Caring for the Mental Well-Being of Our Staff and Communities — June Bonus Episode

The June issue of Parks & Recreation magazine is out now, and
on today’s bonus episode of the podcast, we’ll be diving deeper
into one of this month’s feature stories, “Mental Health Care in
a Pandemic.” In the article, Parks & Recreation’s Associate
Editor Lindsay Hogeboom explored the ways park and recreation
agencies have provided mental health services to their staff and
their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.


On today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be chatting with two
individuals who were featured in the article to learn a little
more about how their agencies have navigated supporting their
communities during a difficult time, while also experiencing many
of the same challenges their community members have been facing.
Joining me today are Shelly Strasser, the director of recreation
and community services for West Allis-West Milwaukee School
District in Wisconsin, and Mike Shull, the general manager of
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks in
California.


Tune in to the full episode below to learn how Shelly and Mike
are caring for the mental health of their staff members and
community, as well as:


How their departments have been navigating the mental health
challenges of COVID-19.

How staff at West Allis-West Milwaukee School District have
partnered with a heroin/opiate community task force, as well as
participated in a trauma-informed care task force.

How nearly 100 percent of the staff at City of Los Angeles
Department of Recreation and Parks work on emergency response and
have provided shelter for people experiencing homelessness
throughout the pandemic.

What kinds of mental health resources have been provided to
staff at both departments.

What lessons each of them will be taking away from the
pandemic, and more!