Ep. 205: The Hidden Mental Health Needs of Military-Connected Kids (Part 1 of 2)

Military-connected families are often praised for their resilience. But behind every deployment, relocation, and homecoming are children navigating constant change — and too often, gaps in the mental healthcare system meant to support them.

In the first episode of this two-part series, we speak with policy leaders from Nemours Children's Health and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, along with military-connected parents and advocates, about the unique behavioral health challenges facing military-connected youth. From frequent moves and disrupted continuity of care to the stigma surrounding mental health, they discuss what's working, where the system falls short and the policy solutions that could help ensure every military-connected child has access to the care they need, wherever military life takes their family.

Watch the episode on YouTube.

Featuring:

Daniella Gratale, MA, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's Health

Meredith Beck, Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Engagement, Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Duane Duke, MD, FACS, FAAP, Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves, Trauma Medical Director, Nemours Children’s Health

Allison Mejia, Child & Family Advocate, Military Spouse

Elizabeth (Liz) Rotenberry, Director, Caregiver Engagement, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Military Spouse

Host/Producer: Carol Vassar

PLEASE NOTE: The comments and opinions of Dr. Duane Duke are his own and do not represent those of the U.S. Army Reserves. 

Resources Mentioned in This Series: 

• Serving Military-Connected Children: Access to Care (PDF)
• Serving Military-Connected Children: Mental Health and Well-Being (PDF)
• Free, online course: Caring for Children and Teens in Military Caregiving Families
• Initiatives at Nemours Children’s to support military-connected youth 
• Military Child and Family Collaboratory
• One Op
• Star Behavioral Health Providers
• Kennedy Krieger Behavioral Health Program for Military Families

Military-focused programs:

• FOCUS UCLA 
• Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness Penn State
• Military REACH Auburn University
• Hidden Helpers Coalition   
  • To inquire about joining the Hidden Helpers Coalition, email hiddenhelpers@elizabethdolefoundation.org 

Past Well Beyond Medicine episodes with related topics:

• Ep. 70: Hidden Helpers, Hidden No More (Part 1 of 2)  
• Ep. 71: Hidden Helpers Heard (Part 2 of 2)
• Ep. 90: Forum – Supporting Our Military Families and Hidden Helpers (Part 1 of 2)
• Ep. 91: Forum - Supporting Our Military Families and Hidden Helpers (Part 2 of 2)
• Ep. 167: Accessing Pediatric Mental Health Services (PATH) (Part 1 of 2)
• Ep. 168: Accessing Pediatric Mental Health Services (PATH) (Part 2 of 2)

General questions related to the content addressed during the podcast: NationalOffice@nemours.org 

Views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or management. 

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