LC Mentally Well

MHRSB of Lucas County

From self-care and coping, to human trafficking and addiction, LC Mentally Well presents expert and practitioner advice and strategies for wellness, and analysis of the current state of mental health in the community. Presented by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County.

  1. 08/21/2025

    The Place That Believes in You First: A Hidden Model for Global Mental Health

    What if recovery didn't start with a diagnosis... but with belonging? In this episode of LC Mentally Well, host Dr. Mike Carter sits down with Callie and Maddie from the Thomas M. Wernert Center — a rare, peer-led community that is redefining what mental health support looks like without therapy, prescriptions, or clinical charts.   Based in Ohio, but needed worldwide, this Center offers a deeply human model: no intake forms, no insurance billing, no judgment — just coffee, connection, and community-led care.   We unpack: What makes peer support a gold-standard tool for mental health recovery How the Center empowers people through choice, dignity, and lived experience Why the most powerful wellness tools may be gardening, guitar lessons, or crafting beside someone who gets it How spaces like this help individuals recover not just alone, but together The role of DEI, LGBTQ+ belonging, trauma-informed design, and accessibility in shaping real recovery environments The Thomas M. Wernert Center doesn't treat people — it believes in them. And for many, it's the first place they've ever been seen as more than their story or their symptoms. This is more than a podcast. It's a blueprint. A call to action. A window into what every community could build.   Whether you're a policymaker, practitioner, community leader, or simply someone searching for support — press play. The future of mental health starts with together.

  2. 06/20/2025

    Bridging the Gap: Sickle Cell, Mental Health & Unshakable Advocacy

    In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Mike Carter is joined by Dr. La'Shardae Scott, the powerhouse founder behind The Scott Observation Center — a bold, community-rooted organization leading the charge in medical and mental health advocacy for underserved families.   Dr. Scott gets real about what it means to raise a child with sickle cell disease while navigating the trauma, misinformation, and lack of access that still plagues so many communities. She opens up about her own journey as a parent, a professional, and a change agent working to close the dangerous gap between families and the systems meant to support them. We explore: The emotional and mental health toll of chronic illness on families The origin story of The Scott Observation Center and the passion that fuels it How her team's community-based approach earned them a Wellness Grant from the MHRSB Why her fearless advocacy earned her the title Advocate of the Year What it takes to show up for your family while also showing up for the fight This isn't just an interview — it's a call to awareness. If you're a parent, educator, healthcare worker, or just someone who wants to understand how trauma, advocacy, and mental health collide in real life… this one's for you.   💡 Don't just listen — lean in. This episode will stretch your empathy, fuel your purpose, and leave you thinking about how we all can do more.   🔗 Learn more about Dr. Scott's mission at scottcenteroh.org   👇 Tap in and share with someone who needs this conversation today.

  3. 05/08/2025

    Rooted & Rising: How Unison Health Is Expanding Mental Wellness in Lucas County

    What if one of the most vital mental health agencies in your city had been growing right in front of you—and you just hadn't seen the full picture yet?   In this episode, we're joined by Bill Emahiser from Unison Health to explore how this agency, with deep roots in Lucas County, is expanding its impact across the community. With a strategic East Toledo location, Unison is uniquely positioned to reach individuals and families in every direction—offering care that's personal, accessible, and increasingly comprehensive. We unpack: Unison's origin story and evolution as a trusted resource for mental wellness Their efforts to reach the entire family, especially youth, with prevention messaging and accessible treatment A spotlight on their Student of the Week initiative, honoring young people and promoting mental health awareness Their role in providing emergency and ongoing care, alongside other mental health agencies in the community The strong partnership between Unison and the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board (MHRSB) to deliver high-quality, coordinated care How Unison is creating meaningful opportunities for community involvement through festivals, health fairs, and collaborative events Whether you're a parent, professional, or community partner, this conversation offers real insight into what's being done—and what's possible—when mental health is treated as a shared responsibility. Press play and discover the powerful ways Unison Health is helping our community heal, grow, and thrive—together.

About

From self-care and coping, to human trafficking and addiction, LC Mentally Well presents expert and practitioner advice and strategies for wellness, and analysis of the current state of mental health in the community. Presented by the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County.