neglect your mental health, because it is key to your overall health. Nick is currently using intermittent leave under the CT Paid Leave program to deal with issues that developed during his second transplant. He talks about living with a chronic health condition and the need for ongoing medical appointments and medications. Nick is now 2 years out from his last transplant and says he is thankful every day.
The Difficulty of Diagnosing and Treating a Brain Injury
11 Mar 2024
00:34:04
Every 21 seconds, someone suffers from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the United States. Most people don't know about brain injuries until it happens to them or a loved one. The Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (BIAC) is a non-profit organization that provides resources and support for individuals suffering from brain injuries, whether mild or severe. BIAC extends that support to family members and caregivers. BIAC's Executive Director Julie Peters and Senior Brain Injury Specialist Victor Darr talk about the difficulties in diagnosing and treating brain injuries and the importance of a proper diagnosis to the recovery process. Most of the services they provide are free of charge. They recognize how essential CT Paid Leave can be to both the individual suffering from a brain injury and their caregivers. They say it gives people another resource to access that can help them during a difficult time.
If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, you can get information from BIAC's Helpline at 860-291-0291 or by email at general@biact.org For BIAC information go to: Home of Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut (biact.org)
The complexities of Diagnosing and Treating a Rare Disease.
23 Feb 2024
00:32:59
The last day of February is Rare Disease Awareness Day. You may not know much about rare diseases, but they do affect 1 out of 10 people across the world, and half of those are children. There are more Americans (30 million) who have a rare disease, more than all the people who have either HIV, heart disease or stroke. Having a rare disease can be a long and frustrating road for the patient and the family, with the average diagnosis taking 5 years or more. Rich Horgan is the founder and CEO of Cure Rare Disease in Woodbridge Connecticut. He founded the company after his brother Terry was born with a rare disease, and there was no known cure. Rich talks about joining forces with scientists at Yale and other hospitals and working with clinicians and the FDA to try to create a drug to help his brother and other people fighting a rare disease. Rich talks about his choice to be in Connecticut, and how CT Paid Leave plays a strategic role in helping patients and their caregivers during this tough diagnosis to possible clinical trials and treatments.
Eating Disorders Awareness week is from February 26th to March 3rd. Something you may not know, is that eating disorders affect people of every age, race, size, gender identity, sexual orientation and background and about 28.8 million Americans will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate of any other psychiatric illness (aside from the recent increase of opioid related deaths).
Lending her expertise in this field is Rebekah Bardwell Doweyko, who has over 20 years of clinical experience with eating disorders. Rebekah is the Assistant Vice President of Clinical Operations, Ambulatory Services, at Walden Behavioral Care in Middletown CT. She earned her Master's degree in mental health counseling and is a licensed professional counselor in CT and other states, and she is a certified eating disorder specialist. Rebekah says that eating disorders are complex, and for some people social media can be difficult to manage in treatment. "Social media is an avid partner in contributing to the power of diet culture and weight stigma. We encourage our clients to discontinue, pause, or edit whom they follow on social media in order to limit the images, stories and/or reels that can be activating for their eating disorder. We have a group called "Eating Disorders in the Media", that focuses on teaching our folks how to develop a "fact checking" lens for social media use." Rebekah also says that CT Paid Leave a lifesaver, because it is instrumental in getting people into lifesaving treatment. Rebekah has worked with several patients and caregivers who have used the CT Paid Leave program. She feels it is a lifesaver as it gives patients and their families the time to engage in proper treatment, without worrying about lost income.
January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society says about 13,820 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and about 4,360 women will die from cervical cancer. CT paid Leave can help women going through any stage of this disease with income replacement benefits, and flexibility with different types of leave options. You can get up to 12 weeks of income replacement to take care of your own serious health condition or that of a loved one.
Dr. Jennifer Jorgensen is an OB-GYN at UConn Health Center and Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UConn School of Medicine. She is a Gynecological Oncologist and treats cervical cancer. She says it's important to do all your screenings to catch anything in the early stages. She also thinks CT Paid Leave is really important for patients to be able to take time off for radiation or chemotherapy treatments. She also thinks allowing caregivers time off to help the patients is vital to improving the outcome of treatment.
Erin Choquette is the CEO of CT Paid Leave and is a survivor of cervical cancer. Erin tells her personal story and how she found out she had cervical cancer at a follow-up medical appointment after the birth of her daughter. She said cervical cancer screenings are important, but knowing and trusting when something just isn't right with your body is vital for an early diagnosis. Erin says she had a great support system and that helped her to get through the treatments and allowed her to focus on her healing. Erin says CT Paid Leave is so important for women going through a cervical cancer diagnosis to be able to take time off from work for treatment and recovery.
Celebrating Diversity During Hispanic Heritage Month
07 Oct 2024
00:30:27
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th through October 15th. The reason it starts on September 15th is that it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries. This month celebrates the cultures, histories and contributions of Hispanic people.
In this episode, we find out about the rich culture and history of the Hispanic Community in Connecticut. Co-chairs of the Stratford Hispanic Heritage Committee, Gladys Ramos and Olga Pena, emphasize their efforts to raise funds for scholarships and the importance of community events like the Latin Festival and Three Kings celebration. They also share their rich Hispanic traditions, and stress the importance of family, religion and partnerships in the community. Andrea Torres Fodor is the President of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater Bridgeport, and she talks about the beauty of her homeland of Ecuador and the importance of family and traditions. She discusses the growth of Hispanic businesses in Connecticut, and the importance of their contributions to the greater Bridgeport community. She talks about the Latino Business Expo, which is a great way to network with other businesses and to find out about the resources available in the state that are here to help the Hispanic businesses and community. She also highlights the significance of Connecticut Paid Leave, particularly the caregiver benefits, which align with the multi-generational households in the Hispanic community in Connecticut. She said it's important to make sure people in the Hispanic community know about state programs like CT Paid Leave that can help them when they need it most.
How Paid Leave Can Help Support Moms and Babies With Complications.
14 Jan 2024
00:28:42
January is National Birth Defects Awareness Month. Every 4 ½ minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States according to the CDC That means nearly 120,000 babies are affected by birth defects each year. Birth defects can occur during any stage of pregnancy. Most birth defects occur in the first 3 months of pregnancy, when the organs of the baby are forming. However, some birth defects occur later in pregnancy. During the last six months of pregnancy, as the tissues and organs continue to grow and develop.
Erin Jones is the Director of Legislative and Strategic Counsel for the March of Dimes and says that CT Paid Leave is essential to help the mother and the child if complications should arise. She says the extra two weeks provided in addition to the 12 weeks of income replacement for complications with pregnancy gives the necessary support that is needed in these stressful situations.
Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease that is difficult to diagnose, but a new law can help.
26 Dec 2023
00:31:46
Endometriosis is a painful chronic disease that affects over 160 million women worldwide, 10 million across the United States and in Connecticut 1 in 10 women have it. The only way to get an accurate diagnosis is with surgery and that can cost somewhere between 20 and 30 thousand dollars or more. The cost of the surgery can be a huge barrier to get treatment for this debilitating condition.
Connecticut is leading the way in research and is the first in the nation to get a law passed, House Bill 6672, "An Act Concerning Endometriosis". In June, the General Assembly passed the legislation creating a first-of-its-kind endometriosis data and biorepository program to bring greater awareness, action and care options to those suffering from endometriosis. The person behind the law is State Representative Jillian Gilchrest who decided something had to be done for the women in the state suffering from this disease. She talks about the Working Group she created to help women with the challenges of living and working with the disease, the importance of having better care from medical professionals, and the need for continued research.
Kailey Mitchell is an advocate, and a support group founder and she talks about her own battle with endometriosis and the challenges she faced in her life and with working. She talks about the troubles with diagnosis, the mental health component of the disease and why she formed her own support group in Connecticut.
Finding time to see your healthcare provider or the maintenance of your condition are some of the many challenges of living with a chronic disease. CT Paid Leave can help with income replacement for this serious health condition. You can get up to twelve weeks of income replacement so you can focus on your health.
For more information or to apply for benefits go to : CT Paid Leave
December is HIV/Aids Awareness Month. While the treatments for HIV have prolonged life expectancy, there is no cure yet. HIV it is considered a chronic illness or a chronic health condition. Since the first cases of HIV were reported more than 40 years ago, 78 million people have become infected with HIV and 35 million have died from AIDS-related illnesses.
Kayce Harding is the director of the Center for Key Populations, which is part of Community Health Center inc. Kasey says that people can live healthy full lives after an HIV diagnosis. Treatments have also changed with daily medications that can keep the HIV detection in your blood very low. The new medications have less side effects and new research is being done on a monthly injection that will be easier than taking pills every day. Kasey says CT Paid Leave can help ease the burden for people with HIV. Being able to use paid leave for your continuing care gives peace of mind to patients, and it's important people know this service is available to them.
CT Paid Leave can help patients take time off from work who qualify, with up to 12 weeks of income replacement for their own serious health condition or that of a loved one. HIV is considered a chronic health condition and CT Paid Leave can help with being flexible with the time off when you need it. If you need more time you can use block leave and take all 12 weeks at once , or there is intermittent leave and reduced schedule leave.
About 3.4 million people have epilepsy nationwide, and about 36,000 people have epilepsy in Connecticut.
Monica Anzelone is the Program and Services Manager for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut. Monica talked about the many programs and services offered to patients and family members at the foundation, including behavioral health. Monica brought along epilepsy patient 32-year-old James who has had some challenges in regard to his employment, but now is currently happily employed. He was seizure free for almost 20 years but has recently suffered from seizures and has some memory issues that sometimes comes from the seizures.
CT Paid Leave can help patients who have epilepsy, and the caregivers who help them. Epilepsy is considered to be a chronic condition. You can take up to 12 weeks away from work to focus on your own health condition or that of a loved one.
A Caregiver Used Paid Leave and Helps Take Care of Her Sister Out of State.
10 Nov 2023
00:27:32
November is National Family Caregivers Month. 58% of caregivers are women. Almost one-third of caregivers provide care at least 20 hours a week. About 80 percent of caregivers care for adults aged 50 or older, and one in 6 non-caregivers expects to become a caregiver within two years.
Caregiver leave under CT Paid Leave allows you to take time away from work to care for a loved one who is undergoing a serious health or family issue. Caregivers can be blood related but don’t have to be, they can also be related by affinity. That means that the person is like a family member, and it could be a best friend or a cousin or a neighbor or someone you live with but aren’t married to. You are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of income replacement in a calendar year.
My guest is caregiver Mya Baldwin. Mya cared for her sister who was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer while she was pregnant with twin boys and living in New Jersey. Mya talks about how paid leave gave her 12 weeks of income replacement to help her sister with chemo treatments, and to help after the birth of her twin boys. Mya says that caregiver leave allowed her the flexibility to take time away from work so she could focus on the health and well-being of her sister.
To find out more about caregiver leave, or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave
Domestic Violence and How Survivors Navigate the Court System
26 Oct 2023
00:35:40
In Connecticut, 1/3 of all criminal court cases involve domestic violence. Everyday dozens of victims seeking help can’t get it and are turned away from critical services, including shelters. Earlier this month a report claimed that Connecticut shelters were at 150 percent capacity. Some agencies were trying to get hotel rooms because of a lack of space. Whether you call it family violence, domestic violence or intimate partner violence it is a serious health crisis in Connecticut.
Jennifer Lopez is the Interval House Director of Court Advocacy Programs in Hartford. Jennifer has worked for 30 years on behalf of domestic violence victims in the court system both in criminal and civil proceedings. She says COVID created a backlog in the court system, and they are still catching up with all the cases. She says every case in court is different but the most important part of leaving an abusive relationship is having a safety plan.
Jane Doe is a domestic violence survivor and is going through both criminal and civil court proceedings and says CT Paid Leave is invaluable. She says there are many court dates, and it makes it hard to take time away from work to attend them.
The Family Violence provisions that CT Paid Leave offers to eligible workers in Connecticut includes 12 days of income replacement along with the Family Violence Leave Act that offers 12 days of job protection for these reasons:
1. To seek medical care or psychological or other counseling for physical or psychological injury or disability for the victim (survivor)
2. To obtain services from a victim services organization on behalf of the victim(survivor)
3. To move or relocate due to such family violence
4. To participate in any civil or criminal court proceeding related to or resulting from such family violence.
If you or someone you know is the victim of family, domestic or intimate partner violence the statewide 24-hour toll free # in English call 888-774-2900 for Spanish call 844-831-9200.
If you are in danger, please call 9-1-1.
For more information about interval house: intervalhousect.org or call (860) 246-9149.
For information or to apply for benefits go to CT Paid Leave.org
A 30-year old's survivor guide to living and thriving with Breast Cancer.
13 Oct 2023
00:27:24
One in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Most are over the age of 50 when they are diagnosed, but not all of them are.
Bianca was 2 days shy of her 30th birthday. She had a 2-year-old son, when she got her diagnosis. She was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast cancer and found it herself during her monthly self-breast exam. Her journey of survival began with chemo, radiation and further ways to curb a recurrence. Bianca is 6 years cancer free but is always looking over her shoulder. She continues to educate her community with her own story.
The Komen New England Executive Director Nicole Marohn says education is key to a better outcome with breast cancer. She says that black women still have a 4 percent lower incidence rate of breast cancer than white women, but they have a 40 percent higher breast cancer death rate. Komen does outreach in underserved communities to ensure a better outcome.
An addict's story from near death to a sober life and gratitude for it all
25 Sep 2023
00:36:34
Alcohol and drug addiction are significant public health issues. The financial challenges hit not only the person but their family, community and caregivers. The annual cost for substance abuse treatment is over 600 billion dollars. Each year, 16 million or 6 percent of Americans over the age of 12 abuse prescription drugs.
Kevin Shuler is a Recovery Coach Program Manager for CCAR, (Connecticut Community Addiction Recovery), and it is a centralized resource hub in Connecticut for all things relating to recovery. CCAR can help you to navigate the recovery community by connecting you with others in recovery and providing access to area support services.
Kevin talks openly about his life of addiction that almost killed him, and how he rebounded to help others fighting their recovery process. He talks about how this affected his family and support system, and how CT Paid Leave could really help during a desperate time.
For more information about recovery in Connecticut and CCAR go to: Home - CCAR or call 866-205-9770.
National Recovery Month, which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, and to recognize the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery possible. This is just a portion of President Biden's proclamation about National Recovery Month: " During National Recovery Month, we celebrate the more than 20 million Americans who have had the courage to seek help for substance use disorder, showing millions of others that recovery is possible. We honor their resilience and recommit to making sure that every American has access to the services and support they need to rebuild lives of purpose and hope. "
Joining me to talk about addiction and treatment is Teodoro (Teo) Anderson Diaz, LCSW, LADC, a behavioral health care leader and practitioner from Wheeler Clinic he is the vice president of Health and Wellness Center Outpatient Services. Teo oversees the clinic’s mental health and substance abuse recovery services and ensures continued integration of behavioral health programs and primary care services. He also served as a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor. He is a member of the adjunct faculty at the Springfield College of Social Work. Teo received a master’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in human service administration from Springfield College.
Teo talks about a holistic approach to treatment and recovery. He looks at everything that is holding someone back from living a life of sobriety and directs people to live a life that is fulfilling. He talks about pain points and what is pushing someone to seek treatment for their addiction and he talks about the importance of diet and self-worth. He also says it is important to have a good support system in place and that the road to recovery may take several attempts.
Under CT Paid Leave, the leave may be taken only for treatment for substance abuse by a healthcare provider or by a provider of health care services on referral by a healthcare provider, but not for absences caused by an employee’s use of the substance. For more information go to: CT Paid Leave Authority (PFMLA)| Home | Official Site
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and today we're looking at things from a doctor's point of view.
Breastfeeding isn't always easy and for the best health outcomes the American Academy of Pediatrics( AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about six months, followed by continued breastfeeding with foods for at least two years and beyond as mutually desired. My guest is Dr. Jennifer Schwab. Dr. Schwab is a pediatrician with Rocky Hill pediatrics. She's a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She graduated Coombe laude from the College of Holy Cross and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She serves as Chair of the Connecticut Children's Care Network, an organization of about 200 pediatricians in Connecticut, which focuses on improving the quality and affordability of health care for children and their families, which is a huge problem. She's also the Division Chief of community Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and on the board of directors at CCMC.
We talk about the health reasons to breastfeed for Mom and for the baby. The dr. wants to make sure patients know their goals and she as a doctor tries to help patients to meet those goals. We also talk about peri-partum mood and anxiety disorders.
One Mom's Crusade to Inspire Hope in Young Adults and Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention
23 Sep 2024
00:30:41
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death and affects people of all ages. 1.6 million people attempt suicide every year in the United States, and 3.6 million made a plan. Suicide is a serious health crisis. When a person dies by suicide, the effects are felt by family, friends, and communities. Marisa Giarnella is the co-founder of the Jordan Porco Foundation, that was created in the memory of her son Jordan who took his life as a freshman in college. The foundations goals are to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults. Marisa says one suicide can affect over 130 people. We talked about Jordan, their flagship program known as Fresh Check Days a sort of mental health check-in at colleges across the country, and how to get through a suicide in the family. Marisa says that mental health needs to be talked about and destigmatized. She also says it's ok to ask for help.
August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Breastfeeding has proven to have health benefits for both mothers and babies in high-income and low-income settings, yet less than 50% of babies worldwide are breastfed according to World Health Organization. Meanwhile, the commercial milk formula industry generates revenues of about $55 billion each year.
The guests on this podcast are Monica Belyea who is a Nutrition Consultant with the CT Department of Public health and Taylor Smith, an Interdisciplinary Doula with strong interests in science, nutrition, herbal remedies and lactation.
Monica's expertise is in Early Childhood health and education systems and infant and young child feeding and nutrition. She focuses on the policies and laws protecting safe and healthy breastfeeding in the workplace and is the Past-Chair of the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coalition and a Steering Committee member of the Middletown Racial Justice Coalition.
In addition to being a Doula, Taylor is also a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and is extremely passionate about helping women through their breastfeeding and pregnancy journey. Taylor serves as the current co-chair of the Connecticut Breastfeeding Coaltion. She is currently a participant in Paving the Way: Diversity in Lactation, which is a mentorship program that aims to increase BIPOC numbers in lactation by guiding Women of Color to obtain their International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential and she will be sitting for the exam this fall.
Monica talks about the legal rights of mothers to pump in the workplace and the need to make sure marginalized communities are aware of their rights. Taylor says she is trying to increase awareness in minority communities about the benefits of breastfeeding to increase the number of mothers who breastfeed.
CT paid leave provides up to 12 weeks of income replacement so both parents can bond with their child, and breastfeeding can be a big part of that bonding experience.
Out of 186 countries, 96 percent provide some pay to women who are on maternity leave. 81 countries provide paid leave to fathers. The United States lags far behind.
Our focus today is how paid leave affects many things including families and business, and women's earning potential. Maya Rossin-Slater is an Associate Professor of Health Policy at Stanford University School of Medicine. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic and Policy Research (SIEPR), a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and a Research Affiliate at the Institute of Labor Economics (IZA). She received her Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University, and her BA in Economics and Statistics from the University of California at Berkeley. Rossin-Slater’s research includes topics such as paid leave, health care, public and labor economics. She focuses on issues in maternal and child well-being, family structure and behavior, health disparities, and public policies affecting disadvantaged populations in the United States and other developed countries. She is the recipient of the National Science Foundation Career Award and has published articles in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including the American Economic Review, Journal of Political Economy, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Her paid leave research includes California, And New York and a bit of Rhode Island.
We talk about the family health and well-being benefits that paid leave offers, and how it can help with mother and infant mortality rates. She says the leave is not long enough in the United States so there is very small positive or no effect on women's labor work trajectories. We also touch on how paid leave can help low income or otherwise disadvantaged families. She also said that COVID changed attitudes of employers towards paid leave.
CT Paid Leave began giving benefits in January of 2022. Since then, we have had a total of 134, 384 claims, and of those that were approved as of June 26 we have had a total of 83, 564 workers get benefits for their own serious health issues or that of a loved one. As of June first we have given out more than 375 million dollars in benefits.
Many parents return to work soon after a child’s birth. In fact, in the United States, 1 in 4 mothers, primarily those with lower income, return just two weeks after delivering their child.
CT Paid Leave offers up to 12 weeks of income replacement to parents to bond with their child.
Commissioner Beth Bye from the Office of Early Childhood, is an education specialist, and she was an early advocate for CT Paid Leave. She joins me for a discussion about the economic benefits of paid leave, which includes parents saving thousands of dollars in childcare expenses.
"Blood is thicker than water," however for many people, family isn't just about blood — it's about deep, meaningful connections. During Pride month you may hear the words "chosen family". A chosen family is a family you choose to have in your life that loves and supports you the way a blood family would.
My guest Robin McHaelen is well-known locally and nationally in the LGBTQ+ community as a leader, advocate and consultant. Robin is the founder and former Executive Director of True Colors, Inc. She was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to the Hate Crimes Commission. Robin says it is important for blood families to show compassion when someone comes out. Family rejection can have lasting traumatic implications.
My guest Ace Ricker is a public advocate and educator who’s been speaking on transgender rights since the age of fifteen. He’s the founder of A.C.E. (Awareness through Communication and Education) where he facilitates interactive workshops, training sessions and round-table discussions. Ace is a transgender man of color, and says his chosen family helped him through a very tough time after his family rejected him.
CT Paid leave has an expanded definition of family when you are care giving to a loved one with a serious health condition. You can be blood related, or you can be related by affinity. That means someone you have a close relationship with that is equivalent to that of a family, like a friend, co- worker or a Godson. You can get up to 12 weeks of income replacement if you qualify so you don’t have to worry about losing income during this time.
Navigating the Challenges of Transgender Healthcare
12 Jun 2023
00:36:52
Pride Month is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for their rights—and the medical field is no exception to this. Health care should be inclusive and respectful for everyone, no matter their gender identity or who they love. The challenges include gaps in coverage, affordability, stigma, discrimination and poor treatment from healthcare professionals.
Katie Tierney is the Medical Director of the Middlesex Health Center for Gender Medicine and Wellness and is an APRN specializing in Endocrinology. She believes that patients need to be treated with dignity and respect. With LGBTQ+ that starts with using the correct pronouns and validating them in the health care space.
Tony Ferraiolo is a transgender advocate and is the Director of Youth and Family Programs at Health Care Advocates International, which provides a safe place for LGBTQ+ youth and their families to be supported. Tony talks candidly about his own healthcare stories as a transgender man, the good and the bad. Tony dedicates himself to educating providers and the business community about inclusion.
The CT Paid Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of crucial income replacement to LGBTQ+ individuals seeking health care. That also includes mental health care, if it includes incapacitation and you have continued care from a health care provider.
May is Mental health Awareness month, and with that comes the question of what parents should do if their child is having mental health issues. The Pew Research Center report said mental health was the greatest concern among parents, followed by bullying, which worries 35% of parents. These concerns trumped fears of kidnapping, dangers of drugs and alcohol, teen pregnancy and getting into trouble with the police.
According to the Connecticut School Health survey released in May 2023, 1 in 7 high school students across Connecticut have seriously considered suicide.
My guests are Dr. Frank Gregory, the Administrator of the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, Children's Behavioral Health Community Services Systems. He says kids have been struggling and suffering for too long, and that is why it is so important to have resources in place.
Parent Shannon Ozkan has multiple children with mental health issues. Shannon works at Favor Inc., which is a nonprofit organization that assists families with mental health needs and advocacy. She talks candidly about her own family struggles and how she helps other families navigate services.
If your child needs mental health services call: 2-1-1 or 9-8-8
Mental health became a focus during the pandemic as many people struggled with depression or anxiety due to isolation. A recent study from the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that suicide attempts were rising at an alarming rate long before COVID-19. The study found that Black males had the highest increase in suicide attempts compared to any other race in the group increasing nearly 80%.
My guests talk about the stigma that minority men face in the community when they are seeking mental health services. Mental health podcaster Justin Little is a mental health speaker and is board certified in psychological first aid. Justin never talked about mental health in his family until he needed services in High School. His podcast opens the door for more men to talk about mental health issues.
Erskine Alexander is a licensed mental health therapist in New York and at Healing Springs Wellness Center in Cheshire Connecticut. He believes it is important to find a therapist you can relate to. He thinks more minority therapists are needed to normalize mental health in marginalized communities.
An athlete with Multiple Sclerosis keeps on moving.
24 Apr 2023
00:29:34
Nearly 1 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the United States. More women are diagnosed with the disease and colder climates can be a contributing factor. MS can be a very tricky disease to diagnose, but quick treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease. UConn Medical Center's neurologist Dr. Hamza Coban explains the different types of MS and why a positive mindset can be very helpful. Marisa Goldsmith is his patient, and she fights for her mobility every day. Marisa says MS doesn't define who she is, and being an athlete has helped her tremendously.
Death and dying aren’t easy subjects to talk about. In this episode I am talking to an end-of-life doula or a death doula. A death doula is someone who is there to help you emotionally navigate through your own end of life illness or that of a loved one. Nathalie Bonafe is a death doula, who considers her job a privilege to assist family members deal with their complicated emotions and grief surrounding the death of a loved one. Hamden Legislative Council at-Large Laurie Sweet was a birth doula and hired Nathalie to help her process her grief and emotions during her mother's fatal illness. Laurie believes Nathalie's support and attention to her emotional well-being was priceless during this difficult time in her life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone's lives in one way or another. For some people the battle continues to rage on every day. Long Covid or Long Haul Covid can last years in those that got infected with COVID-19. These symptoms can affect every aspect of their life, and the reason why is elusive.
Yale New Haven Health's Dr. Erica Spatz is an Associate Professor of Cardiology and Associate Professor of Epidemiology (Chronic Diseases), Director of the Preventative Cardiovascular Health program and investigator for the center of outcomes and research and evaluation. She joined me with two of her patients to discuss the chronic conditions that both nof them continue to suffer from as the result of COVID. Hannah is a nurse who must work at a reduced schedule due to her debilitating serious health issues from COVID 19, and Christine can no longer work at all due to the serious respiratory issues she continues to experience. Their stories are heart breaking and important to hear.
Dr. Spatz thinks that CT Paid Leave is a big help and it gives a peace of mind for those patients continuing to work while suffering from long covid symptoms.
To see if you qualify or to apply for benefits, please go to ctpaidleave.org
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about healthy aging and falls prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injury for those 65 and older adults. Over 14 million, or one in 4 older adults reports falling every year. The risks and potential consequences of falls increase with age and can lead to injury, loss of independence and are a leading cause of death in the U.S. among the 65 and older age group, according to fall statistics from the Centers for Disease and Prevention. Angela Vasquez is the Healthy Aging Program Coordinator for the Bureau of Aging in Connecticut. Angela has been working in the field of public health and community-based research for more than a decade. We discuss how to prevent falls, what to do to make a plan to stay in your home as you age, and how prevention can really help you age in a healthy way.
To get in touch with the Bureau of Aging please call: 1-800-994-9422
for information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave
Heart attacks and strokes are responsible for 1 in 3 deaths among women each year – more than all cancers combined. Close to 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented with education and action – which includes learning the risk factors and warning signs most prevalent for women.
UConn Health's cardiologist Supriya Tigadi explains that women's heart attack symptoms are different than mens . Since March is Women's History Month we will focus on how women can take better care of their heart health and also recognize the signs of something more serious. Having a caregiver is essential in recovery, from rides to the cardiac rehab to making sure a heart-healthy diet is adhered to. That's where CT Paid Leave can help with income replacement, while you take time away from work and navigate a new life with a serious health condition.
The mental health crisis in adolescents is a growing problem. Three years after the COVID pandemic uprooted life as we knew it, kids are still dealing with many issues causing a number of mental health conditions.
Dr. Laine Taylor, Medical Director at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford, joins me to discuss mental health in children in this episode.
Prior to working at The Village for Families and Children, Dr. Taylor was an assistant Professor at the Yale Child Study Center and worked in child psychiatric inpatient service for seven years. Dr. Taylor completed general psychiatry residency at the University of Arizona and completed a Child and Adolescent Fellowship at The Yale Child Study Center in New Haven.
A recent report stated that 40 percent of US parents are “extremely” or “very” worried that their children struggle with anxiety or depression. The Pew Research Center report concluded that mental health is the greatest healthcare concern among parents.
We discussed the health disparity in mental health for Black and Latino children, and the barriers o treatment that exist.
To learn more aboutThe Village for Families and Children, visit www.thevillage.org
For more information on CT Paid Leave or to apply for benefits, visit www.ctpaidleave.org
What is CT Paid Leave, CT FMLA, and Federal FMLA? Our new CEO explains.
10 Feb 2023
00:37:31
It can get confusing when you talk about CT Paid Leave, CT FMLA and Federal FMLA. How do you know if you are eligible for any of these? Our new CEO Erin Choquette is an expert in this field and explains if you are eligible, and how they cover you if you are taking care of your own serious health condition.
Erin Choquette was the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel of the Paid Leave Authority. Prior to that Erin worked at the Department of Administrative Services for 14 years, most recently serving as the Policy and Legislative Advisor to the DAS Commissioner, directing the agency’s legislative and general legal functions. While at DAS, she also co-authored the Family and Medical Leave Entitlements Manual, an extensive and detailed guide to understanding and administering federal and state family and medical leave laws.
Erin Choquette is married with 2 daughters and a handsome Bernese Mountain dog Bernie, who is infamous for being vocal during some of our remote meetings!
Since 1923 Planned Parenthood of Southern New England has been providing family planning and reproductive health care. It covers Connecticut and Rhode Island and serves about 70,000 people yearly in both states and has 14 health centers across Connecticut. CEO Amanda Skinner talks about the mission of PPSNE, and says it is to protect the fundamental right of all individuals to manage their own fertility and sexual health. She wants to ensure access to the services, education and information to realize that right. We touch on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, what her vision is in the wake of that, and how she went from health professional to CEO.
Currently, the United States doesn't have a national paid family and medical leave program. That could change if this plan becomes law in 2023. However, it failed in 2021, and in 2022 was defeated by one vote. Compared to many other countries around the globe, the United States lags far behind when it comes to passing a paid leave program. This leaves many workers and families across the nation, struggling with issues about taking unpaid leave, taking care of themselves or a loved one, and the possibility of having to quit their job to do so.
Joining me in the national paid leave conversation is CT Paid Leave Board member and Chair of the Outreach and Engagement Committee, Molly Weston Williamson. Molly graduated from Yale Law School and was the Director of Paid Leave at A Better Balance. She led the advocacy around paid leave laws across the country and directed a Better Balance effort to address the needs of all workers in a changing workforce. She was a Senior Staff Attorney and is currently a Senior Fellow with the Center for American Progress and is a nationally recognized expert on paid leave policy.
Cassandra Gomez is a Senior Staff Attorney at a Better Balance, and she got her law degree from Northeastern University.
Molly and Cassandra will discuss why the policy didn't pass last year and the strategy moving forward. We discuss the grass roots efforts to get a national policy passed and how other states may influence the national efforts.
The need for organ donation in Connecticut and nationally is high. Kidneys are the most needed organ. The reason for the shortage is that many people do not properly declare their wishes to be an organ donor. The need is even greater for minorities. Today we will discuss why minorities are so skeptical about becoming an organ donor, and what is being done to offset the need.
In this podcast episode "Minorities and Organ Donation", I speak with New England Donor Services Mark Brevard and Andrew Johnson. Mark is the Director of Multicultural Community Outreach, and Andrew is the Multicultural Community Outreach Coordinator, and the recipient of a heart transplant. We talk about the need for continuing education in communities of color to dispel myths about becoming an organ donor, and the challenges they still face to raise awareness. The goal is to get more minorities to become donors, and to have tough family conversations about their end of life wishes.
To get in touch with New England Donor Services to become a donor go to: registerme.org
For more information or to register go to ctpaidleave.org
How to face the end of life with grace and dignity.
09 Dec 2022
00:30:53
Hospice is invaluable to patients and caregivers during a critical time. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of Americans would prefer to die at home, if possible. Nationwide more than 1.6 million people use Hospice services. The pandemic certainly created challenges for the industry, as it had to change the way it could give care and respite to caregivers in their homes.
My guests on this episode today are Dr. Ross Albert who is the Hospice and Palliative Care Director for Hartford Healthcare at Home. We discuss the difference between Hospice and Palliative care, and the different services available to patients. We talk about why the need is growing for Hospice in our state.
I also spoke with Hartford Healthcare at Home Hospice volunteer, Stephanie. Annino. She has volunteered for 14 years and provides respite for caregivers. She can also be a friendly visitor for patients who may need a supportive presence. She has been known to sing and dance and do anything to add to the quality to a patients end of life.
Hospice workers are a pretty special group of people, who say they get more out of the visits than they ever expected. The reward they say is realizing how we can appreciate everyday as a gift.
For more information go to: hartfordhealthcareathome.org or call 1-800-HOMECARE (800-466-3227)
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Every year more people die from lung cancer than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined. Lung Cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, making up more than 25 percent of all cancer deaths. I spoke with Dr. Omar Ibrahim who is an interventional pulmonologist and top lung cancer doctor at UConn Health, about the different types of lung cancers, what causes lung cancer, when you should get screened and how to work through getting that kind of diagnosis. He says having a good support system in place and caregivers who can drive you to appointments and to treatments is very important for the patient's recovery. Diahann Wilcox is a nurse practitioner and tobacco treatment specialist, and she gives us information on how to quit smoking and the tools she uses to make that successful. She has private and group sessions at UConn Health. Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer.
For more information on lung cancer screening call UConn Health at 844-777-LUNG. A nurse navigator will call you back to discuss your eligibility for the screening test.
To apply for CT Paid Leave benefits or for more information go to ctpaidleave.org
You may remember the Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral a few years ago. It was started by a man diagnosed and who later died from ALS, which stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Your body fails, but your mind stays sharp. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, and someone dies from it.
Caregiver Tyler Gaetano knows about ALS all too well. His mother died from the disease in 2021 at 59. Tyler was his mother's main caregiver and her mouthpiece after she lost the ability to speak.
Jacky Rose the Executive Director of the CT. Chapter of the ALS Association say progress is being made with drugs that are prolonging life, but a cure for ALS is elusive. She says there are many services available, including grief counseling for caregivers. Tyler and his family used these services after the passing of his mom.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is great to have a month that highlights a disease, and brings awareness about prevention, treatment and survival. The fact remains that one out of every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. CT Paid Leave gives up to 12 weeks of income replacement, so you can take time away from work to deal with your own serious health condition or that of a loved one. This allows you to focus on your diagnosis, treatment plan and healing and not worry about your finances.
The expert on this topic is breast surgeon Dr. Kertrisa McWhite. She is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon at the Middlesex Health Surgical Alliance and the Comprehensive Breast Center. She talks about prevention, screenings and how treatments have improved survival rates even in the last 10 years. She talks about why it's important to have a good support system with a diagnosis and to seek behavioral health professionals if you need to. She is hopeful that there will one day be a cure for breast cancer.
Exploring Connecticut's Family-Friendly Policies with State Treasurer Erick Russell
26 Aug 2024
00:28:38
In the United States, the month with the largest number of births is typically August, with July a close second. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to the State Treasurer Erick Russell about the Baby Bonds program. Treasurer Russell talks about the fact that Connecticut is the first state in the nation to have the Baby Bond program aimed at curbing racial and generational poverty. He talks about the program, and he highlights the potential to engage families and build long-term economic opportunities for their children. Treasurer Russell talks about his background and emphasizes the importance of teaching financial literacy to children in middle school, and the importance of teaching them about credit history and long-term investments, like a 401k retirement plan. He also touches on Connecticut's progress in stabilizing finances, and the importance of family-friendly policies in the state like the Baby Bonds program, CHET and CT Paid Leave. Treasurer Russell was sworn in as Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer in January of 2023.
For more information about the Baby Bond program please go to: CT Baby Bonds
For more information about CT Paid Leave or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave
My guest Sistah Anyango has energy and spirituality to spare. She founded the FLYY movement that gives women a safe space to move, to recover, and to heal. FLYY is the acronym for the Freedom to Love the You in You. It started out as a Zumba class, but it grew into so much more. Sistah Anyango is well equipped as a domestic violence survivor to help other women muscle through trauma, and FLYY on the other side. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we will talk about her own dark space in domestic violence, and what it took to get her kids and herself out safely.
For more information on Domestic violence: If you need help or need to talk with someone, please contact ctsafeconnect.org call or text 888-774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7. Please call 9-1-1 if you believe you are in danger. The national domestic violence hotline is 800-779-7233.
The United States is an aging nation and Connecticut is an aging state. Living with a disease that usually affects the older population - like Alzheimer's - is tough for the whole family. Caregivers of those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia are usually family members who have to learn to navigate from diagnosis through the progression of the disease. CT Paid Leave can help by providing up to 12 weeks of income replacement when a caregiver is away from work to care for their loved one.
Joining in the discussion are two CT Paid Leave advocates from the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association - Carolyn DeRocco, Vice President of Programs and Education, and Christy Kovel, Director of Public Policy. Carolyn and Christy realize how important the CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Act is for caregivers as well as for individuals who are newly diagnosed with this disease. In this episode, we delve into what Alzheimer's is, how to diagnose it, preventative measures, treatments, and the new advocacy work they are doing.
For more information on Alzheimer's Disease, visit alz.org/ct or call their toll free hotline 24 hours 800-272-3900
For more information about CT Paid Leave or to apply for benefits, visit ctpaidleave.org.
It takes one person's commitment to a cause to create a wave of change. That is true about my guest Connecticut State Senator Julie Kushner, who represents the 24th Senate District that includes Danbury, New Fairfield, Sherman and some parts of Bethel. She has led a life of advocacy and helping others, including her 2018 campaign aimed at getting CT Paid Leave passed in the state. In the CT General Assembly, Senator Kushner is the Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee and along with the coalition and others, they crafted a well written and comprehensive law that passed the next year. Senator Kushner is happy that the law she helped to get passed is now being used by her constituents in so many various ways.
Caregivers are essential to families. Sometimes they have to make hard choices between taking care of a loved one or working. Connecticut Paid Leave gives them some relief by giving up to 12 weeks of income replacement, so you don't have to make such difficult choices. The AARP was instrumental in helping to get the Paid Medical and Family Leave Act signed into law, knowing that caregivers needed more flexibility. On this episode I spoke with the AARP Assistant State Director of Advocacy and Outreach, Anna Doroghazi. Anna talked about the coalition that banded together to make sure CT Paid Leave became a reality. She also talked about caregivers and the increasing need for intermittent leave, a provision CTPL allows as well as reduced schedule leave. Also joining the conversation was AARP volunteer Barbara Munck who testified on behalf of the CT Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. She is a trained volunteer and caregiver team and presents their Caregiving Roadshow around the state. Barbara has had extensive experience with being a family caregiver to her sister, mother, child, and husband. Her experiences made her realize how important CT Paid leave is to caregivers across the state.