Price of Systems

A podcast about systemic issues, social justice, mental health/wellness, and ideas for individual and collective progress. Systems are like waterfalls. Huge and powerful. Their effects trickle down and spread into our communities. I worked in community mental healthcare for 9+ years with individuals with Medicaid and Medicare insurance, in their homes, and I observed (and at times was directly involved in) a lot of people's engagement with systems - the mental health care system for one, since I was there, but also the justice system, healthcare system, child welfare system, education system, substance abuse treatment systems, housing, and more. I've witnessed the inefficiencies in the ways our community mental health/public services are run, and how all of these systems intertwine with one another and shape people's lives and opportunities. The mental health care field is struggling and watching the suffering of individuals, employees, and non-profit agencies trying to help has been life changing. I can't unsee the ways in which injustices occur within systems and impact people. It can feel hopeless at times, but for as much struggle as I witness there is also successful, caring, and hopeful interventions. There are amazing individuals, community groups, and agencies providing and/or fighting for fair and accessible social services. I want to talk to those people - highlight what they are doing to help in times of high need when the forces in power feel intense and hard to fight back against. I don't want to lead with anger but with talking about what is going well, what social and systemic barriers are present, and what we can do to better work together to advocate. I hope you'll join me in listening and if you'd like to talk about YOUR professional or personal experiences within systems, public services, and/or helping professions please reach out.