United and Resilient

En el episodio del podcast de este mes, nos sumergimos en la historia de la tenacidad de nuestra ciudad.El 3 de agosto del 2019, El Paso, TX experimentó un evento devastador que sacudió a nuestra comunidad hasta lo más profundo. Pero de esa oscuridad surgieron historias de increíble fuerza y solidaridad.El juez del condado, Ricardo Samaniego, se une a nosotros para compartir su relato de primera mano de cómo fue terstigo de cómo la comunidad se unió frente a la adversidad. Lo que había parecido a nuestra ciudad una tragedia sin precedentes se convirtió en un catalizador de unidad y resiliencia, desde el abrumador apoyo de los residentes hasta la creación del Healing Garden de El Paso.También escucharemos a los tres artistas locales detrás de la instalación más nueva de Healing Garden de este año. Estén atentos para escuchar de Blanca Estrada, Tino Ortega y César Inostroza mientras comparten la inspiración, el proceso artístico y la visión detrás del mural artístico especial que se dará a conocer en la Ceremonia del Día del Recuerdo de este año el 3 de agosto de 2024 en el Healing Garden.Únase a nosotros mientras reflexionamos sobre cómo El Paso convirtió el dolor en un legado duradero de esperanza y fortaleza comunitaria.

In this month's podcast episode, we're diving into the story of our city's tenacity.On August 3rd, 2019, El Paso, TX, experienced a devastating event that shook our community to its core. But out of that darkness emerged stories of incredible strength and solidarity.County Judge Ricardo Samaniego joins us to share his firsthand account of witnessing the community rally together in the face of adversity. What had struck our city as an unprecedented tragedy became a catalyst for unity and resilience, from the overwhelming outpouring of support from residents to the creation of El Paso's Healing Garden.We will also hear from the three local artists behind this year's newest Healing Garden installation. Stay tuned in to hear as Blanca Estrada, Tino Ortega, and Cesar Inostroza share the inspiration, artistic process, and vision behind the special art mural that will be unveiled at this year's Day of Remembrance Ceremony on August 3rd, 2024, at the Healing Garden.Join us as we reflect on how El Paso turned sorrow into an enduring legacy of hope and community strength.

En este episodio de United & Resilient, presentado por el Family Resiliency Center de El Paso United, nos emociona dar la bienvenida a la Dra. Silvia M. Chávez-Baray. Acompañanos mientras exploramos la importancia de la concientización sobre la salud mental, los recursos disponibles y romper el estigma que rodea a las emergencias de salud mental.La Dra. Chávez-Baray es profesora adjunta e investigadora asociada en la Universidad de Texas en El Paso, con roles en el Departamento de Trabajo Social, el Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud y Estudios Chicanos, y el Colegio de Artes Liberales. Más allá de su trabajo académico, es una apasionada defensora de la educación sobre la salud mental y el bienestar en nuestra comunidad.No te pierdas esta entrevista donde profundizamos en cómo las redes sociales, las interacciones comunitarias, las elecciones de estilo de vida y la empatía moldean nuestra salud mental.Encontrarnos en Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, o visita nuestro sitio web.“Está bien no estar bien. Somos humanos y necesitamos ser cuidadosos con nosotros mismos y con los demás.” - Dra. Silvia M. Chávez-Baray

In this episode of United & Resilient, presented by the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center, we're excited to welcome Dr. Silvia M. Chavez-Baray. Join us as we explore the importance of mental health awareness, available resources, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health emergencies.Dr. Chavez-Baray is an adjunct faculty member and research associate at the University of Texas at El Paso, with roles in the Department of Social Work, College of Health Sciences and Chicano Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts. Beyond her academic work, she is a passionate advocate for educating our community about mental health and well-being.Don't miss this engaging interview where we dive into how social media, community interactions, lifestyle choices, and empathy shape our mental health.Tune in on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or visit our website.“It is okay not to be okay. We are humans, and we need to be caring with ourselves and others.” - Dr. Silvia M. Chavez-Baray

Estamos emocionados de darle la bienvenida a Fernanda Ruiz, también conocida como Ferny, al Podcast Unidos y Resilientes. Ferny es activista, conferencista, creadora digital, escritora, fashionista y presidenta de la Fundación Cárita A.C. Durante este episodio, discutiremos temas importantes como la discapacidad, la inclusión y el trauma, y obtendremos valiosos conocimientos de la amplia experiencia de Ferny. Su perspectiva única nos proporcionará referencias claras para comprender y crear un entorno más compasivo, inclusivo y justo a nuestro alrededor. Esta es una entrevista que no debe perderse, mientras exploramos el largo y complejo viaje hacia la inclusión. Puedes encontrarnos en Spotify, You Tube, Apple Podcast y en nuestra página web.“Si crees en tus sueños, tus sueños creerán en ti para volverse realidad”- Ferny Ruiz

We are excited to welcome Fernanda Ruiz, also known as Ferny, to the United and Resilient Podcast. Ferny is an activist, speaker, digital creator, writer, fashionista, and president of the Fundación Carità. During this episode we will be discussing important topics such as disability, inclusion, and trauma, and gaining valuable insights from Ferny's extensive experience. Her unique perspective will provide us with clear references to understand and create a more compassionate, inclusive, and fair environment around us. This is an interview not to be missed, as we explore the long and complex journey towards inclusion, you can find this episode at Spotify, You Tube, Apple Podcast and in our Website. “If you believe in your dreams, your dreams will believe in you to become reality” - Ferny Ruiz

En este episodio hablaremos de la autoimagen, la autoestima y cómo se relaciona con la salud mental. Un adolescente estadounidense podría pasar 31 horas a la semana viendo televisión, 17 horas escuchando música, 3 horas viendo películas, 4 minutos leyendo revistas y 10 horas en línea. Eso equivale a unas 10 horas y 45 minutos de consumo de medios al día.Además, discutiremos algunas estrategias para desarrollar resiliencia y cómo crear una experiencia más positiva sobre la satisfacción corporal con nuestra invitada Jeanette James, quien es la recién coronada USAM MS TEXAS 2024, es una supervisora ​​de consejeros profesionales autorizadas y realmente cree que todos son ¡merecedores de una corona!Manténgase conectado en esta conversación en nuestro podcast: “Unidos y Resilientes”

In this episode we will talk about the self-image, self-esteem and how they are related with mental health.An American teenager could spend 31 hours per week watching TV, 17 hours listening to music, 3 hours watching movies, 4 minutes reading magazines and 10 hours online. That's about 10 hours and 45 minutes of media consumption a day. Also, we will discuss some strategies to build resilience and how to create a more positive experience about body satisfaction with our guest Jeanette James who is the newly crowned USAM MS TEXAS 2024, she is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and the belief that everyone is deserving of a crown! Please stay connected in this conversation in our podcast: “United and Resilient”

Nuestro invitado, Francisco Torres-Almeraz, comparte cómo el trauma y la adicción están fuertemente vinculados y pueden afectar nuestros pensamientos, emociones y comportamientos. Comprender esta conexión puede ayudarnos a gestionarla y encontrar alternativas para afrontarla. Siempre hay esperanza de cambio y curación.

Our guest, Francisco Torres-Almeraz, shares how trauma and addiction are strongly linked and can impact our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Understanding this connection can help us manage it and find alternatives to cope with it. There is always hope for change and healing.

Four years ago, the El Paso community changed forever. In this episode, we want to focus on the group of people who have decided to step up to the challenge and help our community heal after the August 3rd tragedy, our very own staff at the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center. You will get to know the FRC family and get an inside look at the healing journey of our community through the eyes of the people who work every day to ensure El Pasoans have the necessary resources to move forward in their healing. They will share their experiences at the FRC, and why they decided to join this family.

Physical performance is not just about being physically fit. For athletes to perform at their very best, they also have to refine their mental skills. An athlete's mind and body work in tandem to achieve success.We will connect with Race El Paso President & Race Director, Gabriela Gallegos and Race Director, Naomi Briones. Both Gallegos and Briones are experienced recreational athletes. They will share their insights into how physical fitness, community, friendship, and overall well-being are key in keeping our mental health on track.

On the latest episode of the United & Resilient podcast, we discover how the continuous process of developing ourselves to achieve our greatest ability is vital to our mental health, success, and happiness. All of us have the ability to better control our emotions and negative thoughts. Tune in to learn how to build mental strength, techniques to better organize our minds and thoughts, and how to find peace and contentment with the things we cannot change.This month's intermission segment, "Where Were You on August 3rd?" features our very own El Paso United Family Resiliency Center Interim Director, Alberto Ruiz. Ruiz gives us his personal account of the August 3, 2019 tragedy.

We begin Season 3 with Spiritual Resilience. In this episode, we learn how to maintain a positive spirit when facing adversity, stress, and trauma. At times, it is seeking strength through a higher power, regardless of your affiliation, in order to get through difficult situations. Spirituality enables us to be more resilient, and it enhances our well-being. We speak with Pastor Michael E. Grady. Grady is a graduate of the United States Army Chaplain School. While on active duty, he served as Adjunct Instructor for students pursuing an advanced degree in New Testament Studies. He has served as the President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of El Paso, and is currently the Religious Advisor for the NAACP. In 2015, Grady established the Prince of Peace Christian Fellowship Church here in El Paso. This month's intermission segment, "Where Were You on August 3rd?" features our very own El Paso United Family Resiliency Center Resource Specialist, Desiree Castillo. Castillo gives us her personal account of the August 3, 2019 tragedy.

In our last episode for the year, we discover the benefits of music. Music is all around us, regulating our feelings and bringing good vibes when we need it. It allows us to feel all the emotions that we experience in our lives and recall fond memories. Listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain, as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and boost energy. It can enhance brain activity and improve our health and well-being.We converse with renowned international music artist, Zuill Bailey. Bailey is a Grammy-Award-winning American Cellist, who has produced more than 30 chart-topping titles, performed at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, to name a few. He is the Artistic Director of El Paso Pro-Musica and a Professor of Cello at the University of Texas at El Paso.This month's intermission segment, "Where Were You on August 3rd?" features the owner of Instruments of Healing and sound healing teacher, Cesar Lujan. Lujan gives us a personal account of the August 3, 2019 tragedy.

This episode of the United and Resilient podcast takes a holistic approach to health. We discover the benefits of Reiki and Yoga. These are methods of supporting the body and mind systems to their own natural healing processes. Reiki treats the whole person including emotions and mind to create beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace. Yoga improves general wellness by relieving stress, improving mental/emotional health, sleep, and balance. On the first half of the episode we connect with Reiki Master Teacher and Owner of Intuitive Wellness with Michelle, Michelle Moskauski. On the second half, we converse with Michael Novotny. He is a Life Skill Coordinator for The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors and a Certified Yoga Instructor. Both practitioners provide support to the whole person, considering the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.  Our intermission segment “Where Were You on August 3rd?” features Clinic Director, ElizaBeth Duran from The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors. She leads a multidisciplinary team providing services to post-9/11 Veterans, active duty members and their families, and shares her personal story on the day of the August 3rd 2019 tragedy.

Three years ago today, El Paso and the rest of the nation witnessed a dark day in Texas history. Our border community endured a tragic event at a local shopping store. Our hearts still ache in sadness, but the community started pouring its love and support. State and local leaders responded, reflected, kept the memories alive of the 23 El Pasoans who we lost, and continue to stand united demonstrating our community's resiliency. We welcome Texas Senator Cesar Jose Blanco. Mr. Blanco is a member of the Texas Senate representing the people of Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis and Presidio counties. His previous office was in the Texas House of Representatives where he served for three terms. He will take us to his first moments when hearing about the tragedy, handling arise challenges, and what future generations can expect in our sun city. Featured this month on our intermission segment “Where were you on August 3rd?” is Strategic Consultant for Inner City Youth Leadership and Development Programs, and former Vice President of Community Impact at United Way of El Paso County, Christina Lamour. She helped create the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center and shares her personal account on the day of the August 3rd 2019 tragedy.

Hace tres años, El Paso y el resto de la nación fueron testigos de un día oscuro en la historia de Texas. Nuestra comunidad fronteriza sufrió un evento trágico en una tienda comercial local. Nuestros corazones todavía duelen de tristeza, pero la comunidad comenzó a derramar su amor y apoyo. Los líderes estatales y locales respondieron, reflexionaron, mantuvieron vivos los recuerdos de los 23 habitantes de El Paso que perdimos y continúan unidos demostrando la capacidad de recuperación de nuestra comunidad. Damos la bienvenida al Senador de Texas César José Blanco. El Sr. Blanco es miembro del Senado de Texas que representa a la gente de los condados de Culberson, El Paso, Hudspeth, Jeff Davis y Presidio. Su oficina anterior estuvo en la Cámara de Representantes de Texas, donde sirvió durante tres mandatos. Nos llevará a sus primeros momentos al enterarse de la tragedia, manejar los desafíos que se presenten y lo que las futuras generaciones pueden esperar en nuestra ciudad. Presentado este mes en nuestro segmento intermedio "¿Dónde estabas el 3 de agosto?Consultora Estratégica para Inner City Youth Leadership and Development programs, y ex Vicepresidenta de Community Impact en United Way of El Paso County, Christina Lamour. Ayudó a crear el El Paso United Family Resiliency Center y comparte su cuenta personal el día de la tragedia del 3 de agosto de 2019.

In our third episode we take a close look and understanding of how two years after the COVID-19 pandemic, we are improvising, adapting, and overcoming our new normal in the community. Much has changed during the pandemic. We will learn of tips and self-care strategies that help to cope with the anxiety and depression from our altered daily routines.   Through this conversation, we connect with Emergence Health Network Licensed Professional Counselor Maricela Giner-Nevarez. She will explain how people are adapting to the new normal and resources necessary to function at school, work, as a person, and in our relationships with others. She shares strategies on how to live, or re-live, with friends, family, and co-workers and still follow the Covid-19 guidelines. Our intermission segment “Where were you on August 3rd?” features Middle School Counselor Luz Gomez from MacArthur Elementary-Intermediate School. Mrs. Gomez shares her personal story when the school was the designated reunification site.

Welcome to our second episode, we connect with Dr. Richard Pineda, Associate Professor and Director of the Sam Donaldson Center for Communication Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, and take a close look at how media can impact our mental health by shaping our ideas and understanding of current events. On our “Where were you on August 3rd?” intermission segment, we feature CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Leila Melendez. Leila shares her personal story of the August 3rd, 2019 tragedy.

In our first episode of season two, we  discover how a good night's sleep improves mental and physical health.We welcome,  Dr. Maria Isabel Macias from 8 Hour Sleep Clinic in El Paso. Dr. Macias is a sleep specialist who practices sleep and internal medicine by diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Dr. Macias shares advice on how to improve sleep habits and understand factors that disrupt our sleep at night.  Featured this month on our intermission segment “Where were you on August 3rd?”,  is Sirius XM & 104.3 HIT FM radio host and DJ Johnny Kage. Johnny gives us a very personal and impactful look into his personal account of the August 3rd, 2019 tragedy.

Listen in to Mariana's touching farewell, as she shares her experience as the host and creator of United and Resilient, the warm connections she shared with her listeners, and the podcast's accomplishments. New Host, Oscar Arriaga introduces himself to the United and Resilient family. During this conversation we get to know his roots and find out the future of the podcast.

Welcome back to another episode of United and Resilient. For this month's episode, we highlight one of our wonderful community partners the YWCA of El Paso. Thanks to our partnership, FRC participants are eligible to receive free fitness classes at their locations. Today we welcome, Scott Smith Certified Personal Trained and Nutrition Coach at the YWCA. Throughout our conversation, we discuss how nutrition can boost and improve our mental health. Featured this month on our "Where were you on August 3rd?" intermission segment, is Iris Lopez, KVIA Anchor and Mija, Yes You Can founder. Listen today, to hear her personal account personal account on the day of the August 3rd, 2019 tragedy. Thank you, for listening.

As we hit the two-year mark of August 3rd, 2019, we want El Pasoans to know that the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center continues to offer support to the borderland community during these difficult times. In this episode, we talk to Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, who reflects on a tragic day that is now part of our history. We talk about the importance of mental health in our borderland and the meaning of resiliency. We also discuss the impact this tragedy had on our community and how she was able to process everything as a leader - but more importantly, as an El Pasoan. During our "Where were you on August 3rd?" intermission segment, Ames Davis, Red Cross West Texas Region Chief Executive Officer, shares her account of August 3rd, 2019 and the impact the community's response had on her.

Welcome back to another episode of United and Resilient. For this month's episode, we highlight one of our wonderful community partners the YMCA of El Paso. Thanks to our partnership, FRC participants are eligible to receive free memberships and join fitness classes at their locations. Today we welcome, Bill Coon, President and CEO of YMCA El Paso. Throughout our conversation, discuss how can physical health boost and improve our mental health. During our "Where were you on August 3rd?" intermission segment, Lisa Sanchez, radio host for KLAQ 95.5 FM, through her testimony, she shares her experience on the day of the August 3rd tragedy and the days that followed.

As part of our long-term goals, the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center is committed to reducing the stigmas that surround mental health and provide education that can help community members navigate their healing journey. For this month's episode, we'll speak with Isidro Torres, Executive Director of NAMI El Paso. In our conversation we discuss how we can provide support and guidance to a loved one who is dealing with a mental illness. How can we start the conversation in our dinner tables without being invasive and how can we take care of ourselves while taking care of others? During our "Where were you on August 3rd?" intermission segment, Jorge Salgado, former El Paso Inc, now freelance photographer, details his experience on the day of the August 3rd tragedy and the days that followed.

As part of our long-term goals, the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center is focused on increasing the understanding of mental health by providing education on the signs of trauma-induced stress, as well as removing stigmas. We understand that anxiety is a natural response to stress, however, how can we cope and identify signs of stress? For this month's episode we have an insightful conversation with Jazmin Silva, a local LPC and Registered Child Therapist from Counseling El Paso. We speak on anxiety and other stress indicators and throughout our conversation, Jazmine explains to us what anxiety really is. We also share tools and education that can help us navigate our emotions whenever we manifest anxiety within. Additionally, during our "Where were you on August 3rd?" intermission segment, we have the privilege of listening in on Bishop Mark Seitz of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso's moving personal account of his experience on the day of the August 3rd tragedy.

During the month of April, the FRC joins national efforts in raising awareness on sexual assault. The FRC understands that abuse and violence can come in different shapes and forms. It is important to recognize that, sexual assault can touch the lives of many, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, age or race.   For this episode, we have a touching but insightful conversation with Sandra Garcia, Executive Director of Center Against Sexual and Family Violence (CASFV).   Throughout our conversation we speak on the common stigmas that surround sexual assault and the importance of creating safe spaces for our youth to be educated and listened to. We'll also discuss how we can move from awareness to action that can transcend and make a huge impact in our society.

The El Paso United Family Resiliency Center (FRC) recognizes the importance of setting the standards now to prepare for possible future adversities. As part of our long-term goals, the FRC works towards creating partnerships and sharing experiences to build capacity in other communities responding to similar situations. In this episode, we have an honest conversation with Ryan Logan, Director for Recovery Services at the American Red Cross. We'll discuss lessons learned from our border region and how we can find healing by providing support and guidance to other communities.

At the FRC we recognize that providing care to others during a tragedy like August 3rd can lead to stress, anxiety, fear, and other emotions. Coping with these emotions can affect the mental health of our first responders, the care they give to others while on field, and the well-being of their loved ones outside work. During this episode we talk to one of the FRC's wonderful community partners, Dr. Deborah Ontiveros, founder of West Texas Responders Alliance (WTRA). Throughout our conversation, we talk about the importance of recognizing what stress looks like and how to take steps to build resilience. We also discuss the current stigmas surrounding mental health among first responders and what family, friends, and the community can do to help them cope.

As we welcome the new year, we'll continue to have conversations with local leaders and mental health specialists that can provide guidance and support to all El Pasoans. For this month's episode, we'll talk with one of our wonderful partners, Deborah Grado. Deborah Grado is a local yoga instructor who provides gentle yoga sessions through our FRC to anyone in the community who is interested. Deborah Grado is a 500-hour registered yoga teacher and wellness advocate who began her yoga journey in 2010. Through a combination of alignment and energetic based cues, Deb encourages vulnerability and curiosity to turn inward while exploring the physical self without judgement. Through this episode we'll discuss yoga and how it can benefit an individual's journey to long-term recovery. We'll also talk about why yoga can be considered a non-traditional therapy and how it can boost your mental health. You can listen to this episode and many more in your favorite streaming platform.

At El Paso United FRC, we understand the holidays can magnify any loss including losing a loved one. For our last episode of the year, we discuss grief during the holidays with local LPC-S, Gerardo Rosas. Gerardo Rosas specializes in grief and loss and is CEO of Associated Behavioral and Trauma Specialties. In this episode, we discuss the natural grieving process among children and adults and what that can look like during a time typically associated with cheer, joy and family traditions. We also learn how there's no right path to grief for any type of loss and talk about how we can cope and validate our emotions during the holiday season. elpasounited.org

In our last episode we introduced one of the non-traditional therapies that we provide through our FRC. We discussed what non-traditional therapies are and how beneficial they can be to an individual's journey to long-term recovery. As mentioned before, at the FRC we believe non-traditional therapy can support and boost the positive effects of traditional therapy. In this episode, we continue this discussion, but now, we highlight Compadres Therapy. Compadres Therapy is a local non-profit that offers custom built equine assisted activities and therapies services in our region. Through this episode we'll discuss what is equine assisted activities and therapies and how it can benefit an individual's healing journey. We'll also talk about why equine assisted activities and therapies can be considered a non-traditional therapy and how it can boost mental health. elpasounited.org

In past episodes we have discussed non-traditional therapies. At the FRC, we strongly believe that non-traditional therapies segue to traditional therapy and can support it. We have partnered with different organizations in the community to provide programming in non-traditional therapies that encourages healing and resiliency. For this episode, we introduce you to one of our wonderful partners, Creative Kids, a local non-profit educational community-based art agency located in El Paso. Through this episode we'll discuss the importance of providing a safe space where children can express their emotions through art. We also talk about the benefits of art therapy and how it can boost children's mental health.

Our Resiliency Navigators are the heart and soul of the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center and throughout this episode we'll learn more about their role at the FRC and how they help those impacted directly or indirectly by August 3rd. In this episode we discuss how our Navigators connect individuals and families to programs and services that address their specific needs. Throughout this episode not only do we learn the type of referrals our navigators are prepared to make during their case management, but we also learn a little more about their backgrounds. They discuss their philosophies and approaches in supporting participants on their journey and talk to us about their thoughts on the meaning of building resiliency. Tune in to learn more about our amazing navigators, their passion for our border community and their heartfelt work.

As we reach the one-year mark of August 3rd, we wanted to take the time to reflect on the past year. For this episode, we invited two of El Paso's top local leaders whose voices you might instantly recognize – Mayor Dee Margo and County Judge Ricardo Samaniego. Separately, they both recall a day that is now part of our history. We discuss the impact this tragedy had in our community and how they were able to process everything as leaders, but more importantly, as El Pasoans. Tune in to learn more about these two remarkable El Pasoans, who have a deep love and dedication to our community. elpasounited.org

Welcome to the second part of this month's episode. In our last episode, we started the conversation about tending to one's mental health. We encouraged our audience to seek help when needed. In the same way, we believe children's mental health is equally as important to discuss on UNITED & RESILIENT and wanted to dedicate a full episode to this topic. On this episode, we speak to El Paso Child Guidance Center's Therapist, Abril Pardon. Abril walks us through how we can have an open conversation with our children about their feelings and emotions. Through our conversation, we learn what are some of the signs of trauma we need to be on the lookout and how we can incorporate self-care activities for our children during these unprecedented times. Tune in to learn more about the importance of children's mental health.

As we near the one-year mark of August 3rd, we want to take the time to discuss the importance of mental health as well encourage individuals to have an open dialogue about seeking mental health. On this episode, we speak to Emergence Health Network's Chief of Clinical Services, Celeste Nevarez. Celeste walks us through what mental health means, the benefits of focusing on it and how we can openly discuss it with friends and family. Through our conversation, we learn the ways in which our mental health is equally as important as physical health. We'll also discuss current stigmas that surround mental health in our region and how can we begin to erase those stigmas from our community. Tune in to learn more about the importance of focusing on our mental health, especially during these unprecedented times. elpasounited.org

During this episode we introduce our audience to the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center (FRC) which was created to help those directly and indirectly impacted by the August 3rd tragedy. We'll talk to United Way of El Paso County's President & CEO Deborah Zuloaga and the organization's Vice-President of Community Impact, Christina Lamour. Deborah and Christina walk us through the history and background of how United Way of El Paso County was entrusted with such a unique program like the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center. Through our conversations, we learn the importance of being a united and resilient community. We discuss United Way's role during August 3rd, their emergency response and ongoing commitment to El Pasoans during these unprecedented times. We talk about the meaning of long-term recovery for a unique city like El Paso and what are the next steps for the El Paso United Family Resiliency Center. Tune in to learn more about the FRC and the services they provide to the El Paso community. elpasounited.org

The El Paso United Family Resiliency Center (FRC) is a place of healing and support dedicated to serving as a resource to those directly & indirectly impacted by the tragedy of August 3, 2019. Learn more at elpasounited.org