Join us for an enlightening conversation on "Mental Health Trailblazers, Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up!" with your host Indrias Kassaye and the distinguished Dr. Gary Lawrence, Director of Nursing at the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority. In this second episode of 50 Years – Reflect and Project, celebrating half a century of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association, Dr. Lawrence shares his inspiring journey from being an LPN, detoxing patients in rural Oklahoma, to becoming a pioneering mental health researcher and advocate for Native American communities.

Dr. Lawrence, an alumnus of the Minority Fellowship Program, discusses the evolution of mental health care for Native Americans over the past half-century. He provides a candid look at the historical challenges faced by these communities, from lack of preventative care to the enduring impact of historical trauma. Dr. Lawrence highlights the significance of cultural buffers—practices like storytelling, powwows, and traditional games—as vital tools for healing and resilience.

Discover how Dr. Lawrence's work is bridging gaps in behavioral health care, leveraging culturally relevant interventions, and mentoring the next generation of Native American nurses and researchers. His vision for the future is both hopeful and empowering, emphasizing the importance of continuing the legacy of the Minority Fellowship Program to foster new leaders who will carry forward the work of healing and transformation.

Tune in to hear Dr. Lawrence's reflections on the past, insights into present challenges, and his inspiring vision for the future of mental health care in Native American communities. This is an episode rich with wisdom, hope, and a call to action for all who are passionate about making a difference in underrepresented communities.

Learn more about Dr. Lawrence at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/gary-l-lawrence You can listen to ‘The Ballad of Ira Hayes’ by Johnny Cash, mentioned by Dr. Lawrence in this conversation, here https://youtu.be/oEwSwQtSmDQ or read the lyrics at https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Johnny-Cash/The-Ballad-of-Ira-Hayes

Bonus: Earn Free CNE Credits! Nurses can earn Continuing Nursing Education (CNE) credits by listening to this episode. An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Welcome to Season 4 of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up. In this special episode, we kick off the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) at the American Nurses Association with an extraordinary guest, Dr. Linda Washington Brown.

Join us as we delve into Dr. Brown's inspiring journey from the segregated South to having a seat at the table where national health policies are made. Dr. Brown reflects on the transformative impact of the MFP, which has trained over a thousand behavioral health professionals, including herself. She shares heartfelt stories of overcoming adversity, the importance of mentorship, and the need for continued support and funding to address mental health and substance use disorders in underserved communities.

Dr. Brown's passion and dedication to improving mental health care for all shine through as she discusses her work with people experiencing homelessness, the disparities in vaccine access, and her efforts in training a new generation of health professionals. Her powerful insights and unwavering commitment to making a difference are sure to inspire and motivate listeners.

Tune in for an engaging, thought-provoking, and uplifting conversation with a true trailblazer in mental health nursing. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Dr. LindaWashington Brown's wealth of experience and her vision for a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. Free continuing nursing education credits are available for listening to this and all upcoming episodes of Season 4. Details in the episode description. Be sure to share this episode and subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring content!

Article mentioned by Dr. Brown:

Hidden in Plain Sight — Reconsidering the Use of Race Correction in Clinical Algorithms Darshali A. Vyas, M.D. Leo G. Eisenstein, M.D., and David S. Jones, M.D., Ph.D. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMms2004740

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit. The American Nurses Association is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

Learn more about Dr. Linda Washington-Brown at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/linda-washington-brown

Welcome to Season 4 of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up! This season, titled "50 Years - Reflect and Project," premieres Monday, June 11, 2024, and is dedicated to celebrating the 50th anniversary of the SAMHSA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.
Join us as we pay homage to five decades of groundbreaking contributions by visionary psychiatric nurses. We’ll delve into their remarkable legacy, reflecting on the strides we've made in mental health and substance use disorder care, particularly within underserved communities across America.
This season promises a wealth of inspiring interviews, profound reflections, and forward-thinking projections from our esteemed alumni and current fellows. We’ll explore the enduring impact of the Minority Fellowship Program and discuss innovative approaches to tackling ongoing mental health challenges.
Each podcast offers FREE CNE credits from the ANA, an ANCC accredited provider of nursing continuing professional development.
Remember to subscribe at emfp.org, the Minority Fellowship Program’s YouTube channel @mfpana, or on your preferred podcast app.
Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up – Celebrating 50 years, with so much more ahead.