Today we have Licensed Professional Counselor, Stacy King, interviewing Zarrow Mental Health Symposium keynote speaker, William Zangwill.  

Stacy has been in the mental health field for 29 years, where she has provided care for a diverse population. Stacy is trained in EMDR training and is currently working at a family-based treatment center and her private practice in Tulsa.  

Dr. William Zangwill is one of the original EMDR trainers, certified by Dr. Francine Shapiro. He has trained therapists in EMDR and other methodologies across the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East; and his publications include “Combining EMDR and Schema Focused Therapy,” “The Need to Strengthen the Mindfulness Component of EMDR” and a chapter on sexual victimization in “Our Sexuality.” Currently, Dr. Zangwill practices in New York where he conducts EMDR trainings and specializes in the treatment of PTSD and sexual, marital and family problems 

We are thrilled that he is one of our keynote speakers at this year’s Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, and we are so excited that he joined us on the podcast. 

It is important to note that the conversation includes a brief story regarding sexual assault. While it’s valuable and relevant dialogue, we understand that it can be difficult for some listeners.  The Mental Health Download starts now. 

Today, we have Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Children's Behavioral Health Program Manager, Cynthia Mooney talking with Kerrie Fisher, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University.  

Kerri has 16 years of practice and teaching experience, and she is passionate about providing training and resources at the intersections of micro and macro practice for mental and behavioral health professionals. 

Prior to her time in higher education, she was a licensed clinical social worker in school settings where she provided individual, group and family counseling, as well as case management and consultation for student care teams.  

Kerri is a regularly invited speaker in cultural humility, anti-oppressive practices and combating supremacy in all its forms. Additionally, she is a keynote speaker at the 2024 Zarrow Mental Health Symposium, themed Life Stages: Mental Health Across a Lifetime. 

We are grateful to have Kerri on today, and we’re excited to share this insightful and engaging conversation between him and our own Cynthia Mooney. Thank you for listening to the Mental Health Download. 

Today, we're talking with Stephanie Newman, Street Outreach and Rapid Response Case Manager for Mental Health Association Oklahoma.

Stephanie Newman is a native Oklahoman who, in childhood, experienced a sexual trauma that went unaddressed, resulting in a crescendo-like progression of events that ultimately culminated in the loss of her children, her home, her dignity.

Humanity stepped in, knowing that everyone has value and possibility, and took a chance on her. Now, two decades later, she’s celebrating sixteen years of recovery and continuing her sixth year of employment with Mental Health Association Oklahoma.

We are grateful to have Stephanie on, today, as she shares her story with us. It’s important to note that this conversation touches on sexual trauma and loss. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.

"Do not let fear lead you to not deal with the things in your life that cause you stress or cause you anger or any of those things that affect your mental health." -- Kenya Williams

Our Mental Health Download guests are DJ Mercer and Kenya Williams. They partnered with the Association for a new virtual support group for men seeking additional support for life stressors and mental and emotional well-being. 

The first virtual group that is facilitated by a mental health professional is set for this Thursday, July 30 from 6-7 p.m. More details at https://mhaok.org/mens-mental-health.

Zarrow Mental Health Symposium keynote speaker, Tim Wise, explores the current pandemic moment, alongside the racial justice uprising in the wake of numerous police-involved killings, and ask: “How has history brought us to this point? And how do we respond now that we’re here?” Just as Tim will at the virtual Symposium, Tim presents an analysis of racialized trauma that explores the ways in which it affects both persons of color and whites, albeit in different ways, and in so doing, presents the kind of “interest convergence” that could lead to cross-racial, anti-racist solidarity in the future.

REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL ZARROW MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM TODAY!

Virtual Zarrow Mental Health Symposium -- Healing from Historical Trauma
September 30-October 2, 2020
www.zarrowsymposium.org.

Mental Health Download Podcast is excited to present the first episode of an ongoing series of Mindfulness Meditation sessions with Jacob Beaumont, of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Episode one is titled "What is Mindfulness?"

Meditation is another word that is both easy and impossible to define because it can mean so many things to so many people. The long and the short of it is that meditation is the creation of space and time to intentionally practice something. So when we pair mindfulness with meditation, we see that mindfulness meditation is simply practicing awareness. It's a classic example of, you know, being a thing that's easy to learn and almost impossible to master. And that's the beauty of it, too.

Read the transcript and listen to all of the sessions at mhaok.org/meditation.

To honor Mike Brose's 27 years with the Association - and to support our ongoing statewide mission - donate at mhaok.org/mike-brose. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

***

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Matt Gleason.

Welcome to the fourth and final episode in our series featuring Mike Brose reflecting on the history of the organization he has served for 27 years as CEO.

Knowing that this would be the last in the series, I wanted Mike to tell the story of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium that started in 1995, just a few years after he was named CEO in 1993.

Of course, the Symposium’s story is powerful and remarkable part of the Association’s history, but the reason I saved the Symposium for the last episode is because the conference themes touch on so many of the ideas and concepts that Mike has championed all these years.

So, you’ll hear stories about the Symposium, but then we get into a variety of topics, including Mobile Medical Intervention Team, Criminal Justice Reform, Advocacy and his successor as CEO, Terri White. In addition, this was my opportunity for Mike to explain why he’s always said Mike-isms like Association is like a high-wire act with no net, why we should use judo instead of karate, and my personal favorite, we ride the bike as we build it.

OK, let’s get this history lesson started. The Mental Health Download starts … now.

"To give somebody a place to live, to give them a home, is one of the most therapeutic, wonderful gifts you could ever give to someone. And now they don't have to worry about where they're sleeping tonight. Now they don't have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. They have a place to live." - Mike Brose

Listen to part three of our multi-part series featuring the Association’s longtime CEO, Mike Brose, as he looks back on the history of the Mental Health Association > mhaok.org/mike-brose.

In this episode, Mike will share behind-the-scenes stories of the Association's once-controversial Yale Avenue Apartments. He also shares the origin stories of our peer-run drop-in centers. Mike closes out the podcast talking about the Association's statewide expansion in April 2014.

To honor Mike’s 27 years with the Association - and to support our ongoing statewide mission - donate and listen to episode two today. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

"The enormous pride that we've had to be, really, a national leader in housing, a national leader in employment of people who live in recovery and have them be important and valuable members of the team, be a part of our family. I mean, that gets to the heart and soul of Mental Health Association Oklahoma." -- Mike Brose

Listen to part two of our multi-part series featuring the Association’s longtime CEO, Mike Brose, as he looks back on the history of the Mental Health Association.

In this episode, Mike will share behind-the-scenes stories of how the Association was able to develop sustainable and affordable housing solutions for ending homelessness.

Mike also talks about how employment is treatment.

In addition, Mike explores the history of the Association’s suicide prevention initiatives, including Question, Persuade, Refer better known statewide as QPR.

To honor Mike’s 27 years with the Association - and to support our ongoing statewide mission - donate and listen to episode one today at mhaok.org/mike-brose. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

"It occurred to me really early on that you don't get this job -- you're entrusted with this job"

- Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma

Listen to episode one of "Mike Brose Reflects of Association History," our new multi-part series featuring the Association’s longtime CEO, Mike Brose, looking back on the history of the Mental Health Association dating back to 1955. 

Mike announced his retirement in late 2019 and he's talked about recording this oral history of the organization ever since. Now that his retirement nears, Mike took time out to discuss, among other things, how tragedies in his own life led him to become a social worker. Mike also talks about the father of our housing program, Bill Packard.

To honor Mike’s 27 years with the Association -- and support our ongoing statewide mission -- donate today at mhaok.org/mike-brose. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

This Mx. Eden Nay quote says everything that needs to be said about this episode of the Mental Health Download:

"Focus on Black lives. Focus on queer Black lives. That's what I'm doing."

Mx. Eden Nay 
(Them, They)

To learn more about the Prism Project, visit http://www.ou.edu/tulsa/about/diversityandinclusion/lgbtq

On today’s episode, we’re going to explain why you should vote Yes On State Question 802 on June 30. Mental Health Association Oklahoma has joined the Yes on 802 Oklahomans Decide Healthcare movement to get Medicaid expansion passed in 2020 for nearly 200,000 Oklahomans.

Learn more at yeson802.org. Full disclosure, much of the statistics we’ll share today are straight from this brilliant website.

Your vote matters, so here are the days and times where early voting will be open at County Election Boards 

Friday, June 26: 8am - 6pm

Saturday, June 27: 9am - 2pm

Click the link  to find the early voting location closest to you - https://www.ok.gov/elections/documents/CEB_Physicial%20Addresses_%286-3-2020%29.pdf

Please vote, spread the word, and let’s win Medicaid expansion on June 30.

On this episode, we’re going to be talking about how Medicaid expansion would benefit the people Mental Health Association Oklahoma serves.

So my guests today are Selena Stockley, who serves as Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s new Chief Administrative Officer. She also oversees our advocacy efforts.

I’ve also invited Jacob Beaumont, the Association’s Director of Criminal Justice Reform, to be a part of the conversation.

OK, let’s get started. The Mental Health Download starts...now.

On today’s episode, the Association’s very own Matt Dean and Michael Huber discuss how the adult animated Netflix series "BoJack Horseman" does, in fact, tell the story of an anthropomorphic horse named BoJack. But it also has a unique perspective on depression and addiction. And since we are all still spending time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, now would be a perfect time to binge 6 seasons on Netflix.

In addition, Michael Huber courageously shares his own journey with depression and anxiety and why Bojack does such a remarkable job of destigmatizing mental health and addiction.

Quick background on Matt Dean, he’s the Association’s brilliant graphic designer and Michael keeps the Association’s IT running smoothly, especially as we all work virtually from home these day.

OK, let’s get the conversation started. The Mental Health Download starts...now.

You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I'm Omar Isais.

Today, Jocelin Baeza and Omar Isais, MHAOK team members, are taking over the Mental Health Download to highlight our virtual Hispanic support group, Platicas, in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Our goal is to increase dialogue about mental health struggles and reduce stigma around them, specifically in the Hispanic population. We talk about the importance of doing so and what that can look like, including within Platicas.

"We're all struggling. We're not alone. We at the Mental Health  Association have always been here for you. We're going to be here for  you again now and in the future. This support group is just one way  we're offering to be with you through this difficult time." -- Dr. Al Carlozzi

Rebecca  Hubbard and Al Carlozzi talk about the Association's new support group,  "Stress Management & Consultation for Mental Health Workers  Experiencing the COVID-19 Impact."

It begins Monday, June 22 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Details at mhaok.org/supportgroups.

NEW EPISODE > "Shannon Phillips: She Can Be Free" > mhaok.org/podcast

"There's nothing that's going to stop me because I love women. I want to be able to share my story to help them, to point them to the solution and say, 'Hey, come this way. Don't go down that path anymore. There's another path for you.' "

Shannon Phillips and her friend Melissa Baldwin talk about Shannon's podcast, "She Can Be Free." It's all about women helping other women walk towards freedom and recovery from the things that are holding them back.

Listen to the She Can Be Free Podcast at: https://www.shecanbefree.com/

On today's episode, we are featuring audio from a special Facebook Live event about the Mental Health Association Oklahoma support group  "Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice." It features the group's facilitator Carmen White Janak and Rebecca Hubbard, the Association's director of Outreach, Prevention and Education.

Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice Support Group Meets at 7 p.m.

Group begins June 15, 2020

This support group is for people dealing with the trauma and stress related to the racial injustices and the ongoing racial crisis in America. This will be a safe healing place for listening, sharing, growing and learning. Now is the time for change. Join us as we provide space for truth and healing.

To register for this support group, visit https://mhaok.org/racial-injustice

Podcasting is a powerful way to raise awareness about critical issues near and dear to nonprofits of all kinds. The mission today is to explain why -- and how -- more nonprofits can launch their own podcast.

Today, we're honored to be joined by fellow podcaster, Jesse Ulrich, who co-hosts Pod4Good and is the CEO of the podcast production company Rant9 Productions. And we asked our friend, Daniel Billingsley, of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, to join us to explain the importance of storytelling for nonprofits, especially now during the time of COVID-19 and protests related to the tragic deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

In addition, we're joined by Mickey Desai from Atlanta, Georgia.  Mickey is a veteran podcast producer.  He produces three podcasts currently:

• Nonprofit SnapCast (a podcast for all nonprofit professionals and board members)
  
• The Thing About Cars (a podcast about cars and the people who love them)
  
• Inclusion Catalyst (a production about social justice and racial equity)

Mickey also runs Podcast Wizardry, a firm dedicated to helping others tell their stories through their own podcasting efforts.

Ashley Gunnells and Matt Gleason interview the Grief Center's Joanna Majka about the collective grief our country is experiencing involving COVID-19, and the same applies to George Floyd and other racial injustices we have witnessed.  As Joanna said, "We are grieving together as a nation and we must connect to this grief, feel the deep emotions associated with these societal losses, and then use our grief to demand change."

Your mind wants to label me as a person with the disability, but I'm a guy out here trying to change the world by changing one person at a time." - Emeka Nnaka

***

On today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Avarie Wilson. She serves as the Association’s Assistant Director of Development.

Avarie and I are going to interview our guest and, actually, Avarie’s very good friend, Emeka Nnaka.

As so many Oklahomans know, Emeka has been in a wheelchair since he was 21. He was playing for a semi-pro football team when he tackled an opponent during a game in Arkansas. The opponent got to his feet. Emeka, sadly, was unable to move. Partially paralyzed, his life has never been the same.

Despite his challenges in life, Emeka has become an inspiration through his determination, grit, compassion and his exemplary volunteer work. Most notably, he’s been an amazing advocate and volunteer for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, the Tulsa Area United Way, the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges, among others.

In late 2018, Emeka was invited to be on Ellen DeGeneres’ show after 50 people wrote letters to let her know how “incredible” Emeka is.

While on the show, Ellen read aloud a letter that described Emeka as a Tulsa treasure. Avarie and I could not agree more. And we’re so thrilled that Ellen and Cheerios gifted him with a check for $100,000 to celebrate his work in the community.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by my co-host, Tiffany Ramirez. She serves as the EmpowerOKC Program Manager at Lilyfield. Lilyfield's EmpowerOKC program is designed to transform families and communities into places where children are safe and can thrive.

Tiffany and I are going to interview our guest Malika Cox. She is passionate about criminal justice reform, restorative justice and policy changes that impact marginalized communities. Malika is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation, Justice and Community Life at The Table in Oklahoma City. Malika speaks and teaches on anti-bias, diversity and inclusion, race and reconciliation, and transitional and restorative justice practices.

Before we get to the interview, I want to tell you about Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s new virtual support group, Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice. It begins June 15. The free virtual support group via Zoom is specifically for people dealing with the trauma and stress related to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery and the ongoing crisis in America.

It is facilitated by Carmen White Janak. She is a diversity, equity, and inclusion professional and a non-denominational minister who understands the unique needs of people during this time.

More details are available at mhaok.org/supportgroups.

Ok, let’s get this conversation started.

The Mental Health Download starts … now

On today’s episode, Rebecca Hubbard and Mark Davis are going to discuss how the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery have had profound traumatic effects on individuals and families, and especially people in the African American community. This is why Mental Health Association Oklahoma launched its free virtual support group via Zoom that is specifically for people dealing with this ongoing crisis in America. The Coping with Trauma from Racial Injustice support and open dialogue group will start at 7 p.m. June 15. More details are available at mhaok.org/supportgroups.

In addition, Mental Health Association Oklahoma encourages people to contact its free Mental Health Assistance Center at 918-585-1213 and 405-943-3700 for help and support. It is open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. People may also send emails to info@mhaok.org.

OK, so just a bit of background on our guests: Rebecca is the Director of Outreach, Prevention and Education for Mental Health Association Oklahoma. And Rebecca is joined by Mark Davis, who serves as the Chief Programs Officer for the Association.

The Mental Health Download starts ... now.

Listen to the 100th Episode! This has been an amazing journey podcasting and sharing lessons with you all. We could not think of a better way to celebrate this milestone episode than to invite our dear friend Jacob Beaumont to talk all things meditation. Be sure to hang around for the end of the pod so you can hear the first session of Jacob's free meditation series available right now at mhaok.org/meditation. Thank you for listening! 

On today's episode, we are saying goodbye to our dear friend and leader, Wendi Fralick, who is Mental Health Association Oklahoma's chief administrative officer. We're both sad that she's leaving, but we're excited that she's also off to a new adventure with the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. Wendi is going to be the Center's new executive director! 

We love Wendi very much, and so we invited her on today's episode to look back on the highlights of her career with the Association and to just say "goodbye and we'll see you soon."

Margaret (Maggie) Shaffer is Director of Public Policy for the Alzheimer's Association. In her current professional capacity Maggie works with advocates to move forward state and federal policy issues to support research to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and improve the care and support of caregivers. Maggie has previous experience in health and mental health policy, having spent several years researching, writing, and advocating for improved access to comprehensive, family-centered care. She is particularly passionate about furthering policies that support caregivers as she believes they play a crucial role in shaping the future of health care.

We are excited both for Maggie’s Zarrow Symposium presentation, which will cover research on the impact caregiving has on individuals, support programs available in Oklahoma, and policy implications of providing support to caregivers, and we are excited to share today’s conversation with us here.

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. 

• On today’s special episode, our guest is Miss Oklahoma USA 2020, Mariah Davis.
  
• And what you’ll hear is audio from our recent Facebook Live Q&A with Mariah.
  
• You’ll hear Mariah share her experiences with depression and anxiety. She’ll also offer advice on how you or someone you love can overcome their darkest moments with depression and anxiety.
  
• QUESTIONS INCLUDE:

1. So let’s start with you telling the audience a little about yourself and why you wanted to become Miss Oklahoma USA 2020.
   
2. OK, now let’s go back to your high school days. Can you share what it was like in high school when you first realized you were experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety?
   
3. At that time, were you afraid your friends and maybe even your family would find out you were experiencing depression and anxiety?
   
4. When you were a freshman at the University of Oklahoma, how did your depression and anxiety symptoms stay the same or change?
   
5. You’ve said that during that time in college, you were struggling to find your identity and that you felt like a prisoner in your own mind. Can you tell us more about what that inner battle was like for you?
   
6. How did you cope with your depression and anxiety at that time?
   
7. As you’ve said, you felt like you were losing your fight with depression and anxiety. And, actually, you were having thoughts of suicide, correct? Can you explain what it was like to reach such a dark place in your life?
   
8. What or who inspired you to fight against those thoughts and come out the other side transformed?
   
9. How did that time in your life affect your friends and family?
   
10. How did your friends and family help you in your recovery from depression and anxiety?
    
11. You’ve said “you have to put in the work to change,” what did that work entail for you?
    
12. Now that you have come so far in your recovery, what advice do you have for people who feel alone as they struggle with depression and anxiety?
    
13. What are some of the ways you continue to maintain and improve your own mental health?
    

Chef Justin Thompson joins Mike Brose and Matt Gleason for a discussion about life during COVID, his sobriety, his hopes for the mental health of his staff and, yes, the healing powers of baking. 

To connect with mental health services, call Mental Health Association Oklahoma's free Mental Health Assistance Center at 918-585-1213 or 405-943-3700.

Tiffany Ramirez, of EmpowerOKC, joins Rebecca Hubbard and Matt Gleason to discuss serving people whose first language is not English. Also, they talk about how EmpowerOKC has partnered with Westwood Elementary School, an Oklahoma City Public School, to identify at-risk students and provide support to students and their families to help prevent them from entering the child welfare system.

This program includes parenting classes, education support for children, mentor families, counseling, case management, resource referral, tutoring and much more. In doing so, we hope to continue to fulfill our vision of guiding children, youth and families on a path to healing and permanency.

Lucinda Morte answers the call for help when people contact Mental Health Association Oklahoma's free Mental Health Assistance Center. In this mini-episode, Lucinda answers one question: How to connect with services during a pandemic.

Connect to services today by visiting mhaok.org.

Listen to this discussion between Mary Burchett, of Bank of America, and Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma. Together they discuss how businesses can prioritize mental health.

Check out this Journal Record piece by Mary Burchett that's available now at: https://journalrecord.com/2020/05/15/qa-how-businesses-can-prioritize-mental-health/

Q&A: How businesses can prioritize mental health

By: Mary Burchett Journal Record Guest Columnist May 15, 2020

As Oklahomans continue to show strength during the coronavirus pandemic, the physical, financial and emotional strains we all are experiencing are converging. Many employers are taking steps to protect the health and safety of employees, including their mental and emotional well-being.

As part of Bank of America’s $100 million global coronavirus community relief effort, the bank provided Mental Health Association Oklahoma with funding to support increased local demand for their services. With May being National Mental Health Awareness Month, I spoke to Mike Brose, CEO of MHAO, to discuss how businesses can keep employees and our broader community healthy – physically and emotionally.

Burchett: How can a business prioritize mental wellness for its employees?

Brose: We encourage employers to offer Employee Assistance Programs as part of their employee benefits. EAPs can provide support through telemedicine. For employers who already offer them, now is the time to communicate with your employees about the benefits and services they receive. If your employer doesn’t offer an EAP, you can call our Mental Health Assistance Center at 918-585-1213 or 405-943-3700.

Burchett: What is your best mental health tip for those who are working from home during this time?

Brose: Be mindful of how you are feeling and take regular breaks. Too much self-isolation is a recipe for the slow deterioration of self. Care for others from your own home – call, text, video chat – it shows you care and follows one of our long-standing tenets: it’s better to give than to receive.

Burchett: What about essential workers who need to work on-site?

Brose: We recommend some practices that are universal to mental health, including getting enough rest, minimizing alcohol use, and engaging in at-home exercise. For front-line workers, quality personal protective equipment also gives peace of mind. The first step to taking care of those around you is to take care of yourself.

Burchett: How is MHAO meeting the increase in demand?

Brose: Social distancing means we are unable to offer in-person support groups, so we took them online. MHAO established groups for different roles, including first responders, essential workers and even groups for the general public. You can find information about these groups at mhaok.org/supportgroups.

To hear more from my conversation with Mike, listen to the Mental Health Download podcast at mhaok.org/podcast or via your favorite podcast app.

Mary Burchett is Tulsa market manager for Bank of America and a Mental Health Association Oklahoma board member.

Oklahoma City Councilmembers James Cooper, JoBeth Hamon and Nikki Nice hosted a Virtual COVID-19 Town Hall on mental health, accessing care and more.

In this episode, JoBeth Hamon and M.J. Clausen, both of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, talk about participating in the town hall. They also offer their highlights of the event.

To watch the full Facebook Live of the town hall, visit: https://www.facebook.com/cityofokc/videos/525844598107909/

Links to Resources in OKC:

https://heartlineoklahoma.org/

Tyler Butler, of Tulsa's Channel 8 - KTUL, hosts our Mental Health Download podcast today. It's the audio from his interviews with Mental Health Association Oklahoma's Jacob Beaumont and Rebecca Leigh Hubbard about mindfulness, meditation and mentalhealth resources available in Oklahoma for people struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Linda Alegria joins Dr. Rebecca Hubbard to talk about Linda's virtual Mental Health Association Oklahoma COVID-related support group, "STRESS AND A HISTORY OF TRAUMA."

Trauma is any experience that triggered heightened anxiety and fear related to your experience. Examples inlcude abuse, neglect, domestic violence and life-threatening accidents.

• Thursday 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Learn more at https://mhaok.org/support-groups

Also, get details about Mental Health Association Oklahoma's Be Apart campaign at mhaok.org/beapart

Andy Moore is the executive director of Let's Fix This in Oklahoma City. He's also the co-host of the Let's Pod This Podcast. Additionally, Andy is a licensed professional counselor. Andy joins us to talk about his Nondoc media story, "During the COVID-19 Crisis, Consider Your Mental Health."

Read the story here: https://nondoc.com/2020/03/27/amid-public-health-crisis-dont-forget-mental-health/

Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, and Kristy Sturgill, director of Marketing for the Association, join us to talk about the new campaign, Be Apart, and what life will be like as society begins to slowly emerge from quarantine. 

Stay informed about the Be Apart campaign at https://mhaok.org/beapart

Today, we're talking with Jon Haverfield, friend and client of Mental Health Association Oklahoma.

Jon is a native Tulsan who attended Bishop Kelley High School and the University of Oklahoma. After college Jon worked as a TV Meteorologist for 6 years including work at KJRH-TV in Tulsa as the Weekend Morning Meteorologist. During his time at Channel 2, tragedy struck, leading him to his work with MHAOK, including volunteer services and contributions to the 2018 Mental Health Awareness Campaign.

In 2019, Jon was awarded the Award For Excellence from the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Jon has since stepped away from TV and now works as a Financial Advisor with an office in Midtown Tulsa.

We are grateful to have Jon on, today, as he shares his story with us. It’s important to note that this conversation speaks predominantly to suicide. While it’s important dialogue to have, we understand that it could be difficult for some listeners.

You’re listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I’m Matt Gleason.

On today’s episode, our guest is Dr. Benjamin F. Miller, who serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for Well Being Trust. The Well Being Trust is a national foundation committed to advancing the mental, social and spiritual health of the nation. He’s also serves as a board member for Mental Health Colorado.

And Dr. Rebecca Hubbard, who serves as Mental Health Association Oklahoma’s Director of Outreach, Prevention and Education, is joining me today to interview Dr. Miller.

We asked Ben to be on the Mental Health Download because the Well Being Trust collaborated with the Kaiser Family Foundation on the fascinating research brief titled, “The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance Use.”

Key takeaways from the research include:

• Recent data shows that significantly higher shares of people who were sheltering in place (47%) reported negative mental health effects resulting from worry or stress related to coronavirus than among those not sheltering in place (37%). Negative mental health effects due to social isolation may be particularly pronounced among older adults and households with adolescents, as these groups are already at risk for depression or suicidal ideation.
  
• And the research shows that job loss is associated with increased depression, anxiety, distress, and low self-esteem and may lead to higher rates of substance use disorder and suicide.
  
• Additionally, poor mental health due to burnout among front-line workers and increased anxiety or mental illness among those with poor physical health are also concerns. Those with mental illness and substance use disorders pre-pandemic, and those newly affected, will likely require mental health and substance use services. The pandemic spotlights both existing and new barriers to accessing mental health and substance use disorder services.
  

READ THE RESEARCH BRIEF HERE: https://www.kff.org/health-reform/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

The Defining Moments Podcast based out of Moore, Oklahoma is a podcast that brings life to your moments, your setbacks, your breakthroughs to bring family, friends, neighbors and community together. With that in mind, we asked Margy & Hoang Lam about their defining moments of the COVID-19 crisis and tips for couples to stay happy in quarantine.

Check out the Defining Moments podcast via your favorite podcast listening app or online here: 

https://www.definingmomentspod.com/

Zack Stoycoff, senior director of policy and planning at Healthy Minds Initiative, joins us to talk about the initiative. We also talk about some of the most pressing legislative issues facing our state. This includes HB 4064. It abolishes the Department of Mental Health and puts all responsibilities for the state’s mental health system in the hands of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.

Details about Healthy Minds Initiative at: https://www.healthymindspolicy.org/

Sign up for Mental Health Association Oklahoma advocacy alerts at: https://www.mhaok.org/advocate

Pat Cawiezell, of Magic City Books, joins Matt Gleason as they talk about some of their favorite books on the Magic City Books' list of Mental Health Association Oklahoma recommended books. 

See the list here! 

https://bookshop.org/lists/mental-health-association-book-list

Damion Shade, of the Oklahoma Policy Institute, and Jacob Beaumont, Director of Criminal Justice Reform for Mental Health Association Oklahoma, discuss compassionate release from incarceration during era of COVID-19 

Dr. Sara Coffey joins us to talk about youth mental health, including the future of telehealth to meet the great demand for child psychiatrists.

Lea Speight, an ORU senior, and Cynthia Mooney join us to give their perspectives on what life is like for COVID-era youth and their parents. They offer tips and plenty of real talk.

Also, listen for details about this week's Empowered Voices listening sessions, April 21st and April 23rd from 4:30- 5:30p.m. via Zoom.

We want to improve youth and young adult’s quality of life through sharing experiences and working together for change.

Each person interested in participating must email lspeight@mhaok.org to receive the meeting ID and passcode.

Today's episode features Dr. Chan Hellman on the power of hope during the quarantine.

M.J. Clausen and Shelah Farley are two of our phenomenal staff members based in Oklahoma City. Together, they talk about what life is like for our street outreach team in a time of COVID-19 as it continues to reach out to people experiencing mental illness and homelessness. 

"Once again, this is not someone else's problem. This is our problem and I hope with the film and the book, we'll start to realize that this is not something we should ignore, neglect and abandon any longer." -- Bedlam filmmaker, Dr. Kenneth Paul Rosenberg

Our guest is a psychiatrist and award-winning documentarian, Dr. Kenneth Paul Rosenberg. Dr. Rosenberg has directed and produced a new feature-length documentary called "Bedlam," which will premiere on Independent Lens Monday, April 13 at 9 p.m. central time on PBS, pbs.org and the PBS video app.

And just one more quick note. Circle Cinema and our community partner Mental Health Association Oklahoma are pleased to invite you to the first ever Indie Lens Pop-Up Virtual Screening with Live Chat! This national OVEE screening will feature “BEDLAM” on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. Please click on this link to RSVP: https://ovee.itvs.org/screenings/ngcev

Listen to the Mental Health Download via your favorite podcast listening app.

Today, we're talking with Cian Brown and Evan Smarinsky, co-presenters at one of next month’s Zarrow Symposium Breakout Sessions.

Cian is an assistant professor in the University of Oklahoma’s clinical professional counseling program. He’s a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, depending on the state. He’s also nationally certified as a counselor and board certified in neurofeedback, and has done extensive work in the adventure therapy realm.

Evan is an assistant professor at Johnson and Wales University, as well as a licensed professional counselor in Oklahoma and a licensed mental health counselor in Rhode Island. Evan also has notable experience in the adventure therapy and play therapy realms.

We are excited both for Cian and Evan’s Zarrow Symposium workshop, which will blend lecture and experience to highlight key components and outcomes of Adventure Therapy, as well as their conversation with us here.

Mike Brose, CEO of Mental Health Association Oklahoma, interviews his friend and collaborator Jennifer Sack. Jennifer is a counselor at Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They talk about how Booker T. students are coping with life during COVID, especially the high school seniors.

ahha Tulsa may be closed to the public as its staff hunker down during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they still have creative ways for you to spend your time social distancing. We talk to three of their staff members about how you and your children can take these ideas and put your own spin on them. They’ll be releasing ideas and activities throughout the prolonged closure. Share your projects using #SocialDistanceStudio. Here's the link! https://ahhatulsa.org/social-distance-studio/

Listen to the latest episode to hear Amber Litwack, Lauren Collins and Aleks Kitchens talk about why they helped created the Social Distance Studio that is full of fun art projects like "Paper Marbling with Shaving Cream and Food Coloring" and "Trophies for Everyday Achievements."

"I don't think this looks good, and if you trace those economic threads historically, we can predict that there's going to be a tidal wave of new homelessness over the next couple of years unless we act quickly to stave that off. That, too, will impact people of color worse than it will impact white communities. – Jeff Olivet 

You're listening to the Mental Health Download from the nonprofit Mental Health Association Oklahoma. I'm Matt Gleason, and I am so excited that Jeff Olivet is here with us today. His thoughtful research has revealed that war, natural disasters, and poverty have been the root causes of homelessness. 

During this conversation, we're going to turn our attention to the link between COVID-19 and homelessness. And we're also going to touch on topics such as the Tulsa Race Massacre and healing from historical trauma, which is the theme of the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium coming up, hopefully, in October in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You can get all the details about the Zarrow Mental Health Symposium at zarrowsymposium.org.