Join the ABHIN staff as they get the most update to day information on today's educational field. From burnout to balance, Stacy Pendergrast, MEd, MFA and Program Lead at AFMC’s Teacher Support Program, shares powerful insights on supporting the educators shaping our communities. She draws from her extensive experience guiding teachers through stress, overwhelm, and the challenges of modern classrooms, offering practical strategies to build resilience and rediscover passion for teaching. Tune in as Stacy highlights the game-changing resources and mindsets that help teachers recharge, sustain their well‑being, and stay connected to their purpose.

Please note, this is not a part of the CEU episode series. This podcast episode is made possible through the support of SAMHSA, Arisa Health, AFMC, and ABHIN.

Funding for this program was made possible by Grant #1H79SM088279-01 from SAMHSA’s Center for Mental Health Services. The views expressed on this document do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Heal

For anyone dedicated to advancing maternal health—whether in healthcare, advocacy, or community support—this episode of the While You Wait Podcast offers crucial insights. Join the ABHIN staff and Arkansas OB/GYN Dr. Nirvana Manning as they unpack the complex realities of maternal mental health in both direct practice and policy work in this part 2 episode on Post Partum Mental Health. Dr. Manning sheds light on the intertwined challenges of mental health crises, substance use disorders, and the role of stigma, while exploring how early intervention, social determinants of health (SDOH), and innovative statewide efforts are reshaping maternal care. For those seeking CEUs, please email dfpmcme@uams.edu to receive the survey.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, an advocate, or someone passionate about maternal health, this episode of the While You Wait Podcast is essential listening. Hear from expert guest, Arkansas pediatrician Dr. Chad Rodgers, as he shares the stark realities of maternal death linked to mental health crises, substance use disorders, and societal stigma as well as the powerful impact of health literacy, social determinants of health (SDOH), and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on lifelong care.

Hear how data from the Arkansas Maternal Mortality Review Committee (AMMRC) is changing the healthcare landscape as well as best practices, intervention tips, and educational resources to revolutionize maternal healthcare.

If needing CEUs, please email dfpmcme@uams.edu to receive the survey.

How does the language we use and the language we speak affect our healthcare? Join us as we hear from Carlos Acosta and Katiutschka Reyes, two bilingual medical providers based in Arkansas, who share their experiences and strategies for fostering more inclusive care. They will discuss the challenges and solutions related to language barriers, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and how developing rapport and trust can transform patient care.

If needing CEUs, please email dfpmcme@uams.edu to receive the survey.

Studies have shown that healthcare providers and staff can often hold stigmatizing attitudes towards patients with substance use disorder (SUD), which can lead to reduced patient empowerment and engagement but what happens when this stigma extends towards colleagues with a documented history of SUD?

In this inaugural episode of the While You Wait Podcast, we delve into the pervasive stigma against Peers Specialists within healthcare settings. These individuals play a crucial role in bridging the gap between patients and the healthcare system by serving as advocates, confidantes, and support systems for those navigating care but often run into obstacles integrating into the care team. To provide insight, we invited Dori Haddock, LCSW and the Regional Director for Bradford Health and Shawn McCown, Peer Recovery Supervisor and Arkansas State Peer Certification Manager to join us for an honest conversation about stigma. You will hear not only about stigma but learn about ABHIN, our mission, and what work we are doing in the community.

If needing CEUs, please email dfpmcme@uams.edu to receive the survey. If you are a peer seeking credits, please email megan.copeland@abhinetwork.org for the survey.

Literature

• Boekel, LC, Brouwers, EVM, Weegel, JN, Garretsen, HFL. (2012). Stigma among health professionals towards patients with substance use disorders and its consequences for healthcare delivery: systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
• Firman, R.L., Mao, S, Bellamy, CD, Davidson, L. (2019). Peer support specialists experiences of microaggressions. Psychological Services. 16 (3), 456-462.
• Courtney duPlessis, Louise Whitaker & John Hurley (2020) Peer support workers in substance abuse treatment services: A systematic review of the literature, Journal of Substance Use, 25:3, 225-230, DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1677794
• SAMHSA Peer Supports TA Center-https://www.samhsa.gov/brss-tacs/recovery-support-tools/peers