In this episode of The Hope Exchange, hosts Kim Madsen and Ashley Kjos welcome guests from Kandiyohi County Public Health for an in-depth conversation about the often unseen work happening behind the scenes to support local families and communities.

Joining the show are public health leaders Jody, Patty, and Chris from Kandiyohi County Public Health. Together, they discuss the wide range of services public health provides—from family home visiting and child wellness programs to disease prevention, emergency preparedness, substance use prevention, environmental health, and community outreach.

The conversation also explores the misconceptions people often have about public health and county services, while highlighting the compassion, prevention work, and community partnerships that help improve quality of life across the region.

Listeners will walk away with a better understanding of how public health impacts everyday life—and why these services matter more than most people realize.

🧩 10 Key Talking Points

1. The Stingers’ role in the Willmar community beyond the ballpark
2. How amateur baseball creates accessible family entertainment
3. Building a welcoming environment for all ages
4. The importance of volunteers and community buy-in
5. Youth engagement and inspiring the next generation of fans
6. Creating positive experiences that extend beyond the game
7. The behind-the-scenes work of running a successful team
8. Partnerships with local organizations and businesses
9. Baseball as a connector for mental health, joy, and togetherness
10. Why community-centered sports matter now more than ever

🧩 10 Key Talking Points

1. What food insecurity really looks like in local communities
2. Common misconceptions about who uses food shelves
3. The emotional and mental health impact of food insecurity
4. Why dignity and choice matter when accessing food support
5. How food shelves are adapting to meet growing needs
6. Barriers families face when asking for help
7. The connection between nutrition, stress, and mental health
8. How community partnerships strengthen food access
9. Ways individuals and families can seek support without shame
10. How community members can get involved and make a difference

🧩 10 Key Talking Points

1. How the role of HR has expanded beyond traditional functions
2. The connection between mental health, productivity, and retention
3. Creating psychologically safe workplaces
4. Supporting managers through complex conversations
5. Why early intervention matters in preventing burnout
6. Reducing stigma around mental health at work
7. Building trust between employees and HR
8. Balancing compassion with compliance
9. The importance of clear communication and boundaries
10. Encouraging employees to seek help before crisis

Angie Richardson, Marketing and Community Impact Coordinator at Woodland Centers, joins the show to discuss the life-saving importance of naloxone training. In addition to leading community education efforts, Andy also conducts internal and external trainings that promote awareness and reduce stigma.

2. Why Naloxone Training Matters

Woodland Centers offers community-based naloxone training to raise awareness, improve access, and fight stigma around overdose response. Naloxone (also known as Narcan) can reverse opioid overdoses and gives individuals the chance to survive and access further care.

3. It’s Not Just for “Addicts”

A common misconception is that naloxone is only for people struggling with addiction. In reality, it's a tool anyone can use in an emergency—just like CPR. You never know when someone in your community may need it.

4. Overdose Recognition and Response

Trainings cover how to recognize signs of an opioid overdose, respond appropriately, and administer naloxone safely. The goal is to equip people with the confidence to act quickly and effectively.

5. Naloxone Is a Bridge, Not a Cure

Naloxone doesn’t treat addiction—it buys time. It gives someone a second chance to seek help and connect with treatment and support services. It’s the beginning of a recovery path, not the end.

6. Safe to Use, Easy to Learn

One key message: naloxone is safe. If you give it to someone who isn’t actually overdosing, it won’t harm them. The biggest risk is not acting when someone needs help.

7. Training Is for Everyone

Woodland’s trainings are open to all—parents, teachers, teens, first responders, and community members. Anyone can learn how to save a life with naloxone.

8. Real Tools, Real Preparedness

Participants don’t just leave with knowledge—they leave with naloxone kits in hand. These are free, funded, and available after training sessions to ensure community members are truly prepared.

9. Partnerships Expand Reach

Woodland Centers works with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to spread access to naloxone across the region. The goal is to remove every barrier that stands between someone and a second chance.

10. Empowering Everyday Heroes

Naloxone training turns ordinary people into lifesavers. Whether it’s a teacher, coach, or grandparent, having the tools and confidence to step in during an overdose can make all the difference.

In this inspiring episode, Kim and Ashley sit down with Sheila and John from West Central Industries to explore the powerful connection between employment and mental well-being. With deep experience supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges, Sheila and John walk us through how employment services like the WIN Program (Work Environment Now) help people rediscover purpose, self-worth, and connection.

From initial referrals to long-term support, the team provides individualized, compassionate job placement and coaching across Kandiyohi, Chippewa, and Meeker counties. Their work is centered on meeting people where they’re at—regardless of background, education, or work history—and helping them build toward their goals, one step at a time.

Throughout the episode, they share several success stories that highlight how work can be transformative. One standout includes a young man who originally believed he wasn’t fit for customer-facing roles, only to thrive as a cashier through “300 micro conversations a day,” eventually becoming an assistant manager and living independently. Another story follows a woman who transitioned from working at Walmart to an administrative position, growing into her role with support and accommodations and building the confidence to thrive.

This episode reminds us that employment isn’t just about income—it’s about identity, structure, connection, and hope.

Key Takeaways:

Employment plays a critical role in mental health and self-confidence.

The WIN Program offers personalized employment support and extended services.

Success comes from trying, failing, adapting, and growing with the right support system.

Everyone—regardless of age, background, or past—deserves the chance to find meaningful work.

For more information on employment services through West Central Industries and the WIN Program, contact Woodland Centers or visit woodlandcenters.com.

🎧 Listen now:
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Key Points Discussed:

Woodland Centers Crisis Services:

Woodland Centers provides comprehensive crisis services, including mobile crisis response, residential crisis facilities for adults and youth, and mental health urgent care.

Karen and Kelly share their extensive experience and the evolution of crisis services, emphasizing accessibility and responsiveness to community needs.

Mental Health Urgent Care:

Mental health urgent care provides immediate, walk-in mental health support, available weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Services include crisis assessment, immediate interventions, and personalized follow-up plans to address immediate needs and provide relief.

When to Seek Help:

The team stresses the importance of seeking help early, emphasizing that crisis services are available for a wide range of situations, not just severe emergencies.

Common reasons for seeking help include anxiety, depression, school issues, family conflicts, and suicidal thoughts.

Overcoming Barriers and Stigma:

Karen and Kelly address misconceptions about mental health services, reassuring listeners that seeking help is safe, supportive, and confidential.

They encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide, highlighting that directly addressing these issues can significantly increase safety and provide essential support.

Community Education and Training:

Woodland Centers offers community training programs, such as Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR), to help individuals become comfortable discussing mental health crises and suicide prevention.

Resources Mentioned:

Woodland Centers: WoodlandCenters.com

Contact Information:

Woodland Centers Office: 1-800-992-1716

24-hour Crisis Line: 1-800-432-8781

Closing Message:

Seeking help early is critical—no call or visit is too minor. Woodland Centers encourages the community to utilize available crisis resources, emphasizing that reaching out for support always results in something positive. Keep holding onto hope—you’re worth it.

In this episode, hosts Kim Madsen and Ashley Choitz welcome Yolanda, Managing Attorney at Minnesota Legal Aid, for an enlightening conversation about Medicaid (Medical Assistance), helping listeners better understand its importance, eligibility requirements, and recent changes impacting coverage.

Key Points Discussed:

Understanding Medicaid:

Medical Assistance serves as essential health coverage primarily for low-income individuals and families.

Woodland Centers relies significantly on Medicaid to provide essential mental health and substance use services.

Who Qualifies for Medicaid?

Yolanda emphasizes that Medicaid can be either primary or secondary insurance, benefiting even those who have existing coverage through employment.

Families should check eligibility, as children often qualify even if parents do not.

Navigators and Legal Aid:

Navigators assist individuals and families in navigating the application process, verifying documentation, and maintaining their coverage.

Minnesota Legal Aid provides navigators and legal assistance statewide, helping people address eligibility denials or loss of coverage through appeals.

Post-Pandemic Changes ("The Big Unwinding"):

Pandemic protections previously halted annual Medicaid renewals, allowing continuous coverage.

With pandemic protections lifted, many individuals lost coverage due to outdated information or incomplete renewals, highlighting the critical role of navigators in assisting clients through these challenges.

Common Challenges and Solutions:

Yolanda addresses common issues such as missed renewal deadlines, complicated paperwork, and the need for accurate documentation.

Encourages utilizing Legal Aid to resolve disputes and maintain or regain coverage effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

Minnesota Legal Aid: mylegalaid.org

MNsure: mnsure.org (Find a navigator)

Woodland Centers: WoodlandCenters.com

Contact Information:

Woodland Centers Office: 1-800-992-1716

24-hour Crisis Line: 1-800-432-8781

Closing Message:

The Hope Exchange emphasizes the importance of community connections and reliable resources, underscoring that no one is alone in their journey. Woodland Centers is committed to helping individuals navigate their mental health, substance use, and healthcare coverage needs. Keep holding onto hope—you’re worth it.

Throughout the episode, the hosts address common concerns about mental health care, such as stigma, access, and resources for families, including virtual services and support for non-English-speaking populations. They also emphasize the importance of early intervention and the organization's commitment to ensuring that financial or logistical barriers don't prevent individuals from receiving the care they need.

In addition to discussing these core services, the episode also highlights the ongoing efforts to reach underserved populations, such as veterans and farmers, and the importance of partnerships with local communities to provide a more supportive and welcoming environment. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the process of getting help, understanding when to seek care, and how Woodland Centers is striving to reduce barriers to mental health care in rural Minnesota.

Key Topics Covered:

• History of Woodland Centers and its role as one of the oldest mental health providers in Minnesota.
• Overview of services offered, including mental health care, substance use treatment, and whole-health services.
• How to identify when it's time to seek help for mental health concerns.
• The intake process at Woodland Centers: assessment, insurance, and sliding fee scale.
• Addressing common misconceptions about mental health care and breaking down stigma.
• Support for families, including the process for bringing children in for care.
• Providing services to veterans, farmers, and those facing barriers in rural communities.
• How Woodland Centers works to meet the needs of a diverse population, including non-English speakers and those with transportation challenges.
• The role of community partnerships in creating access to care.

Join Kim Madsen, Chief Impact Officer, and Ashley Kjos, CEO, as they kick off this brand-new podcast from Woodland Centers. Here’s what you can expect:

What is The Hope Exchange?

• A podcast focused on mental health, substance use, and wellness.
• A platform to provide guidance, inspiration, and connection for those navigating these challenges.
• A place where hope is exchanged and shared to empower individuals and communities.

Who Is It For?

• Individuals and Families: Whether you're seeking resources, support, or simply understanding, this podcast is for you.
• Community Members: Learn how to help your neighbors, loved ones, or coworkers.
• Professionals: Gain insights into the latest practices and resources in mental health and substance use care.

What to Expect in Future Episodes

• Expert Interviews: Featuring professionals who provide insights on mental health and substance use, prevention strategies, and recovery pathways.
• Real-Life Stories: Hear from individuals sharing their recovery journeys or experiences supporting loved ones.
• Q&A Sessions: Listeners can submit questions on any topic related to mental health, substance use, or available resources, which will be answered in future episodes.
• Educational Content: Learn about Woodland Centers’ programs, navigating the mental health system, and accessing preventative care.

About Woodland Centers

• Headquarters: Willmar, MN, serving a wide area including Big Stone, Lac Qui Parle, Swift, Renville, Meeker, Kandiyohi, and Chippewa Counties, as well as surrounding areas like Hutchinson, Stevens, Traverse, and Douglas Counties.
• Offering over 26 programs focused on mental health and substance use.
• Committed to breaking down barriers to care and providing education to help individuals and families navigate complex systems.

Why “The Hope Exchange”?

• Hope is central to healing and connection.
• The name reflects the idea of spreading hope—whether through small acts of kindness or by providing essential resources and support.
• This podcast is designed to be a space where hope is shared and multiplied, inspiring listeners to support one another and build stronger communities.

How to Engage with Us

• Submit Your Questions: Have a burning question about mental health or substance use? Email us, and we’ll answer in upcoming episodes.
• Stay Informed: Monthly expert interviews will dive deep into specific topics, while other episodes will focus on community stories and practical guidance.
• Access Woodland Centers’ Resources: Learn more about our services and how we can support you or your loved ones.

Get Involved

• Website: Woodland Centers
• Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated on upcoming episodes and resources.
• Spread the Word: Share this podcast with someone who might benefit from its message of hope and connection.

Join us on this journey as we explore stories, resources, and tools to inspire, educate, and support our communities. Let’s spread hope together!