Not Alone’s guest today, Gayle Bluebird, is one of the early pioneers in developing trained peer support for people experiencing mental health disorders. She told us that she was a very sad and needy child; very touch hungry. (There are still mis-informed people today who tell us young children don’t experience mood disorders!)

Gayle continues to talk about the need for prevention and early intervention for children and adults; there is a need for help before a crisis occurs, so communities should be investing in more drop-in centers, crisis alternative residence, programs for consumers who are homeless, and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for Law Enforcement.

Gayle has also been an innovative leader in the use of creative arts as part of the healing and wellness experience. Gayle celebrates the fact that mental health care is changing, and that we are helping people find their strengths instead of focusing on their weakness. Gayle has been one of the leading advocates for peer support programs for more than30 years. She knows her subject well!

To learn more about mental health advocacy, listen to Gaye Bluebird on the May 8 Not Alone podcast by clicking on the play button below or downloading the file and listening later. You can listen to any past Not Alone broadcast by visiting The Kim Foundation Not Alone podcast page.

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May 8, 2012 – Gayle Bluebird, Nationally Recognized Advocate

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Airing every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CST on station KCRO, channel 660 AM based out of Omaha, Neb.), Not Alone is a live talk radio program focused on behavioral health and recovery. Developed by The Kim Foundation through the support of C&A Industries, Inc., Not Alone works to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The show seeks to assure individuals, families, and communities that they are not alone, mental illness affects us all, hosting a variety of guest from across the country.