The rise in mental health challenges among youth has reached alarming levels. Recent statistics show that 11% of North Carolina children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with depression or anxiety. This marks a significant increase from previous years.

The situation is worsened by the pandemic's aftermath and escalating community violence. Both factors have intensified feelings of isolation and insecurity among adolescents.

We’re joined by Ebony Rao, Senior Health Program Manager for the ReCAST II program at Mecklenburg County Public Health. We discuss how the program is approaching these issues and helping communities build their mental health capacity.

Roughly 1 in 3 Latino adults do not have access to health insurance in Charlotte, NC - a rate much higher than other cultural groups. Lack of access to health insurance coupled with mental health stigma lead to significant barriers for Latino families in accessing mental health services and programs. As we celebrate May as maternal and mental health awareness month, we’ve invited Juliana Lozano of Despierta CLT to talk about her work providing culturally responsive mental health services and reducing stigma. We talk about the importance of community partnerships, use of surveys to gather community feedback and how referral processes can help clients get access to care. Juliana also shares two compelling success stories of clients who have been transformed through the work of Despierta. Roger, Juliana, and Drew also reminisce about songs that bring joy.

“They have lost faith, and we have lost credibility with them,” shares our guest Men Tchaas Ari of Communities in Schools as we talk about the importance of relationships in supporting student academic, social, and emotional wellbeing in the wake of the pandemic. We discuss educational inequality, achievement gaps, mental health and trauma, and how nonprofits and community organizations can build partnerships with schools to support student wellbeing. Roger and Drew kick off the episode with David Bowie/Queen’s Under Pressure and we wrap up with a celebration of Soul to Soul’s Keep On Movin’. Shout out to Roger’s sister and CIS hero Marianella Echevarria and recent graduates at all grade levels - and enjoy PRIDE month!

Drew & Roger are back! We're launching the Common Good Mixtape where we mix the music of the 80s and 90s with social work and nonprofit practice. We're joined by Edwin Arce Jr. & Patrick Hayes to kick off our segment on mental health to discuss social work practice with veterans. We talk common misconceptions about veterans, the divide between civilians and those in uniform, and how to support veterans experiencing homelessness. We also talk about invisible wounds and the lasting legacy of trauma for veterans returning from overseas conflicts. And we also listen to Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA in light of the challenges of integration into civilian life for veterans.