Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T.

Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T.

Preventing suicide is one of our society's greatest challenges. That's why The Flint Hills Volunteer Center has developed this Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T. podcast. P.A.C.T. stands for Prevention, Awareness, Compassion, and Training. The Suicide Awareness P.A.C.T. Podcast will feature personal stories and professional perspectives. This podcast series is funded in part by the Kansas Health Foundation, AmeriCorp Seniors, and the Greater Manhattan Community Foundation.

Episodes

July 30, 2026 26 mins

Terra Upham is the Director of Therapy Services at Pawnee, a Certified Community Behavorial Health Center (CCBHC).  In this episode, Terra and Lori talk about how individuals can benefit from a holistic care approach to therapy.

pawnee.org


FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness

#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

mcfks.org

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David Cook, a certified therapist with Venture Counseling in Manhattan, KS, is back in this episode to discuss another interesting topic in treating depression: Ketamine Assisted EMDR therapy.  Here, Cook addresses the details involved in the treatment program and offers advice on seeking assistance.

dave@venturecounselingmhk.com

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideA...

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This episodes topic ventures into territory we haven't discussed yet, and it's intriguing!  David Cook us a certified therapist with Venture Counseling in Manhattan, KS, and we discuss some of the benefits and challenges of using "magic mushrooms" for treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental health challenges. 

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Emily and Chaz Mailey are married and represent two different entities.  Emily is a professor in kinesiology at K-State. Chaz is a licensed psychologist in private practice.  This is a wonderful discussion on the impact nature can have on your mental wellness.

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness

#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

mcfks.org

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Shari La Grange-Aulich returns to the P.A.C.T. studio and is joined by Chris Wilson, who along with her husband, Ron, own the Lazy T Ranch just southwest of Manhattan.  In this episode, Shari and Chris tell Lori about how being in nature can  provide positive impacts for those who are struggling with some mental health challenges.

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention  #S...

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Eric Kirsch is the Sheriff of Wabaunsee County.  He's become known throughout the state for his insightful and somewhat whimsical social media posts, with over 5,000 followers.

In this episode, Sheriff Kirsch shares his story of growing up in New York City, his service in the US Marines, PTSD, alcohol abuse, recovery, faith and law and order.

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention&nb...

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LightMHK supports mental health and wellness by removing barriers to care for those struggling with mental health challenges in the Greater Manhattan Kansas area, including Wamego and Junction City.  In this PACT episode, Deanna Nitschke and Jill Jacoby talk about the work Light MHK does and the lives they touch.  There's also a bit of info about a new fundraiser scheduled for January 31st!

LightMHK.com

FlintHillsVo...

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Grieving during the Holiday season is a challenge for many. Today we talk about what that is like for those who are missing their loved ones. 

Joining us today for a frank discussion on handling grief during the holidays and beyond is our FHVC PACT Ambassador, and RSVP of Riley County volunteer, Brad Starnes.

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness

#GMCF  #...

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Jan and Carolyn share their life experiences as widowed women.  Jan's husband passed unexpectedly.  Carolyn's husband was ill and disabled for many years due to war illnesses.  Their journeys are tied together, but their individual paths through the grieving process are quite different.  Enjoy hearing how they continue to deal and grow in grief.

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Amanda Yenzer is the Director of Crisis Services at Pawnee Mental Health. The 11-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit provides voluntary treatment for those experiencing an acute mental health crisis. Individuals receive intensive therapeutic services in a warm, supportive environment and then are assisted with transitioning back into the community with continued care and support. 

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercent...

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Cathie Bear is a Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Her focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. She achieves this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing a treatment plan.

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Joslyn Roadstrom lost her son at 22 months. She shares with us her journey of grief and depression. She became a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. She is also a certified death doula through DoulaGivers International and a certified Grief Educator through David Kessler.
Joslyn shares her journey of how hating and loving her grief began to unfold.  Healing from grief has been heart wrenching, eye opening, confusing...

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AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers, Brad Starnes and Samantha Brown, are long-time educators in the Flint Hills region, and in this episode they share with Lori about the work that they are doing as FHVC PACT Ambassadors.

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 Dr. Christine Durrett is a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist in Manhattan, Kansas, and in this episode, Dr. Durrett addresses concerns for our elderly population that are transitioning into a delicate time of their lives.  We discuss dementia, depression and anxiety, and provide some suggestions for families to assist their loved ones in finding help.  It's a wonderful discussion.  We hope you enjoy it

...

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Sally Linton is an ADHD specialist.  Her personal experiences with individuals dealing with ADHD have led her into a career study of the condition.  In this episode, Linton gives us advice on how ADHD can be handled in a caring, supportive manner. 

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwareness

mcfks.org#GMCF#GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

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Nate McClendon's journey into mental health challenges began when he and his wife were notified of their 18 year old daughter's sudden death.  In this episode, McClendon shares how he navigated the pain and disbelief and forged a way to reach out to others who have also shared a loss of their loved ones. 

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention#SuicideAwareness

mcfks.org#GMCF#Gre...

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Melissa's experience in losing her sister to suicide in 2006 inspired her to create Beacon of Hope, a local non-profit suicide prevention organization located in Emporia, KS.  The work on suicide prevention efforts help those who are dealing with ideation. Beacon of Hope is active with a number of events that raise awareness of their services and provide training to teach others about recognizing the signs of those that are de...

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Jareem Dowling is a coach for K-State Basketball.  He tells his personal story of depression and grieving following the death of his brother.  Coach also shares how his experiences have helped address mental health concerns with players and students.

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention  #SuicideAwareness

#GMCF  #GreaterManhattanCommunityFoundation

mcfks.org

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We had a wonderful opportunity to visit with 2 authors from opposite sides of the country  in this P.A.C.T. episode.  Gina Cavalier joins us from Oxnard, California and Dr. Amelia Kelley checks in from Cary, North Carolina.  They share their stories and inspirations that lead them to their chosen careers in helping people in distress.

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthillsvolunteercenter

#AmeriCorps

#SuicidePrevention...

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Dane Jorento is a licensed BCA Holistic Mental Health Therapist based in St. Paul Minnesota.  He is also an author and artisit whose works reach out to young people dealing with mental health challenges.. He is an Innovative, creative problem solver who reaches others through a holistic approach to mental health.  It's a refreshing approach to mental health care.

www.EmotionalPowers.com

FlintHillsVolunteerCenter.com

#flinthi...

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