Explore every episode of the podcast The Paid Leave Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Son's Ultramarathon Path to Healing after a Father's Tragic Suicide | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:43:54 | |
Since 2013, more than 3,050 police officers have died by suicide nationally. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to a son, whose father died by suicide while serving as an East Hartford Police officer. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. This month is focused on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting resources that can help prevent suicide. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How a Doctor Used Farming to Heal Herself and Her Community | 10 août 2026 | 00:35:01 | |
August is National Wellness Month. Farm Worker Appreciation Day also falls in August. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we find out about a doctor in Connecticut and her story of resilience, farming as therapy, and kindness. Dr. Ivette Ruiz, a traumatic brain injury survivor and founder of Healing by Growing Farms in East Haven, shared her journey of overcoming adversity through gardening. In 2020, she suffered a brain injury while deploying for Hurricane Isaias, leading to significant challenges including food insecurity and loss of insurance. Despite these obstacles, she found solace in gardening, which became therapeutic and led to the creation of a farm that provides free services to brain injury, trauma survivors and the disabled. Ruiz emphasized the importance of mental health and community support, highlighting the benefits of the Connecticut Paid Leave program, which could have significantly aided her recovery. This sub-urban farm serves as a place of learning and healing for survivors, urban farmers, BIPOC communities, veterans, and aspiring growers; offering a platform to learn diverse agricultural practices and maximize the potential of small and large spaces. She elevates awareness through local and international presentations and consultations for diverse audiences like the USDA FSA, University Extensions, Agri Stress Response, Common Ground, and Yale Health. For more information about Dr. Ivette Ruiz and Healing by Growing Farms please visit, https://www.healingbygrowing.com/ (healingbygrowing.com). For more information or to apply for benefits, please visit, https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How to Have More Good Days While facing Chronic Health Conditions | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:28:09 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, the focus is on chronic health conditions and a national organization that can help people suffering across the country. Good Days founded National Chronic Disease Day, which is recognized every July 10th. The date reflects a key U.S. public health statistic: seven out of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are chronic diseases. Host Nancy Barrow, spoke with Clorinda Walley, the CEO, of Good Days, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping patients overcome the financial and practical barriers to accessing lifesaving and life-changing care. With more than 26 years of experience in healthcare and over 15 years in strategic philanthropy, Clorinda leads the organization’s vision, operations, and patient-focused programs. Walley shares her personal journey with ulcerative colitis and psoriatic arthritis, including the emotional toll of managing her conditions and the importance of support systems. She discusses Good Days' programs, which provide financial assistance for copays, insurance premiums, travel, and diagnostic testing. Clorinda emphasizes the need for expanded access to care and paid leave programs, highlighting their benefits for patients and employers. She also reflects on the impact of Good Days' work, having provided over $40 million in assistance to Connecticut residents since 2008. To find more information about Good Days please visit, https://mygooddays.org/ (mygooddays.org) For More information or to apply for benefits visit, https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Researchers from Oregon on How Paid Leave Supports Family Health and Economic Security | 29 juin 2026 | 00:41:03 | |
June is National Employee Wellness Month. And American Family Health & Fitness Day is on June 14th. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we are focusing on family paid leave programs and how it affects the health and wellness and the economics of families and workers. Joining host Nancy Barrow, are two esteemed guests from Oregon State University. Dr. David Rothwell has a master's in social work and a Ph.D. in Philosophy in Social Welfare. He also leads the Oregon Family Impact Center that connects state policy makers with national research experts. He is Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University. His research and teaching focuses on how policies can best serve children and families with low incomes. Dr. Julia Goodman has a PhD in Health Policy and is an Associate Professor in the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU, which stands for Oregon Health and Sciences University. Julia has a secondary faculty appointment in the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Her research examines inequities attributed to work-related social determinants of health among pregnant people. she explores how work-related policies, such as paid family leave, impact health and health equity, as well as potential spillover into the broader workplace. They discuss the need for flexible policies that include leave for various reasons, such as medical conditions and caregiving. Both highlight ongoing research to understand the impact of state-specific policies and the importance of collaboration with policymakers. For more information about Dr. David Rothwell please visit, David Rothwell, MSW, PhD | College of Health | Oregon State University. (www.ohsu.edu) For more information about Dr. Julia Goodman please visit, Julia M. Goodman PhD | OHSU People | OHSU. (www.oshu.edu) For more information or to apply for benefits please visit ctpaidleave.org. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Father's Grieving the Loss of Their Sons and the Support Group That Saved Them | 16 juin 2026 | 00:32:45 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, host Nancy Barrow talks to father's who have lost sons suddenly and are struggling mentally with their loss. June is Men's Health Month. Men's mental health is a critical issue, with significant statistics highlighting the challenges they face, including higher rates of suicide and mental illness compared to women. Black Men Grieve Different is a Hartford area support group that provides a safe, culturally affirming space for black men to process grief, build connection, and heal together. Amos Lys is a licensed therapist, community builder and ordained minister. He helps the men in the support group to process their grief. Community organizer Derrick Cranford and his wife created Black Men Grieve Different to help with his own grief after losing his son Derrick Junior suddenly and to help others. Derrick has been friends with well-known radio personality DJ BiggMann from Hot 93.7. BiggMann lost his son PJ in May of 2023, just 5 months before Derrick lost his son. They discuss the tragedies and how they picked up the pieces and helped each other as they struggled emotionally and how they found solace in a support group. Black Men Grieve Different is a safe space for men to let their emotions out and to start the healing process. Amos talked about the value of CT Paid Leave, and how it can give the gift of time off from your job so you can focus on your own mental health and the healing process. To get in touch with Amos Lys, please visit his website LYS Counseling & Consulting, LLC | Licensed Therapist in Manchester (LYScounseling.com) To find out more about Black men Grieve Different please visit, Black Men Grieve Different - Virtual Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite or to get in touch with Derrick Cranford please visit Cranfordinc@outlook.com You can message BiggMann on Instagram about Black Men Grieve Different. Please visit, https://www.instagram.com/djbiggmann (djbiggmann) For Information or to apply for benefits please visit https://www.ctpaidleave.org/?language=en_US (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Supporting Healthier Communities for Older Adults and Families | 26 mai 2026 | 00:31:27 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, host Nancy Barrow talks with the Connecticut Bureau of Aging, which is part of the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (ADS). In the podcast, she introduces three experts — Jennifer Switalski, Jodi Brazal, and Meghan Brady — who work with Connecticut's aging population. They discuss the challenges faced by older adults, including loneliness and mental health issues, as well as the importance of respite care for caregivers. They highlight the growing need for support as the population ages, with one in four Connecticut residents over 60. The conversation also touches on the financial and legal aspects of caregiving, the role of assistive technology, and the importance of early planning and communication with families. They also discuss how Connecticut Paid Leave can benefit the aging working population with health issues by providing time off for medical appointments, as well as the importance of taking time off for caregivers who are helping a loved one with early-onset dementia. They add that the program can also help caregivers take time away from work while still receiving income replacement. For more information about Aging in Connecticut please visit Department of Aging and Disability Services For information or to apply for benefits please visit CT Paid Leave (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A National Researcher Talks About the Benefits and Business of Paid Leave | 11 mai 2026 | 00:30:11 | |
In this Episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow talks to a researcher about the benefits of paid leave. Jessica Mason is the Senior Policy Analyst for Economic Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families. There she oversees in-house research and data analysis, tracks developments in academic and other research and develops advocacy resources related to the workplace and economic security agenda. Jessica talked about how paid leave has evolved and hopes that we will get a national paid leave policy. Mason talks about her research involving Connecticut Paid Leave, noting that now men take about 49% of parental leaves, a significant gender equity achievement. She also discusses the broader impact of paid leave on maternal health, particularly for black women, who often face systemic challenges. Mason emphasizes the importance of community engagement and technical assistance in implementing such programs effectively. The conversation also touches on the need for a national paid leave policy and the economic benefits for small businesses. Jessica shares her excitement about recent research findings that demonstrate the long-term benefits of paid leave, including reduced healthcare costs and improved public health outcomes. For information about the National Partnership for Women and Families please visit: Home Page | National Partnership for Women & Families For information about benefits please visit: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Preventing Sexual Violence and Creating Support for Survivors and Families | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:53:45 | |
Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 boys or men experience attempted or sexual assault in the USA. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about sexual violence and assault because April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I have two women who work in this space joining me to talk about this. Beth Hamilton, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, the statewide coalition of community-based sexual assault crisis services programs. And Sharon Walker Epps the Chief Executive Officer of The Rowan Center in Stamford and covers lower Fairfield County. The Rowan Center is part of the Alliance and exists to prevent sexual violence and other trauma, respond to crisis when harm occurs, and support adult and youth survivors on their path to healing. Beth explains the work of the Connecticut Alliance, including policy advocacy, training, and direct service to survivors. She describes the unique services provided by the Alliance, such as legal representation and post-conviction advocacy. Sharon provides an overview of the Rowan Center's services, including crisis response, counseling, and education. She highlights the efforts of the Rowan Center to educate parents and provide resources through the Kids Safe HQ initiative. They both talk about their own personal stories of sexual violence and abuse and are passionate about the hard work they do. They both support CT Paid Leave as an important tool they can use for their own workers and clients who use safe leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How a Maternal Health Blueprint Plans to Help Black Mothers Survive and Thrive | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:33:49 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we speak with the two women who helped to craft the Maternal Health Equity: A Blueprint for Connecticut. We speak with Tiffany Donelson, the President and CEO of the Connecticut Health Foundation, and with Dr. Marcella Nunez-Smith, the Associate Dean for Health Equity Research and the Director of Equity Research and Innovation Center at Yale. (ERIC) April it is National Minority Health Month, it’s also Black Maternal Health Week is April 11th-17th, and it is National Public Health Week from April 6th-12th. Black women in Connecticut are much more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity, and the state ranks 35th in the nation. Tiffany and Marcella discuss how they created the Maternal Health Equity Blueprint. Tiffany expresses pride in the blueprint's comprehensive approach and the inclusion of diverse voices. Marcella emphasizes the importance of awareness and engagement in addressing maternal health disparities. They both discuss that black women in Connecticut are twice as likely to experience severe maternal morbidity compared to white women. The blueprint aims to address these disparities through policy changes, community engagement, and leveraging existing resources like Connecticut's Paid Leave program. They emphasize the importance of economic security and job protection for maternal health outcomes. To read about the Maternal Health Equity: A Blueprint for Connecticut, go to CT Health releases blueprint for maternal health equity in Connecticut | CT Health Foundation For more information about CEO Tiffany Donelson at the CT Health Foundation please go to Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) | Changing Health Systems (cthealth.org) For information about the Equity and Innovation Center (ERIC) please go to Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) | Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) For more information about Dr, Marcella Nunez-Smith please go to Marcella Nunez-Smith, MD, MHS | Yale School of Medicine For more information or to apply for benefits please go to www.ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A Doctor is Helping Women Get Healthier and Using Social Media as a Tool | 25 mars 2026 | 00:32:11 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking to a doctor who is a social media influencer about her expertise in telehealth. March is Women’s Health Month and International Women's Day is March 8th, and my guest is a leader in women’s health and longevity medicine. Dr Tania Elliott is dual board certified in Internal Medicine and Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Dr. Elliott embraced telemedicine first as a physician, and then as Medical Director of Doctors on Demand. She is currently Chief Medical Officer of Virtual Care at Ascension, one of the largest healthcare systems in the country including 150 hospitals in 20 states. She serves regularly as a healthcare broadcast media expert and is featured on top shows including Good Morning America, Rachael Ray, Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil, The Doctors, and CBS This Morning. She has over 250 million likes on her social media platforms. Dr. Elliott discusses the importance of paid leave programs like Connecticut's for new parents. She highlights the benefits of extended leave for bonding with babies and prenatal care. She emphasizes the long-term impact of postpartum care and the need for extended support. To follow Dr. Tania Elliott Dr. Tania Elliott | Doctor Follow Dr. Tania Elliott on social media on Facebook @TaniaElliott on Instagram @drtaniaelliott on Tik Tok @drtaniaelliott For more information or to apply for benefits visit ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A Mother Raises Awareness and Advocates for Her Son and Others with Down Syndrome | 17 mars 2026 | 00:28:02 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we speak with Kandi Pickard, the CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Down Syndrome Awareness Week is celebrated across the world from March 15 to March 21 every year. The purpose of the week is to create awareness about individuals with Down syndrome and the difficulties they might face in their lives. About 5,000 babies are born every year in the USA with Down syndrome. Due to advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. With 80 percent living past 60 years old. In March it is also National Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. Kandi Pickard provides vision and leadership, working collaboratively with individuals and organizations like CT Laid Leave, to support the entire Down syndrome community. Kandi’s involvement in the Down syndrome community first started as a local volunteer and advocate after her youngest son, Mason was born with Down syndrome. Ten years later, she leads NDSS with a focus on building community and keeping people with Down syndrome at the center of everything the organization does. Kandi says that CT Paid Leave is a great resource for caregivers, and for those with chronic health conditions. She says the flexibility to take time and be allowed varying lengths of leave aligns with the mission of the NDSS. To get in Touch with NDSS please go to their website: National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) For questions or to apply for benefits please go to our website: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How Paid Time Off Helps Protect Maternal Mental Health and Well-Being | 09 mars 2026 | 00:24:18 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are focusing on women's mental health and well-being, and the challenges pregnancy can have before and after the baby is born. March 8th is International Women’s Day. This Day gives focus to issues like gender equality, reproductive rights and violence and abuse against women. International Women’s Day serves as a platform to address the mental health issues that disproportionately affect women. While mental health conditions can affect anyone, women face unique challenges due to societal pressures, biological factors, and caregiving responsibilities. (ctpaidleave.org). https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A Paid Leave Expert Changes the Script in Hollywood With More Family Friendly Policies in TV and Movies | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:26:06 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk to a paid leave expert. It was back in 2022 that we were able to give employees in Connecticut benefits for CT Paid Leave. It’s been 4 years and we have given benefits totaling more than 1.4 billion dollars to about 170 thousand workers in Connecticut. An expert in all thing’s paid Leave is Vicki Shabo, Senior Fellow for Gender Equity. Paid leave & Care Policy and Strategy at New America. Vicki is a gender equity expert, policy strategist, and coalition builder, who has helped to win paid family and medical leave, paid sick time, equal pay, and pregnancy fairness policies affecting tens of millions of people in the United States. Vicki highlights the disparities in paid leave policies, noting that while 13 states and D.C. have comprehensive policies, the U.S. lacks federal legislation. Schabo emphasizes the importance of paid leave for economic stability and family well-being, citing research showing strong public support. She also discusses the role of Hollywood in influencing cultural perceptions and policies through storytelling. To Find information about Vicki Shabo and her work go to newamerica.org/betterlifelab or newamerica.org/entertainment or click here Vicki Shabo For more information or to apply for benefits please go to ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Social Media Influencer Ellie Doyle Moved from Florida to Connecticut and Found More Than She Expected | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:25:05 | |
February 14th is National Donor Day, February 10th is Safer Internet Day, and in March it is National Kidney Awareness Month. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Ellie Doyle who is a storyteller, content creator, social media influencer, and founder of Reheated Coffee Club, a Connecticut lifestyle brand rooted in motherhood, community, and small-business love. After moving her family from Florida to Connecticut, she began sharing her real-life journey of raising three kids, building community, and finding joy in everyday moments across the state. In Florida, Ellie was a kidney donor to her sister who suffers from kidney disease. She talks about the difficult recovery and how things would have been different if she had lived in Connecticut. She is a big fan of CT Paid Leave and believes this will help her if they decide to grow their family. She also has ties to Connecticut as a child, so the move wasn’t out of the blue! Reheated Coffee Club is her name on Tick Tok where she has almost 35,000 followers and 1.9 million likes. On Instagram, she has over 51,500 followers and 1 million likes. Because of her big influence on social media, her move to Connecticut was widely publicized and she has been featured in newspaper articles and TV news about her move to CT. You can find Ellie Doyle and her travels throughout Connecticut on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook @reheatedcoffeeclub. Her website is reheatedcoffeeclub.com. For more information or to apply for benefits please go to ctpaidleave.org.
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| An Author Discusses Paid Leave State Programs and the Hope for a National Program | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:32:09 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we talk about the fact that It was 4 years ago, in January of 2022, when CT Paid Leave started giving benefits to eligible CT workers. Since then, we have given over 1.4 billion dollars in benefits to over 182 thousand workers in Connecticut! Senior Lecturer in the Honors Program at Loyola University Chicago, Megan Sholar joins Host Nancy Barrow to discuss state programs and the hope for a national paid leave policy. Megan teaches courses on women and politics, Latin American politics, and European politics. Her first book, Getting Paid While Taking Time: The Women’s Movement and the Development of Paid Family Leave Policies in the United States (2016), explores the reasons that the United States remains the only industrialized country in the world without paid family leave at the national level. She has also written about paid leave in The Hill and The Washington Post. Her most recent book is Chasing Equality: Women’s Rights & US Public Policy (2023). Scholar, an expert on paid leave, emphasizes its importance for women, noting the U.S. is the only industrialized nation without a national paid leave program. She cites pivotal moments like the 2016 presidential candidates' support and the 2019 federal parental leave policy. Megan also discusses the economic benefits and the need for state-level initiatives, using Connecticut as a model for efficient and successful implementation. To get in touch with Megan Sholar, Megan Sholar: Loyola University Chicago. For more information on her books, Getting Paid While Taking Time: The Women's Movement and the Development of Paid Family Leave Policies in the United States: Sholar, Megan: 9781439912959: Amazon.com: Books. Lynne Rienner Publishers | Chasing Equality Women s Rights and US Public Policy. for more information or to get apply for benefits go to ctpaidleave.org. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| What Inspired a Surgeon to Become a Storyteller and Powerful Medical Social Media Influencer | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:30:36 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with a doctor with a huge social media following. Her inspirational storytelling has created her as a viral medical social media influencer, with over 150 million views and close to 900 thousand followers just on TikTok. Dr. Erin Nance is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and viral TikTok creator known as @littlemissdiagnosed, where she uses humor and storytelling to make medicine feel human again. She’s the bestselling author of Little Miss Diagnosed, co-host of The Medical Detectives Podcast, and the founder and CEO of FeelBetr, a new platform bringing doctors and patients together to share real, credible health stories in the social media age. Dr. Nance shares her journey to becoming a surgeon, influenced by a childhood experience with an orthopedic surgeon after she was injured. She discusses the importance of social media in raising disease awareness, citing her "31 for 31" campaign that reached over 100 million views. Dr. Nance highlights the significance of paid leave programs, sharing personal stories and the impact on her brother's life. On her first day of residency, her brother had an accident in a swimming pool and became a paraplegic. He lives in Connecticut and has utilized bonding leave with Connecticut Paid Leave, when they welcomed their new child. To follow Dr. Erin Nance on social media go to @littlemissdiagnosed on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Dr. Erin Nance 🇺🇸 (@littlemissdiagnosed) | TikTok To get to the FeelBetr platform go to FeelBetr | The FeelBetr Founder Story: Meet Erin Nance For more information on Dr. Erin Nance go toErin Nance, MD | Orthopedic Hand Surgeon | Midtown East, NY For more information or apply for benefits go to ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Alzheimer's is a Robber in Progress | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:32:06 | |
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. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| The Holidays and Your Mental Health | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:24:49 | |
In this episode of the Paid leave Podcast, we discuss the holidays and the challenges that it can bring. The holidays are usually a joyful time of year, time spent with family and loved ones and time to reflect before the New Year. But for some people the holidays can bring on intense sadness if you have had a loss, or maybe you find yourself alone during the holidays. Perhaps you lost a loved one or went through a divorce or you are estranged from your family. It can be a tough time for your mental health. The holiday season can be a challenging time for individuals struggling with addiction, as it often brings heightened stress, triggers, and the pressure to celebrate. However, with the right strategies and support, it is possible to navigate these challenges. Domestic violence is high around the holidays for many reasons like stress, financial burdens, more family time, isolation, and alcohol and drugs can play a role too. Holiday Season Anxiety and Seasonal Affective Disorder can both effect your mental health around the holidays, and healthcare professionals say they can be debilitating and impact your daily life and your job. CT Paid Leave can help with up to 12 weeks of income replacement if you are suffering from a serious mental health condition. The guest is Mental Health Connecticut Clinical Care Coordinator and Licensed Master of Social Work, Patricia Seaver. Patricia explains how the holidays can exacerbate mental health issues, and she emphasizes the importance of self-care, planning, and seeking support during this holiday period. She highlights the role of caregivers and the benefits of Connecticut's paid leave program in providing time for mental health recovery. Patricia also discusses the increased risk of domestic violence, and addiction relapse during the holidays. For information or to get in touch with Mental Health Connecticut, please go to Homepage - Mental Health Services Education & Advocacy. (mhconn.org) For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave. (ctpaidleave.org) https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Solo Agers Are Changing the Conversation About Aging Independently After 50 | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:29:32 | |
There are over 17 million people over the age of 50 who are aging alone in our country, without a partner, children, or family involvement in their daily lives. There are at least 250 thousand solo agers in Connecticut. Connecticut Entrepreneur Jill Kovalich, is a solo ager herself, and she founded SoloAgersConnect.com to provide resources and a community for this demographic. Jill highlights the challenges solo agers face, such as financial planning, home safety, and mental health, emphasizing the importance of Connecticut's paid leave program, which allows caregivers to take time away from their jobs to help with serious health conditions of a loved one. For solo agers who are still working and will be possibly into their 70's, paid leave allows them to take time away from their job to take care of their own serious health conditions. Jill also notes the stigma around being a solo ager and the need for more support and resources to help them navigate aging independently. To get in touch with Jill visit solo@soloagersconnect.com. The Facebook page about solo ager coffee hours and information visit solo agers connect. For information or to apply for benefits please go to www.ctpaidleave.org. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| An Entrepreneur Says Paid Leave Supports Growing Families and Compassionate Businesses | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:30:03 | |
In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow connects a business and paid family leave. November is National Family Caregivers Month and National Family Health History Day is November 28. Here to talk about the importance of CT Paid Leave for bonding leave, mental health, caregiver leave and how it helps small businesses is Samatha Alzate, a licensed clinical social worker and the Founder of Mindful Transformations LLC, a holistic group therapy practice based in Farmington and West Hartford, Connecticut. Her practice focuses on supporting individuals through life transitions, trauma recovery, and personal growth by blending traditional psychotherapy with mindfulness and integrative healing approaches. As a small business owner and mother, Samantha understands firsthand the importance of programs like CT Paid Leave. She brings both a clinical and personal perspective to conversations about balance, mental health, caregiving and the realities of running a practice while raising a family. Samantha is a big fan of CT Paid Leave, because she and her husband both used bonding leave when they added to their family with their third child. She said they both feel that it was the best time of their parenting experience. She also knows how important it is to her small business. She believes it helps her employees and creates a happy and healthy environment by offering them the paid leave benefits, which some have already taken. She says it helps her to retain quality employees. Samantha wrote and Op-ed piece about CT Paid Leave and said it was a lifeline for her and she is also in a CT Paid Leave commercial about the benefits to small business owners. To get in touch with Samantha Alzate and Mindful Transformations LLC visit Mindful Transformations LLC | Holistic Therapy in CT. To read the Op-ed piece Samantha Alzate wrote A Lifeline for New Parents and Small Businesses - CT Examiner For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon on Building Family Fiscal Health and Policies | 10 nov. 2025 | 00:32:20 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon, talks about his office, caregiving and the sandwich generation, and other family friendly policies in the state. November happens to be National Family Caregiver Month. Comptroller Scanlon, talked to Host Nancy Barrow about his role in improving state finances. Sean explains his role as the Comptroller, comparing it to a Chief Financial Officer, and details his responsibilities, including managing state finances, healthcare plans, and various programs like the flood program for Hartford residents and the My CT Savings retirement plan for employees. He discusses the importance of caregiving and why policies like paid leave can help ease the burden on residents. Sean discusses his efforts to reform the MERS pension system. He highlights the importance of mental health parity and the Array RX drug discount card, giving discounts for medications. Sean emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility to fund future programs and improve state affordability, aiming to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live and work, and how CT Paid Leave can help with that vision. Sean recounts how a book report on Bobby Kennedy inspired him to pursue a career in politics. For more information visit Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller. For more information or to apply for benefits please go to CT Paid Leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Osteoporosis Awareness and How to Strengthen Bone Health | 27 oct. 2025 | 00:32:00 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks to a professional about osteoporosis and bone health. It is International Osteoporosis Day on October 20th, National Health Education Week October 21-25t. In addition, it is International Day of Older Persons on October 1st. Two out of three women with postmenopausal osteoporosis will break a bone in their lifetime. Joan Doback, is a certified Physician Assistant celebrating 36 years in the field. Doback who works as a Bone Health Coordinator at the Connecticut Orthopedic Institute, explains the importance of bone health, particularly for women post-menopause. She highlights the significance of DEXA scans for diagnosing osteoporosis and osteopenia, and the role that lifestyle factors plays in bone health like diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. She recommends weight-bearing exercises, resistance training, and balance exercises to improve bone density. Doback also discusses medical treatments for osteoporosis and the impact of fractures on caregivers of patients. She emphasized the importance that the Connecticut Paid Leave program is for caregivers. She says the good news is that Osteoporosis can be reversible. For more information: Bone Health Program | CT Orthopaedic Institute | St. Vincent’s Medical Center For Information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A Study Shows How Paid Leave Policies Help Create Healthy Families and Communities | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:29:12 | |
On this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about paid family leave policies and how they affect families and communities. Drexel University in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, has done a study called Making the Case for Paid Family Leave. The study shows the benefits of taking time off for your own serious health condition or that of a loved one as well as taking pregnancy and bonding leave when adding to your family. Here to talk about this is Natalie Shaak, the Associate Director of Communication and Administration at the Center for Hunger Communities at the Dornsife School of Public Health at Drexel University. The study, which included a literature review and personal stories, highlights the physical and mental health benefits of paid leave, particularly for mothers and infants. It found that paid leave reduces postpartum depression, domestic violence, and stress, and improves child health outcomes. The conversation also touches on the challenges of implementing paid leave, including the need for inclusive policies that cover part-time and gig workers. They emphasize the importance of paid leave for workplace culture, recruitment, and retention, and advocate for a national program to ensure equitable access. To find out more: About the Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health | Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health For information or to apply for benefits go to: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Living with Sickle Cell Disease and Celebrating Motherhood | 29 sept. 2025 | 00:30:26 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are focusing on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Sickle cell disease affects about 100,000 people in the United States; more than 90% are non-Hispanic Black or African American. Many people with Sickle Cell Disease do not receive the recommended healthcare screenings and treatments mainly because of social barriers. Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Dr. Genice Nelson. Dr. Nelson, the Nursing Director at UConn Health-at the New England Sickle Cell Institute, Hemophilia Treatment Center, and Outpatient Behavioral Health Programs. Daisha Dillon is a mom who was diagnosed at birth with sickle cell disease and has been suffering since she was 6 months old. She always wanted to be a mom and has a healthy daughter who was born without Sickle cell disease. Daisha is seen at the New England Sickle cell Institute and gets her treatments for sickle cell and pain there at UConn Health. We discussed what sickle cell disease is and how it effects the body. Dr. Nelson is aware of CT Paid Leave, and the benefits it has for the patients she treats and their caregivers. Daisha's health has been improving with the newer medications that have become available to combat the symptoms and the pain. To get more information: New England Sickle Cell Institute | UConn Health To contact the doctor visit: Genice Nelson, DNP, MSN, APRN, ANP-BC | UConn Health For more information or to apply for benefits: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| One Family's Journey of Hispanic Heritage, Mental Health, and Healing. | 15 sept. 2025 | 00:22:14 | |
It this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we take a look at Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th. During this month it is a celebration of the culture and diversity of the Hispanic population, but it also focuses on mental health and the challenges that Hispanics face. Evelyn Alejandro joins Host Nancy Barrow to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month, and her parents struggles with mental health. Evelyn was the focus of an article in Mental Health Connecticut's Let's FACE IT Campaign. In the article she discusses her parents' mental health conditions, and how it affected her as a young girl. She talks about losing her mother tragically in a car crash, and how her trauma led to her being told she may be suffering from PTSD. Evelyn discusses the shame and stigma of mental health and says that CT Paid Leave is a resource that can help many Hispanics, who may not know about the program. To get in touch with Evelyn: Agape Designs - Holistic Marketing Agency Contact Evelyn at her email address: agapedesigns860@gmail.com Or: PYVOT - Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A New Author's Dedication to Women's Health, Wellness and Life's Transitions | 25 août 2025 | 00:28:48 | |
In this episode of The Paid leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow talks to a new author about her crusade for women's rights and health and her process of writing the new book. August is National Wellness Month, that connects to the conversation with Lauren Tetenbaum, who is a licensed clinical social worker, (in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Florida) she is a women rights advocate, and writer dedicated to supporting and empowering women through life transitions. With experience as both a lawyer and a psychotherapist, Lauren specializes in counseling women navigating identity shifts related to motherhood, career, and reproductive health. Lauren frequently contributes thought leadership to media and professional organizations; she is the author of the acclaimed 2025 book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period, that was released in July. Lauren discusses her journey as a women's rights advocate, her dual degrees in law and social work, and her focus on supporting women through life transitions, particularly perinatal and perimenopausal periods. She emphasizes the importance of mental health, support groups, and comprehensive care. Lauren highlights the value of paid leave programs in supporting working women and parents and shares her experience writing the book to raise awareness about menopause and its impact on mental health, and some women who experience serious health conditions. For more about Lauren: Media - Lauren Tetenbaum, The CounseLaur theCounseLaur.com For information about the book Millennial Menopause: Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause, and Life's Next Period: millennialmenopause.com For information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Farmers in Connecticut are Growing Deep Roots in Their Communities | 04 août 2025 | 00:31:45 | |
It is National Farmers Market Week August 3 through the 9th, and it is Farmworker Appreciation Day on August 6th. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow focuses on Connecticut farmers with Ella Kennen, the Coordinator of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance. We discussed supporting beginning farmers, particularly first-generation farmers. Caitlin Kimball, the Director of Agriculture at CitySeed, and oversees the New Haven's farmers markets and owns and operates Sunset Organic Farm. We discuss the challenges faced by farmers, including land access, extreme weather events, and the importance of local food systems. The podcast highlights the benefits of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program and some of the new legislation that passed aiding farmers. Both emphasize the importance of supporting local farms and the role that CT Paid Leave plays in offering benefits to farmers and their workers. For Ella Kennen via email: newctfarmers@gmail.com or got to their website at: New CT Farmer Alliance | Building a Stronger Local Food System | Connecticut For Kaitlyn Kimball: Home | Sunset Farm Their farmstand is open Wednesday through Saturday at Wheeler's Farm Road in Milford. You can find Kaitlyn's produce at Ridgefield farmers market, Monroe farmers market, and Naugatuck farmer's markets. Or go to Cityseed's New Haven farmers markets year-round! For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Breaking Down Hepatitis with a Yale Medical Expert | 28 juil. 2025 | 00:30:09 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with a liver specialist from the Yale School of Medicine. World Hepatitis Day is observed each year on July 28th to raise awareness of viral hepatitis. The theme for 2025 is: "Hepatitis, Let’s Break it Down." It calls for urgent action to dismantle the financial, social and systemic barriers including stigma that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention. Nancy spoke to Yale's Dr. Bubu Banini, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine, and works at the Yale Liver Center and volunteers on a regular basis with the American Liver Foundation. Dr. Banini goes on to explain the importance of the liver and the various types of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E, G). She highlights the social barriers and is hoping to negate the stigma associated with liver diseases. Dr. Banini also discusses the effectiveness of vaccinations and treatments for chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis C, and the importance of mental health support for patients. Dr. Banini emphasizes the benefits of the Connecticut Paid Leave program for caregivers and patients dealing with chronic liver diseases. For Information about the American Liver Foundation: Liver - American Liver Foundation For information about the Yale Liver center: Yale Liver Center < Liver Center Dr. Bubu Banini: Bubu Banini, MD, PhD < Yale School of Medicine For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Research Shows Paid Leave Policies Can Help Reduce Infant Abuse and Neglect | 15 juil. 2025 | 00:29:29 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Dr. Lindsay Rose Bullinger, Associate Professor and Researcher at the School of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and is Associate Director of the Health Economics and Policy Innovation Collaborative. We discussed paid leave policies and how it affects children and families. Dr. Bollinger's research in the paper titled, "More Than Snuggles, the Effect of Paid Family Leave on Infant Maltreatment" shows that state-sponsored paid family leave programs reduce infant maltreatment rates and home removals by 46 percent. The study, which focused on California, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and New York, highlights the importance of paid leave in improving maternal mental health and reducing financial stress. Dr. Bollinger emphasizes the need for more research on the long-term effects of paid family leave and its potential to reduce child abuse and neglect. Dr. Lindsey Rose Bullinger's research: Paid Family Leave Helps Reduce Infant Abuse, School of Public Policy Study Finds | Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts To find out more information or to apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Healing Trauma and PTSD with Compassionate Therapy and Horses | 30 juin 2025 | 00:34:53 | |
June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month also known as PTSD. Approximately 13 million adults in the United States are estimated to have PTSD. 80 percent of people are civilians with PTSD, surprisingly only 20 percent are military related. You can get traditional PTSD from a single traumatic event like a car accident or experiencing violence. But if you experienced multiple traumas, it may be diagnosed as complex PTSD. PTSD is frequently underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In this edition of The Paid Leave Podcast, Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara, a clinical neuropsychologist, who has been immersed in her work with mental health and complex trauma for more than two decades, and she currently is a supervising psychologist with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, also known as DHMAS, where she is a long standing board member of the statewide advisory council that works on eliminating health disparities across the socio economic spectrum within DHMAS. She is currently a facilitator for Diversity Equity and Inclusion for state employees. Nancy Speaks with Renee Bouffard, a licensed clinical social worker and equine therapist at Healing Hoofbeats in Bethlehem, CT. which she founded. Renee helps individuals feel more empowered and secure in their lives through building healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with horses to foster connection and to support empowerment through equine and animal supported therapy. Dr. Vayalakkara explains what PTSD is, the diagnosis and her treatment protocol, emphasizing trauma-informed care and the importance of social support. Renee discusses equine therapy for everyone including a program for veterans, highlighting the program's free services and its impact on mental health. Both guests stress the need to reduce stigma around PTSD and the benefits of the paid leave program in providing financial and emotional support for those affected by trauma. Dr. Jyothi Vayalakkara : New England Psychological & Neuropsychological Associates, LLC or go to: Jyothi Vayalakkara, Psychologist, Rocky Hill, CT, 06067 | Psychology Today. Renee Bouchard: Healing Hoofbeats of CT | Equine & Animal Supported Therapy Services | Equine Therapy CT or call 203-244-8411. To apply for benefits please go to: CT Paid Leave https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| There is Hope Managing Headaches and Migraines | 09 juin 2025 | 00:21:17 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we are talking about headaches and migraines. June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month. Gretchen Michaelson, the founder of the Headache Care Center in South Windsor, she is an Adult Nurse Practitioner specializing in headache medicine. She explains the difference between headaches and migraines, the various treatments available, including prescription medications, neuromodulation, and lifestyle changes. She highlights the importance of addressing migraines promptly to prevent chronic conditions and improve quality of life. Michaelson also discusses the impact of migraines on mental health and the advancements in treatment since 2018, emphasizing the need for awareness and proper diagnosis. Michaelson also talks about the importance of CT Paid Leave in that it allows for intermittent leave or when the episodic headaches or migraines may flare up.
For appointments for Gretchen Michaelson: Treatment Team - Headache Care Center News Or call The Headache Care Center in South Windsor (860) 263-3603 To apply for benefits: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Representative Kai Belton's Passion, Advocacy, and Commitment to Connecticut Families. | 19 mai 2025 | 00:24:29 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we focus on mental health and speak with a local politician who started a caucus dealing with black family health. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Maternal Mental Health Month and National Adolescent Health Month. In addition, Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week is May 5-11th. CT Paid Leave gives up to 12 weeks of income Replacement for your own serious health conditions or that of a loved one. That includes maternity and bonding leave and mental health issues if your health care professional deems it a serious health condition. Guest Kai Belton, a state representative and advocate for children's mental health and victim services, shares her journey into politics, inspired by the late Rep. Q Williams. Belton emphasizes the importance of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus in addressing racial disparities in maternal health. She recounts her personal experiences with healthcare and advocates for the critical role of paid leave in supporting families and caregivers, particularly during crises. Belton also discusses the need for diverse healthcare workers and the impact of maternal mental health on community health. Representative Kai Belton: Belton | Connecticut House Democrats or call 1-800-842-8267, 860-240-8585. To apply for benefits visit: CT Paid Leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A Nurse Turned Author and Her Struggle with Autoimmune Disease. | 12 mai 2025 | 00:30:16 | |
In this episode, we are talking about auto-immune disease. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system is overactive and attacks and damages the body's own tissues. May 9th is Autoimmune Arthritis Day, and it is also ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia International Awareness Day (May 12). ME stands for Myologic Encephalomyelitis, formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a chronic, complex, neuroimmune disease that affects the quality of life of its' patients. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by pain stiffness and tenderness in the muscles of the neck shoulders back hips arms and legs, and there are many other symptoms as well. 80 percent of autoimmune diseases affect women. Our expert today is Melissa Marquis, a nurse, author, and emergency management specialist. She has many years of experience in nursing, so when she started to not feel like herself, she started on a very long journey to diagnosis of her symptoms. She wrote a book about her experiences called, Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease. We talked about her long diagnosis that took 13 years. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and support systems. Melissa's book aims to empower patients and families by providing practical advice and strategies. She talks about her daily struggles and how CT Paid Leave may be a great resource for her to use, as her disease is progressing. She says we should all be grateful for programs like these that helps patients and their caregivers. Melissa Marqui's book online at Amazon: Invisible: A Nurse-Turned-Patient's Resource to Living Well with Autoimmune Disease: Marquis MS RN, Melissa: 9798891129184: Amazon.com: Books To apply for benefits visit: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A Courageous Story About Parkinson's Disease, and the Resources That Offer Support. | 28 avr. 2025 | 00:29:42 | |
In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we discuss Parkinson's disease, what it is, what it does, and how to treat it. Parkinson's Awareness Month is observed in April and is an opportunity to increase awareness about the ailment and its symptoms, as well as to support victims. National Parkinson's day is observed on April 11 every year to raise awareness about this medical condition and its severity. Muhammad Ali, and Michael J Fox are the most well-known people to suffer from Parkinson's disease. Joining this conversation is Holly Seymour, the Program Director for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association, also known as APDA. Heather Pierce joins as a caregiver. She supported her father after his diagnosis of Parkinson's in 2019 and was his caregiver and advocate before he passed in 2021. She's now a board member for APDA and leads a support group where she helps those with PD and their care partners navigate the changes of life with PD. She also owns a company called Clearview Senior Living Advisors, where she helps families connect to resources. She's starting school in Vermont to be an end-of-life doula to further the support she can offer families. She's also a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association. Holly explains Parkinson's symptoms, treatments, and the importance of support groups. Heather recounts her father's personal journey with Parkinson's, highlighting the challenges of caregiving. They emphasize the significance of mental health support and the benefits of Connecticut's Paid Leave program for those diagnosed who are still working, and to their caregivers. The podcast aims to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by Parkinson's. To join a support group with the APDA visit: apdaparkinson.org/CT or call 860-996-4276. To get in touch with Heather Pierce: Clearviewseniorlivingadvisor.com or call or call 860-733-9506. For information or to apply for benefits visit: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| The Office of Victim Services Offers Hope and Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes | 14 avr. 2025 | 00:34:51 | |
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and it’s also Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on April 2nd; it is also National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 6-12. In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Rachel McKnight, Program Manager from the Office of Victim Services (OVS), and Marc Pelka, Deputy Director. They explain how OVS assists crime victims with financial expenses, receiving around 2,000 applications annually. They detail the types of crimes, including violent and property crimes, vehicular crimes, and the various expenses covered by OVS, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost wages. They also discuss the collaboration and the change of law that allows OVS and CT Paid Leave to work together. With the two agencies working together, it offers income replacement and support for victims of violent crimes and their families, emphasizing the importance of financial aid in the aftermath of crime. To get in touch with OVS visit: jud.ct.gov/crimevictim. or email them at: OVScompensation@jud.ct.gov. or call OVS at: 888-286-7347. For more information or to apply for benefits visit: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Working to Empower Connecticut's LGBTQ+ Families with Inclusive Healthcare | 31 mars 2025 | 00:21:09 | |
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is in March and was started in 2003. It raises public awareness regarding the unique health needs and disparities in the LGBTQ+ community. It also highlights many aspects of the LGBTQ+ community. Host Nancy Barrow speaks with Bill Ollayos, the administrator of the Connecticut LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network and a Law Fellow with Children, Women, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO). He says the network's mission is to advance equity through policy advocacy, community outreach, and grant funding that can be used for some unique events for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, noting that 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals accessed mental health services in the past three years, but 15% were refused care due to their identity. Bill also talked about how CT Paid Leave talks about chosen family and the importance of the program covering mental health as well. Bill also discusses the network's efforts to improve healthcare access and the significance of Connecticut's non-discrimination laws and supportive legislature. CT's LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network visit: ctlgbtqnetwork.org For information or to apply for benefits visit: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Helps Burn Patients and Families Recover | 24 févr. 2025 | 00:33:47 | |
National Burn Awareness Week is in February, and it's recognized by the American Burn Association. It is a chance to promote burn prevention and awareness in communities. With more than 3,000 members, the ABA dedicates their efforts and resources to promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research. The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state. Dr Roselle Crombie is a member of the ABA. She is a Surgeon specializing in Burn Surgery and Surgical Critical Care at several of the Yale New Haven Health Systems flagship hospitals, in Southern Connecticut, including the Bridgeport Burn Center. Her particular passion is a mix of burns, burn and trauma reconstruction, wounds, and general surgery. Dr. Crombie talked about the long road to recovery for some burn patients. She says the number of burn patients has decreased and many burns are preventable. The most common type of burn is a scald burn usually in the kitchen. Dr. Crombie says patients and their families can benefit from CT Paid leave, because it can help financially and emotionally, and it allows for caregiver leave. The American Burn Association: ameriburn.org American Burn Association – Improving the lives of those affected by burn injury Bridgeport Burn Center go to their website at: The Connecticut Burn Center - Bridgeport Hospital For information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org https://www.ctpaidleave.org/ https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| CT. Representative Corey Paris Gets Personal About His Mini Strokes and Serious Heart Health Journey | 10 févr. 2025 | 00:30:57 | |
February is National Heart Month and It's also Congenital Heart Defect Week. Host Nancy Barrow spoke with CT. Representative Corey Paris, he represents the 145th District, about his serious heart issues. He suffered from TIA's, also known as transient ischemic attacks or mini strokes. Upon further testing Rep. Corey was diagnosed with a hole in his heart known as Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO). Rep. Paris emphasizes the importance of seeking medical specialists and advocating for oneself. He highlights the significance of paid leave for health recovery and family support, noting its impact on reducing poverty and increasing productivity. Corey also discusses his commitment to public service and community activism, and his vision for anti-poverty laws in Connecticut. Rep. Corey Paris please visit: Paris | Connecticut House Democrats For more information or to apply for benefits visit: ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| The Bridge Project Expands to Connecticut to End Child Poverty and Create Prosperity. | 27 janv. 2025 | 00:27:01 | |
https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How a Mother Helped Her Daughter Rebuild a Different Life After a Traumatic Brain Injury. | 13 janv. 2025 | 00:27:55 | |
In this episode of the podcast, we are talking about Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). TBI’s happens when a sudden, external, physical assault damages the brain. It is one of the most common causes of disability and death in adults. TBI is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that happen to the brain. The damage can be focal (confined to one area of the brain) or diffuse (happens in more than one area of the brain). The severity of a brain injury can range from a mild concussion to a severe injury that results in coma or even death. Barbara Rubin is the author of a book about her daughter Jennifer, More Than You Can See: A Mother’s Memoir. Barbara discusses her daughter Jenn's traumatic brain injury (TBI), sustained at age 17 which led to a prolonged coma and severe communication and mobility issues. Jenn required extensive rehabilitation, including relearning basic life skills. The family benefited from a supportive therapy center and later transitioned Jenn to a group home in Danbury, Connecticut called Abilities Beyond. Barbara emphasizes the importance of utilizing available resources and advocating for care, highlighting the impact of her book on helping others in similar situations. Barbara also says parents in the same situation today need to take advantage of any programs made available to them including CT Paid Leave. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| The United Way Reports a Jump in Connecticut Residents Struggling to Make Ends Meet. | 23 déc. 2024 | 00:27:34 | |
Connecticut is one of the wealthiest states, but nearly half a million people don’t know where their next meal is coming from. More than 84 thousand children live in poverty in Connecticut and 122 thousand in near poverty. About 35 percent of Connecticut households are burdened by housing costs, compared to about 32 percent nationally. Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO of the United Way of Connecticut, leads the organization’s staff of 360 as a nonprofit contractor to seven Connecticut state government agencies. She says more and more residents are living paycheck to paycheck without any emergency funds saved. Lisa said the most important thing we can do us support a fully refundable, permanent child tax credit for families with kids who have that additional set of costs for raising children. Lisa says the United Way of CT is so pleased that Connecticut Paid Leave is available, because it has been an incredible benefit to the ALICE households. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Shopping for Your Healthcare | 09 déc. 2024 | 00:29:07 | |
In this episode we take a look at shopping for your healthcare in Connecticut. This is the time of year that Connecticut residents are looking to enroll or change their health insurance and or dental insurance. Access Health CT enrollment fairs are currently going on across Connecticut through December and into January. Access Health CT is the state’s official health insurance marketplace and Access Health CT has helped over 1 million individuals and small businesses get health insurance since it started in 2013.Their efforts have played a crucial role in reducing Connecticut’s uninsured rate dropping from 9.2% to 5.2%. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| A UConn Health Diabetes Specialist Discusses Controlling the Disease and Better Treatments.. | 25 nov. 2024 | 00:27:12 | |
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. As of this year about 38.4 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes these incudes type I and type 2. The prevalence of diabetes continues to rise, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| 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. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How to Keep Your Baby Safe When They Are Sleeping | 28 oct. 2024 | 00:26:39 | |
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. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| 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. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| One Mom's Crusade to Inspire Hope in Young Adults and Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention | 23 sept. 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. Or Text HOME to 741741 OR DIAL 2-1-1 TO FIND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN YOUR AREA For more information or to apply for benefits go to ctpaidleave.org https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| How to Prevent Dangerous Falls as We Age | 10 sept. 2024 | 00:24:24 | |
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. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Exploring Connecticut's Family-Friendly Policies with State Treasurer Erick Russell | 26 août 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. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||
| Why More Than 1 out of 8 Residents Use Community Health Centers for Care. | 05 août 2024 | 00:29:08 | |
August 4 through august 10th is National Health Center week. Deb Polun serves as the Chief Strategy officer at the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut known as (CHC/-ACT). It is the statewide association that supports the work of Connecticut’s Community Health Centers, which provide primary medical, dental, and behavioral healthcare to 420,000 people across CT each year. In her role, Deb provides leadership on public policy and advocacy, helps build and strengthen community and corporate relationships, and helps plan for a sustainable community health center network. Deb says that Community Health Centers are beautiful buildings that offer quality health care whether you have insurance or not. https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_US | |||