The Force for Good

In this episode of The Force for Good, Rick interviews Christopher Allen, a retired Army National Guard member with extensive experience in suicide prevention and mental health training. Christopher shares his journey from military service to his current role in integrated primary prevention, emphasizing the importance of teaching problem management skills to service members. The conversation expl...

In this compelling episode of "The Force for Good," we sit down with Chrissy Barnard, a dedicated mental health advocate and peer support specialist. Chrissy shares her personal journey from overcoming mental health struggles to becoming a beacon of hope and recovery for others. Discover how her lived experiences have shaped her role as the Executive Director of NAMI Lake Superior South Shore and...

In this episode, Rick Gertzma and Alesha Cid Vega discuss innovative approaches to mental health, focusing on scalable interventions and the importance of community engagement. They explore the role of mentorship, the adaptation of mental health interventions to fit diverse contexts, and the integration of digital tools like telenovelas to reach wider audiences. The conversation emphasizes the nee...

In this episode of The Force for Good, Rick Gertsema interviews Jordan Johnson, who shares his personal journey from a challenging childhood to a commitment to community service and mental health advocacy. They discuss the importance of understanding health beyond physical ailments, the significance of cultural adaptations in community training, and the impact of PM Plus on personal relationships....

In this conversation, Rick Gertsma and Ashlie Castaldo discuss the critical importance of mental health in preventing social issues such as drug usage and homelessness. Ashlie shares her personal journey, including her advocacy for mental health, community engagement, and political involvement. They explore the need for nuanced approaches to mental health, the significance of coping mechanisms, an...

In this episode of The Force for Good, Rick Gertsema, along with Traci Marciniak and Dr. Adam Brown, discuss the importance of mental health awareness and the idea that healing does not need to be complicated. They explore personal experiences, the power of small habits, the significance of reciprocal relationships, and the role of environment in mental health care. The conversation emphasizes the...

Tracy Litman, a public school social worker, shares her journey and passion for helping others, particularly adolescents. She emphasizes the importance of not holding oneself hostage to the past and instead focusing on what one can do from here forward.  Tracy has been recognized with numerous awards for her dedication to her work, including being named Minnesota School Social Worker of the Year....

Gary Hubbell, a consultant, discusses his work with non-profit organizations and the importance of simplifying complexity, unifying teams, and embracing transformative change. He highlights the concept of simultaneity, which is one of the principles of appreciative inquiry, and how it brings about new possibilities. Hubbell shares his experience working with the Miller-Dwan Foundation and their ap...

Rick Gertsema, Senior Mental Health Advisor at the Miller-Dwan Foundation, shares his 40-year career in behavioral health and his passion for helping people. He discusses the importance of creating a scalable mental health workforce to address the mental health crisis. Gertsema highlights the PM Plus program, developed by the World Health Organization, as a way to provide effective care through tr...

Zak Williams, mental health advocate and founder of PYM (Prepare Your Mind), shares his personal journey and the importance of mental health awareness and support. He discusses his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts, as well as the impact of his father, Robin Williams' suicide. Williams emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health, includ...

Summary This conversation explores the work of the Miller-Dwan Foundation in the field of mental health, specifically their collaboration with Dr. Brandon Kohrt and Dr. Adam Brown on the implementation of Problem Management Plus (PM+) in New York City and the Twin Ports. The conversation covers the background of the project, the scalability of mental health interventions, and the need for accessib...

The conversation explores the history and mission of the Miller-Dwan Foundation, the strategic planning process, the HopeX initiative, the role of the Senior Mental Health Advisor, the multi-phase approach, and the future vision for the foundation. Takeaways: The Miller-Dwan Foundation has a strong history of generosity and philanthropy, with a focus on healthcare, including physical rehabilitatio...