The Paid Leave Podcast

• A Courageous Story About Parkinson's Disease, and the Resources That Offer Support.

  In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast we discuss Parkinson's disease, what it is, what it does, and how to treat it. Parkinson's Awareness Month is observed in April, and is an opportunity to increase awareness about the ailment and its symptoms, as well as to support victims. National Parkinson's day is observed on April 11 every year to raise awareness about this medical condition and its severity. Muhammad Ali and Michael J Fox are the most well-known people to suffer from Parkinson's disease. Joining in on this conversation is Holly Seymour, the Program Director for the Connecticut Chapter of the American Parkinson's Disease Association, also known as APDA. Heather Pierce joins us as a caregiver. She supported her dad after his diagnosis of Parkinson's in 2019 and was his caregiver and advocate before he passed in 2021. She's now a board member for APDA and leads a support group where she helps those with PD and their care partners navigate the changes of life with PD. She also owns a company called ClearView Senior Living Advisors, where she helps families connect to resources. She's starting school in Vermont to be an end-of-life doula to further the support she can offer families. She's also a community educator for the Alzheimer's Association.Holly explains Parkinson's symptoms, treatments, and the importance of support groups. Heather recounts her father's personal journey with Parkinson's, highlighting the challenges of caregiving. They emphasize the significance of mental health support and the benefits of Connecticut's Paid Leave program for those diagnosed who are still working, and to their caregivers. The podcast aims to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by Parkinson's.To get in touch with or to join a support group with the APDA please go to: apdaparkinson.org/CT or call 860-996-4276.To get in touch with Heather Pierce go to her website at: Clearviewseniorlivingadvisor.com or call or call 860-733-9506.For information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.orghttps://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_UShttps://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

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• The Office of Victim Services Offers Hope and Assistance for Victims of Violent Crimes

  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and it’s also Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on April 2nd; it is also National Crime Victims' Rights Week April 6-12.In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast I speak with Rachel McKnight, Program Manager from the Office of Victim Services (OVS), and Marc Pelka, Deputy Director. They explain how OVS assists crime victims with financial expenses, receiving around 2,000 applications annually. They detail the types of crimes, including violent and property crimes, vehicular crimes, and the various expenses covered by OVS, such as medical bills, funeral costs, and lost wages. They also discuss the collaboration and the change of law that allows OVS and CT Paid Leave to work together. With the two agencies working together, it offers income replacement and support for victims of violent crimes and their families, emphasizing the importance of financial aid in the aftermath of crime.To get in touch with OVS please go to their website at: jud.ct.gov/crimevictim.or email them at: [email protected] call OVS at: 888-286-7347. For more information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.orghttps://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_UShttps://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

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• Working to Empower Connecticut's LGBTQ+ Families with Inclusive Healthcare

  LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week is in March and was started in 2003. It raises public awareness regarding the unique health needs and disparities in the LGBTQ+ community.  It also highlights many aspects of the LGBTQ+ community.My guest Bill Ollayos, is the administrator of the Connecticut LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network and is a Law Fellow with Children, Women, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity (CWCSEO). He says the network's mission is to advance equity through policy advocacy, community outreach, and grant funding that can be used for some unique events for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, noting that 70% of LGBTQ+ individuals accessed mental health services in the past three years, but 15% were refused care due to their identity.  Bill also talked about how CT Paid Leave talks about chosen family and the importance of the program covering mental health as well. Bill also discusses the network's efforts to improve healthcare access and the significance of Connecticut's non-discrimination laws and supportive legislature.To get in touch with CT's LGBTQ+ Justice and Opportunity Network go to: ctlgbtqnetwork.orgFor information or to apply for benefits please go to : ctpaidleave.orghttps://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_UShttps://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

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• A Mother Raises Awareness and Advocates for Her Son and Others with Down Syndrome

  In this episode of The Paid Leave Podcast, we speak with Kandi Pickard, the CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Down Syndrome Awareness Week is celebrated across the world from March 15 to March 21 every year. The purpose of the week is to create awareness about individuals with Down syndrome and the difficulties they might face in their lives.  About 5,000 babies are born every year in the USA with Down syndrome. Due to advances in medical technology, individuals with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before. With 80 percent living past 60 years old. In March it is also National Developmental Disabilities Awareness month.Kandi Pickard provides vision and leadership, working collaboratively with individuals and organizations like CT Laid Leave, to support the entire Down syndrome community.  Kandi’s involvement in the Down syndrome community first started as a local volunteer and advocate after her youngest son, Mason was born with Down syndrome. Ten years later, she leads NDSS with a focus on building community and keeping people with Down syndrome at the center of everything the organization does. Kandi says that CT Paid Leave is a great resource for caregivers, and for those with chronic health conditions. She says the flexibility to take time and be allowed varying lengths of leave aligns with the mission of the NDSS.To get in Touch with NDSS please go to their website: National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS)For questions or to apply for benefits please go to our website: CT Paid Leavehttps://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_UShttps://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

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• How The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Helps Burn Patients and Families Recover

  National Burn Awareness Week is in February, and it's recognized by the American Burn Association. It is a chance to promote burn prevention and awareness in communities. With more than 3,000 members, the ABA dedicates their efforts and resources to promoting and supporting burn-related care, prevention, education, and research.The Connecticut Burn Center in Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state. Dr Roselle Crombie is a member of the ABA. She is a surgeon specializing in burn surgery and surgical critical care at several of the Yale New Haven Health Systems flagship hospitals in Southern Connecticut including the Bridgeport Burn Center. Her particular passion is a mix of burns, burn and trauma reconstruction, wounds, and general surgery. Dr. Crombie talked about the long road to recovery for some burn patients. She says the number of burn patients has decreased and many burns are preventable. The most common type of burn is a scald burn usually in the kitchen. Dr. Crombie says patients and their families can benefit from CT Paid leave, because it can help financially and emotionally, and it allows for caregiver leave.To get in touch with the ABA please go to their website: ameriburn.org      American Burn Association – Improving the lives of those affected by burn injuryTo get in touch with the Bridgeport Burn Center go to their website at: The Connecticut Burn Center - Bridgeport HospitalFor information or to apply for benefits please go to: ctpaidleave.org  https://www.ctpaidleave.org/https://ctpaidleave.org/s/?language=en_UShttps://www.facebook.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.instagram.com/ctpaidleave/https://twitter.com/CTPaidLeavehttps://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ct+paid+leave

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  33:47

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