September 10, 2025 • 29 mins
We all have blind spots—little things we overlook that can quietly change our lives and the lives of others. This week on Kentucky Focus, Scott Fitzgerald digs into two issues you might not think about every day, but once you do, you won’t see them the same way again.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This week, we're
highlighting ways our communities are stepping up to support neighbors
in need, tackling a challenge that affects one in six Kentuckians,
and showcasing inspiring work being done to make sure no
one goes without them. Will shift gears to a story
that could quietly be impacting your energy and focus during
the second summer in Kentucky, and what science says about
(00:22):
staying sharp and feeling your best even during the hottest days.
I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and We're sweating it out together. This
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
You wanted to be cool, which led you to smoking,
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which led to want to live longer, which led to quitting.
Then you heard you maybe at risk for lung cancer,
which led you to getting a low dose ct scan.
(01:09):
If you smoked, get scanned, talk to your doctor and
learn more at Saved Bythescan dot org. Brought to you
by the American Lung Association and the AD Council.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Hey, I'm your mountain bike. Been a minute since we
hit the trail. Why not roll me over to Goodwill?
Donating me helps Goodwill's mission to provide career training and
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your nearest Goodwill locations and to learn more about our mission,
(01:42):
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New lives.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
Most people out here think that taking care of one
another is important, and most people would step up for
a neighbor going through a tough time. Most people around
here help out friends and family when they need it.
But the funny thing is most of us won't look
for help when we need it. Talk to someone if
you're struggling with mental health, because most people out here
really care. Find more information at loveyormind Today dot org.
(02:12):
That's love youormind Today dot org. Brought to you by
the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well joining
us today is Melissa McDonald. She is the executive director
of Feeding Kentucky. September marks Hunger Action Month at a
time when we shine a light on the one in
six Kentuckians facing food insecurity. Today we're going to visit
how to talk about communities, farmers and volunteers coming together
to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food and how
(02:43):
you can help make a difference. Melissa, thanks for taking
time to join us.
Speaker 6 (02:46):
Oh, thanks so much, Scott. It's a pleasure to get
to be with you today.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
So Hunger Action Month kicks off this week. Can you
tell us what that means for Kentucky and why this
month is so important?
Speaker 6 (02:55):
Definitely. So Hunger Action Month is a opportunity CAMPAIG to
bring awareness to the hunger that lives in every corner
of our state. It is a national initiative with Feeding
America and some other charitable food organizations across the country
and really being able to shine a spotlight on the stories,
(03:19):
on the statistics, and on ways that you can join
in the efforts. And here in Kentucky we know we
have little over seven hundred and fifty thousand individuals that
are waking up every day really not knowing where their breakfast,
their lunch, their dinner is going to be coming from.
We have a very startling statistic of one in five
(03:43):
kiddos in our state, so one in five children that
aren't really sure where they're going to get their meals
outside of potentially getting meals from their cafeteria from their schools.
And so it's just nice to be able to have
an opportunity to speak to your audience and be able
to point out those statistics and be able to find
ways that we can all come together and be part
(04:05):
of the solution and putting this puzzle back together.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
You know, Melissa, I have a soft spot for hunger
and homelessness. I grew up in a household where my
mom raised three boys as a public school teacher, and
we didn't always have crazy money, and I remember nights
going hungry and you never think that's, you know, a
thing until you actually go through it yourself and what
hunger feels like. And so what the work you guys
(04:28):
do is just amazing. How does feed in Kentucky and
partner food banks like God's Pantry work to address the
need here in the Commonwealth. Yes.
Speaker 6 (04:35):
Well, first of all, Scott, thank you for sharing that
to your audience, because I think it's really important for
us to be able to have those that have lived
experience be able to share that message so that it
won reduces a stigma because hunger literally could be your neighbor.
That's right, it could be it could be someone in
(04:56):
your household, if you are if you have an elderly
fan family member living with you. So it's definitely important
to be able to see that. So thanks so much
Scott for that message, but to be able to know one.
At Feeding Kentucky, we are a statewide support organization. We're
a nonprofit that works collectively with the seven Feeding America
(05:20):
partner food banks across the state that cover our one
hundred and twenty counties, and we become a way for
us to be able to build a statewide platform for
voices for advocacy work. We also work with the Kentucky
Department of Agriculture and local farmers to be able to
(05:43):
participate in the Kentucky Farms to Food Bank program, where
we have farmers in number of counties across our state
that donate their surplus or their kind of ugly fruit
or vegetables their number twos, and then we reimburse them
for their expenses. We reimburse them to get that food
(06:06):
to a local either food pantry or a food bank
distribution center in their community so that odd neighbors that
are facing food and security hunger are able to have
fresh fruits and vegetables on their plates. And then we
also work with a lot of other community partners through coalitions,
(06:27):
through work that we need to do to focus specifically
around child feeding. We have our Kentucky Kids Eat program,
and that program allows us to be able to shine
the spotlight on how it's important to make sure that
children have access to food three hundred and sixty five
(06:48):
days a year. So we work with a lot of
child nutrition directors across the state in the school districts
to look at school breakfast, school launch and summer feeding
very important. Coming off of the summer right now, it
was amazing success to be able to see how many
school districts and community partners rallied around to make sure
(07:10):
that kids in their community and their counties did not
have a gap in food this summer. We were able
to make sure that those partners had what they needed
to work with the state to be able to get
food out to those families and those children. And then
the other way that we do is, like I said
at the beginning, advocacy, So we really want to make
(07:32):
sure that we have we invite anyone to join us
to elevate our voices to be able to make sure
that we can have more people speaking out about the
need to improve either access to food and to be
able to find ways to bring food to those that
(07:53):
are hungry across our state. That could be through legislative ways,
that could be through community collect ways, so just be
able to have that offer. But then with our food
banks that we work with, we definitely want to make
sure we shine the spotlight of all the volunteer opportunities
that they have, not just this month during Hunger Action Month,
(08:15):
but throughout the year. And so speaking out is a
big way that you can work to kind of solve
this problem. You can donate your time, your volunteer hours.
And then also I would never be want to forget
how you can donate dollars. A dollar really does go
very far with a food bank and being able to
(08:37):
purchase food to stock the shelves of the school pantries
or the community pantries, or the distribution opportunities that partner
agencies across the state are providing.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Welllissa McDonald is joining us a fantastic conversation. She is
the executive director of Feeding Kentucky, Kentucky as we mark
September Hunger Action Month, talking about feeding the folks in
Kentucky and like Melissa said, you know, we're reducing the
stigma that hunger is an issue. Melissa, what are some
of the challenges right now that your organizations like yours
are facing.
Speaker 6 (09:11):
I think one of the biggest challenges is financial the
dollars making sure that you know there we have seen
some federal funding cuts that came through that have reduced
the amount of opportunities that either our food bank partners
or others have to purchase food. So that's one big one.
(09:34):
And then also what we're seeing our neighbors facing with
increased cost of groceries access to food.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Right now, i'm Melissa McDonald joining us again executive director
of Feeding Kentucky as we're raising awareness surrounding hunger. And
while we're on the political theme, Melissa, how do local
leaders like Lieutenant Governor Jack and Wan Coleman and Agricultural
Commissioner Jonathan Shall support your efforts there.
Speaker 6 (09:57):
Oh wow, well you picked two fantastic ones to highlight.
I'll start with Commissioner Jonathan Schell with the Kentucky Department
of Agriculture. Our relationship with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
has actually gone a little over a decade.
Speaker 7 (10:11):
We have worked very.
Speaker 6 (10:12):
Closely with them. We consider them very close friends. And
the work that they do to be able to one
support us, support the efforts that we have with our
Kentucky Farms to Food Bank program, but then they also
work so closely with the food banks across the state
through some USDA dollars, and so their team goes out
(10:35):
to the food banks to make sure that they're monitoring
how the federal dollars are spent. They're working with farmers
that are trying to bring more local economy seeing this
is an opportunity to work with a food bank, to
see it as an opportunity to receive more dollars for
the farming community. But then also through current efforts that
(10:57):
they have through a food is medicine initiatives and being
able to see how we're able to provide anyone that
is struggling with food and security opportunities through a healthcare
system in Kentucky through hospitals to be able to ensure
that they're going home with boxes of food of Kentucky
grown products that are going to nourish them with either
(11:21):
their current diagnosis or any other chronic health disease of
AMBB struggling with so Commissioner Schell and his team at
the Kentucky Department of Agriculture are amazing, and then Lieutenant
Coleman and also Governor Bisheer our efforts they fully support.
One Lieutenant Coleman, we had an opportunity to speak recently
(11:42):
about just the tie ties within the school system with
her passion with education, and we know that to be
able to have the academic ability, to be able to learn,
you must be fed, and so the importance of tying
food into learning is crucial and be able to have
lifelong learners, you're going to need to have that nourishment
(12:04):
through food to be able to sustain that throughout a day.
And then with Governor Bisher being able to have the
support from just the needs of knowing how large that
number is that I share that over seven hundred and
fifty thousand Kentuckians are facing food insecurity, don't know where
their next meal is coming from. That's not a small number.
(12:26):
We sadly have some of the highest hungry counties in
the nation here in our state. So when you are
leading a state and you have those numbers, you want
to definitely pay attention and make sure that there are
organizations like our food banks, like Feeding Kentucky and other
amazing community partners across the state that are all kind
(12:48):
of coming together to solve this problem.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Well, Lissa McDonald joining us a great conversation surrounding a
problem that we have here in the commonwealth that needs
to be addressed in it needs to be a priority.
She is the executive director of Feeding Kentucky and Melissa,
before we let you go, someone's listening right now and
they're saying, hey, listen, I'm passionate about this. I want
to get involved. What role do volunteers play maybe beyond
(13:10):
packing boxes? How else can people help make an impact
here in the state.
Speaker 6 (13:14):
Giving of dollars definitely goes far donating of non perishable
foods or I'll even say, if you have a farmer
that's listening, that is thinking, gosh, you know, it's the
end of the season. I cut a lot of tomatoes
on my vine and I don't know where they're going
to go. If that isn't an interest, definitely reach out
to us at info at feeding ky dot org and
(13:38):
let us know that you would like to donate your produce.
We'll work with you through our Farms to Food Bank program.
But then I would say go to You can go
to our website, feeding ky dot org and you can
find a map of the food banks across the state
to be able to see what food bank is in
(13:59):
your area, and you can also find what pantry or
partner agency, and I would say reach out to them.
There are volunteer opportunities probably right next door or across
the street or somewhere in the county that you're located in,
and I would say give them a call and reach
out to see how you can help give your time
or your dollars or just speak out. And so definitely
(14:22):
letting us know if you'd like to join any of
the advocacy work that we have happening at Feeding Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Oh with over three quarters of a million Kentuckians who
are hungry. Melissa McDonald and the good folks at Feeding
Kentucky are doing great work to try to get food
to those who need it the most. And Melissa one,
thank you for your time this morning, and I hope
we can keep in touch because, like I said, this
is very passionate for me. Before we let you go,
what message do you want to leave with Kentuckians about
(14:47):
ending hunger in our state.
Speaker 6 (14:49):
We need your help. It's not one person, it's not
one legislator, it's not one governor, it's not one individual.
We need everyone to be part of solving this problem.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Nobody should ever go hungry, that's for sure. Melissa, thank
you so much for all your work that you do,
and thank everybody there at Feeding Kentucky. And thank you
most importantly for your time today because this is a
message that needs to be not only talked about today
just during Hunger Action Month, but also year round. Thank you, Melissa,
Thank you Scott.
Speaker 6 (15:19):
It was a pleasure to be with you today.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
That's Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky, joining us
today to talk about Hunger Action Month and the vital
work being done to address food insecurity across our commonwealth. Remember,
one in six Kentuckians face hunger, and every action volunteering, donating,
or spreading awareness does make a difference. To learn more
or to get involved visit feeding Okay, why don or?
(15:43):
I know I speak for all of us at Kentucky
Focus when I say thank you and your entire staff
for helping ensure no one in our state has to
face an empty pantry. Coming up, it's a second summer
in Kentucky with temperatures climbing. Yet again, we'll talk about
something most of us overlook and how it could cost us.
I'm Gott Fitzgerald and this is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 8 (16:05):
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Speaker 9 (17:05):
And we're live here outside the Perez family home, just
waiting for the and there they go, almost on time.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
This morning.
Speaker 9 (17:12):
Mom is coming out the front door strong with a
double arm kid carry. Looks like Dad has the bags.
Daughter is bringing up the rear. Oh, but the diaper
bag wasn't closed. Diapers and toys are everywhere.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Ooh, but Mom has just.
Speaker 9 (17:27):
Nailed the perfect car seat buckle for the toddler. And
now the eldest daughter, who looks to be about nine
or ten, has secured herself in the booster seat. Dad
zips the bag closed and they're off.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
Ah.
Speaker 9 (17:40):
It looks like Mom doesn't realize her coffee cup is still.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
On the roof of the car and there it goes.
Speaker 9 (17:46):
Oh, that's a shame. That mug was a fam favorite.
Speaker 10 (17:49):
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Slash the Right Seat brought to you by NITSA and
the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. As temperatures
climb again after our summer heat wave earlier this year,
even being just one to two percent dehydrated can lead
to fatigue, brain fog, and decreased productivity. Do clinical research
shows that during these warmer temperatures, when the body loses
fluids faster, properly formulated hydration solutions can improve fluid retention
(18:26):
and deliver faster hydration than water alone for well up
to hours. Joining us is doctor Dana Ryant. She is
Senior director of Scientific Affairs at liquid IV. She's here
to explain how dehydration affects well focus, energy and overall wellness,
and why water alone may not be enough during these hot,
busy days. Doctor Ryan oversees liquid IV's clinical trial pipeline,
(18:49):
scientific communications, and novel ingredient innovation. With a doctorate in
physical activity, nutrition and wellness, she brings extensive experience and
expertise to our conversation today. Is both a scientist and educator,
Doctor Ryan, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 11 (19:04):
Oh, thank you for having me.
Speaker 6 (19:05):
It's a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
Let's start with this. How serious can even mild dehydration
be in terms of how we feel and perform during
the day.
Speaker 11 (19:13):
I mean, it's critical. It's something that we really we
underestimate how much it can impact us on a daily basis.
Oftentimes we try and blame everything else except for hydration,
and oftentimes being dehydrated can really be the culprit.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Doctor Dana Ryan joining us now Senior director of Scientific
Affairs at Liquid IV. We're talking about dehydration in this
heat and doctor Ryan, this new clinical research highlights hydration
solutions outperforming water alone. Can you explain what makes these
solutions more effective?
Speaker 11 (19:40):
Yeah, absolutely so, Liquid I mean, it's really important that
everything that we do is backed by science. We don't
want to just say our product works without testing it
at the highest levels possible, and so the studies that
you just reference, we actually just presented at some conferences
globally to demonstrate that both of our hydration multiplier and
our sugar free hydration multiplier both outperform water when it
(20:03):
comes to long lasting hydration up to four hours and
also being able to rapidly rehydrate you so when you're
getting dehydrated, you don't want to take a while to
have to rehydrate yourself. Being able to rapidly rehydrate is
really gonna be key.
Speaker 1 (20:16):
Doctor Ryan, you mentioned that just a one to two
percent loss in hydration can cause a noticeable well effect
as far as fatigue and brain fog. Why does even
that small drop effect this so dramatically?
Speaker 11 (20:27):
When we think about it, our body is sixty to
seventy percent water. Sixty to seventy percent of anything is huge.
So if we're that dependent on something, when we're seeing
just a small drop, it's going to have a real
noticeable impact on our performance across a wide spectrum of
things from physical to mental performance. And so we may
not notice it. You may not realize, oh, I'm one
(20:49):
to two percent dehydrated. Hard to measure, but you're gonna
start to feel it.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Again.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
We're talking with doctor Dana Ryan she's senior director of
Scientific Affairs at Liquid IV And we're talking about the
importance of hydration and enhancing your hydration in these crazy
summer temperatures and Doctor Ryan, what exactly happens in the body,
especially now this most recent heat way we experienced here
in Kentucky, that makes hydration so much harder to maintain.
Speaker 11 (21:13):
It's tough, right because it's just NonStop conditions of stress
on your body. So you're constantly sweating, and oftentimes when
we sweat, we think I'm just losing water, I'm just
losing fluid, But the reality is we're losing electrolytes as well.
And those electrolytes are critical for a wide variety of
functions within our body. So if we're not replacing what
our body is losing, we're going to struggle, especially if
(21:35):
we continue to do that chronically day after day and
we're not replacing what our body actually needs to function
at the highest level.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
You know. And I try to keep myself as hydrated
as I can. Doc, I'm pretty active, but yet every
now and then, you know, I'm getting ready to cut
the grass in this heat, and I need that little
extra kick, And the coffee is still bruined. So I
grab a cup of coffee or and comforbid even as
sugary drink because and I drink the diet stuff because
I'm trying to out sugar, but I like the taste.
So with so many of us doing what I do,
(22:04):
reaching for you to coffee or the sugary drinks, what
are the pros and cons of those when it comes
to staying hydrated.
Speaker 11 (22:09):
Yeah, so here's the interesting thing about sugar. When it
comes to hydration. We look at the combination of sugar
plus sodium. They actually work together to help rehydrate you faster.
So I would argue, rather than maybe, you know, grabbing
a different sugary drink, reach for that liquid IV hydration
multiplier that has that combination that's science backed to help
(22:31):
rehydrate you faster because of that combination of the sugar
plus the sodium. But if you're trying to stay away
from the sugar, our sugar free product that is a
blend of allulose and amino acids has actually also been
scientifically shown to help you rehydrate faster. So lots of
great options, especially if you're trying to stay away from
those other sugary drinks.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Doctor Dana Ryan joining a senior director of Scientific Affairs
at Liquid IV, and we're talking about enhanced IVY and
enhanced hydration through such as liquid IV and that leads
me right into my next question, Doctor Ryan, can you
walk us through what goes into a properly formulated hydration
products such as what you offer and how that differs
from plame water.
Speaker 11 (23:11):
So, first and foremost, I know I've said it a
million times, but I think it's really important to emphasize
is that it's backed by science, and we test every
single one of our products. So it's not like, hey,
let's throw a bunch of things into a stick pack
and hope it works out. We want to make sure
that there's actually a specific blend of the right amount
of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, sugar or like we were saying
(23:33):
in the sugar free version, and amino acid alulose blend
that are specifically designed to help hydrate you not just faster,
but also longer, so that you're getting the most out
of everything that you're drinking.
Speaker 1 (23:45):
And doctor Ryan, who's most at risk for dehydration and
that sort of related fatigue, are there specific groups that
should pay special attention.
Speaker 11 (23:54):
Hydration is critical for all of us. Water is essential
to life, So it's really important for all of us
every single day to stay on top of our hydration.
Something that we've got to think about first thing when
we wake up in the morning, but it's important.
Speaker 6 (24:05):
For all of us.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Doctor Ryan with liquid IV and she's joining us talking
about enhanced hydration techniques where you can help yourself in
the heat. What's on the horizon in terms of hydration science.
Speaker 11 (24:16):
So much exciting stuff going on in the hydration space,
and I think one of the things that's great is
just the level of awareness in the last couple of
years and people realize that this is something that is
a problem for all of us on a daily basis
that we need to solve. And so that's something that
is always top of mind for us at liquid IV
is making sure that we're addressing those daily moments of
dehydration that we all experience so that we can help
(24:37):
maximize our performance on a daily basis.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
What are a few practical tips folks that are listening
today can use to stay better hydrated and avoid that
say afternoon crash.
Speaker 11 (24:46):
Yeah, you know, for me, the easiest thing is just
taking a water bottle with you everywhere you go. It's
that visual, physical reminder to continue to drink. We're all busy,
we get caught up on our daily lives. All of
a sudden, it's five pm. You haven't drank anything all day.
Just bring water bottle with you, plan ahead, set a
reminder on your phone, set an alarm, make sure you're
constantly drinking throughout the data.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
Stay hydrated, doctor Dana Ryan. She's senior director of Scientific
Affairs at LIQUIDIV. Remember during the heat of the summer,
hydration isn't just about quenching your thirst. Just one to
two percent drop in hydration levels, as doc seg can
affect your energy, focus and productivity, and you can learn
more about the science and smarter hydration doc. What's the website?
Speaker 11 (25:25):
They can go to liquid dashiv dot com.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Doctor Dana Ryan, thank you so much for your time.
Speaker 11 (25:30):
Oh, thank you.
Speaker 6 (25:31):
It's a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (25:32):
And again a big thank you to doctor Dana Ryan
from liquid IV for joining us. Remember, even when you
don't feel thirsty, staying hydrated is essential. Research shows that
being just one to two percent dehydrated can cause fatigue,
brain fog, and decreased focus during these busy summer months,
small drops in hydration can add up quickly. For more
tips and information on staying properly hydrated, visit liquid dashiv
(25:54):
dot com again liquid dashiv dot com. Stay safe, stay energy,
and keep that waterer hydration flowing. For sure, We're back
to wrap things up after this. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. You're
listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 4 (26:13):
Being blind doesn't always look how others may think.
Speaker 7 (26:17):
Stargart disease was supposed to define me.
Speaker 12 (26:21):
Retinitis pigmentosa aimed to overwhelm my family.
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Born to do.
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Speaker 1 (27:13):
That wraps up another edition of Kentucky Focus. So big
thank you to our guest today Melissa McDonald, executive director
of Feeding Kentucky, for sharing important work being done during
Hunger Action Month, and of course doctor Dana Ryan from
liquidiv for helping us understand the importance of staying hydrated
during this second summer here in Kentucky, even when we
don't feel thirsty. And more importantly, thank you our listeners
(27:35):
for making us part of your listening habits. Whether you're
taking action to fight hunger or simply remembering to drink
it off water, we appreciate you taking time to join us.
To learn more. To get involved with our guest today,
visit feedingky dot org. That's feedingky dot org, or if
you'd like more hydration tips, check out liquid dashiv dot
com liquid dashiv dot com. For all of us here
(27:57):
at Kentucky Focus, thank you for tuning in and staying
informed and for helping make our commonwealth a stronger and
healthier place. I'm Scott Fitzgerald reminding you to stay engaged,
stay curious, and we'll see you next time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics and history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 7 (28:30):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 7 (28:40):
Okay, try me.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
What about a programmer.
Speaker 7 (28:44):
That is a job for someone with autism? What about
a teacher that is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Oh? How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 7 (28:52):
Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
truth is qualified people with autism can do a lot
of different jobs, often get overlooked due to outdated stigmas
and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't recognize
the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community. Introducing WIN,
the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks, we help
(29:14):
businesses lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
Ooh what about a ranch hand.
Speaker 7 (29:19):
Yeah, sure, that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org slash WIN.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash WIN
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This week, we're
highlighting ways our communities are stepping up to support neighbors
in need, tackling a challenge that affects one in six Kentuckians,
and showcasing inspiring work being done to make sure no
one goes without them. Will shift gears to a story
that could quietly be impacting your energy and focus during
the second summer in Kentucky, and what science says about
(00:22):
staying sharp and feeling your best even during the hottest days.
I'm Scott Fitzgerald, and We're sweating it out together. This
is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the
show that looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens.
We cover state politics, in history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 3 (00:48):
You wanted to be cool, which led you to smoking,
which led to a pack a day. Then you met
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which led to want to live longer, which led to quitting.
Then you heard you maybe at risk for lung cancer,
which led you to getting a low dose ct scan.
(01:09):
If you smoked, get scanned, talk to your doctor and
learn more at Saved Bythescan dot org. Brought to you
by the American Lung Association and the AD Council.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Hey, I'm your mountain bike. Been a minute since we
hit the trail. Why not roll me over to Goodwill?
Donating me helps Goodwill's mission to provide career training and
support services right here in the community, and that keeps
us all moving. Donate today on your left. To find
your nearest Goodwill locations and to learn more about our mission,
(01:42):
please visit Goodwill dot org. Goodwill where your things start
New lives.
Speaker 5 (01:48):
Most people out here think that taking care of one
another is important, and most people would step up for
a neighbor going through a tough time. Most people around
here help out friends and family when they need it.
But the funny thing is most of us won't look
for help when we need it. Talk to someone if
you're struggling with mental health, because most people out here
really care. Find more information at loveyormind Today dot org.
(02:12):
That's love youormind Today dot org. Brought to you by
the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (02:20):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. Well joining
us today is Melissa McDonald. She is the executive director
of Feeding Kentucky. September marks Hunger Action Month at a
time when we shine a light on the one in
six Kentuckians facing food insecurity. Today we're going to visit
how to talk about communities, farmers and volunteers coming together
to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food and how
(02:43):
you can help make a difference. Melissa, thanks for taking
time to join us.
Speaker 6 (02:46):
Oh, thanks so much, Scott. It's a pleasure to get
to be with you today.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
So Hunger Action Month kicks off this week. Can you
tell us what that means for Kentucky and why this
month is so important?
Speaker 6 (02:55):
Definitely. So Hunger Action Month is a opportunity CAMPAIG to
bring awareness to the hunger that lives in every corner
of our state. It is a national initiative with Feeding
America and some other charitable food organizations across the country
and really being able to shine a spotlight on the stories,
(03:19):
on the statistics, and on ways that you can join
in the efforts. And here in Kentucky we know we
have little over seven hundred and fifty thousand individuals that
are waking up every day really not knowing where their breakfast,
their lunch, their dinner is going to be coming from.
We have a very startling statistic of one in five
(03:43):
kiddos in our state, so one in five children that
aren't really sure where they're going to get their meals
outside of potentially getting meals from their cafeteria from their schools.
And so it's just nice to be able to have
an opportunity to speak to your audience and be able
to point out those statistics and be able to find
ways that we can all come together and be part
(04:05):
of the solution and putting this puzzle back together.
Speaker 1 (04:08):
You know, Melissa, I have a soft spot for hunger
and homelessness. I grew up in a household where my
mom raised three boys as a public school teacher, and
we didn't always have crazy money, and I remember nights
going hungry and you never think that's, you know, a
thing until you actually go through it yourself and what
hunger feels like. And so what the work you guys
(04:28):
do is just amazing. How does feed in Kentucky and
partner food banks like God's Pantry work to address the
need here in the Commonwealth. Yes.
Speaker 6 (04:35):
Well, first of all, Scott, thank you for sharing that
to your audience, because I think it's really important for
us to be able to have those that have lived
experience be able to share that message so that it
won reduces a stigma because hunger literally could be your neighbor.
That's right, it could be it could be someone in
(04:56):
your household, if you are if you have an elderly
fan family member living with you. So it's definitely important
to be able to see that. So thanks so much
Scott for that message, but to be able to know one.
At Feeding Kentucky, we are a statewide support organization. We're
a nonprofit that works collectively with the seven Feeding America
(05:20):
partner food banks across the state that cover our one
hundred and twenty counties, and we become a way for
us to be able to build a statewide platform for
voices for advocacy work. We also work with the Kentucky
Department of Agriculture and local farmers to be able to
(05:43):
participate in the Kentucky Farms to Food Bank program, where
we have farmers in number of counties across our state
that donate their surplus or their kind of ugly fruit
or vegetables their number twos, and then we reimburse them
for their expenses. We reimburse them to get that food
(06:06):
to a local either food pantry or a food bank
distribution center in their community so that odd neighbors that
are facing food and security hunger are able to have
fresh fruits and vegetables on their plates. And then we
also work with a lot of other community partners through coalitions,
(06:27):
through work that we need to do to focus specifically
around child feeding. We have our Kentucky Kids Eat program,
and that program allows us to be able to shine
the spotlight on how it's important to make sure that
children have access to food three hundred and sixty five
(06:48):
days a year. So we work with a lot of
child nutrition directors across the state in the school districts
to look at school breakfast, school launch and summer feeding
very important. Coming off of the summer right now, it
was amazing success to be able to see how many
school districts and community partners rallied around to make sure
(07:10):
that kids in their community and their counties did not
have a gap in food this summer. We were able
to make sure that those partners had what they needed
to work with the state to be able to get
food out to those families and those children. And then
the other way that we do is, like I said
at the beginning, advocacy, So we really want to make
(07:32):
sure that we have we invite anyone to join us
to elevate our voices to be able to make sure
that we can have more people speaking out about the
need to improve either access to food and to be
able to find ways to bring food to those that
(07:53):
are hungry across our state. That could be through legislative ways,
that could be through community collect ways, so just be
able to have that offer. But then with our food
banks that we work with, we definitely want to make
sure we shine the spotlight of all the volunteer opportunities
that they have, not just this month during Hunger Action Month,
(08:15):
but throughout the year. And so speaking out is a
big way that you can work to kind of solve
this problem. You can donate your time, your volunteer hours.
And then also I would never be want to forget
how you can donate dollars. A dollar really does go
very far with a food bank and being able to
(08:37):
purchase food to stock the shelves of the school pantries
or the community pantries, or the distribution opportunities that partner
agencies across the state are providing.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Welllissa McDonald is joining us a fantastic conversation. She is
the executive director of Feeding Kentucky, Kentucky as we mark
September Hunger Action Month, talking about feeding the folks in
Kentucky and like Melissa said, you know, we're reducing the
stigma that hunger is an issue. Melissa, what are some
of the challenges right now that your organizations like yours
are facing.
Speaker 6 (09:11):
I think one of the biggest challenges is financial the
dollars making sure that you know there we have seen
some federal funding cuts that came through that have reduced
the amount of opportunities that either our food bank partners
or others have to purchase food. So that's one big one.
(09:34):
And then also what we're seeing our neighbors facing with
increased cost of groceries access to food.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Right now, i'm Melissa McDonald joining us again executive director
of Feeding Kentucky as we're raising awareness surrounding hunger. And
while we're on the political theme, Melissa, how do local
leaders like Lieutenant Governor Jack and Wan Coleman and Agricultural
Commissioner Jonathan Shall support your efforts there.
Speaker 6 (09:57):
Oh wow, well you picked two fantastic ones to highlight.
I'll start with Commissioner Jonathan Schell with the Kentucky Department
of Agriculture. Our relationship with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture
has actually gone a little over a decade.
Speaker 7 (10:11):
We have worked very.
Speaker 6 (10:12):
Closely with them. We consider them very close friends. And
the work that they do to be able to one
support us, support the efforts that we have with our
Kentucky Farms to Food Bank program, but then they also
work so closely with the food banks across the state
through some USDA dollars, and so their team goes out
(10:35):
to the food banks to make sure that they're monitoring
how the federal dollars are spent. They're working with farmers
that are trying to bring more local economy seeing this
is an opportunity to work with a food bank, to
see it as an opportunity to receive more dollars for
the farming community. But then also through current efforts that
(10:57):
they have through a food is medicine initiatives and being
able to see how we're able to provide anyone that
is struggling with food and security opportunities through a healthcare
system in Kentucky through hospitals to be able to ensure
that they're going home with boxes of food of Kentucky
grown products that are going to nourish them with either
(11:21):
their current diagnosis or any other chronic health disease of
AMBB struggling with so Commissioner Schell and his team at
the Kentucky Department of Agriculture are amazing, and then Lieutenant
Coleman and also Governor Bisheer our efforts they fully support.
One Lieutenant Coleman, we had an opportunity to speak recently
(11:42):
about just the tie ties within the school system with
her passion with education, and we know that to be
able to have the academic ability, to be able to learn,
you must be fed, and so the importance of tying
food into learning is crucial and be able to have
lifelong learners, you're going to need to have that nourishment
(12:04):
through food to be able to sustain that throughout a day.
And then with Governor Bisher being able to have the
support from just the needs of knowing how large that
number is that I share that over seven hundred and
fifty thousand Kentuckians are facing food insecurity, don't know where
their next meal is coming from. That's not a small number.
(12:26):
We sadly have some of the highest hungry counties in
the nation here in our state. So when you are
leading a state and you have those numbers, you want
to definitely pay attention and make sure that there are
organizations like our food banks, like Feeding Kentucky and other
amazing community partners across the state that are all kind
(12:48):
of coming together to solve this problem.
Speaker 1 (12:50):
Well, Lissa McDonald joining us a great conversation surrounding a
problem that we have here in the commonwealth that needs
to be addressed in it needs to be a priority.
She is the executive director of Feeding Kentucky and Melissa,
before we let you go, someone's listening right now and
they're saying, hey, listen, I'm passionate about this. I want
to get involved. What role do volunteers play maybe beyond
(13:10):
packing boxes? How else can people help make an impact
here in the state.
Speaker 6 (13:14):
Giving of dollars definitely goes far donating of non perishable
foods or I'll even say, if you have a farmer
that's listening, that is thinking, gosh, you know, it's the
end of the season. I cut a lot of tomatoes
on my vine and I don't know where they're going
to go. If that isn't an interest, definitely reach out
to us at info at feeding ky dot org and
(13:38):
let us know that you would like to donate your produce.
We'll work with you through our Farms to Food Bank program.
But then I would say go to You can go
to our website, feeding ky dot org and you can
find a map of the food banks across the state
to be able to see what food bank is in
(13:59):
your area, and you can also find what pantry or
partner agency, and I would say reach out to them.
There are volunteer opportunities probably right next door or across
the street or somewhere in the county that you're located in,
and I would say give them a call and reach
out to see how you can help give your time
or your dollars or just speak out. And so definitely
(14:22):
letting us know if you'd like to join any of
the advocacy work that we have happening at Feeding Kentucky.
Speaker 1 (14:27):
Oh with over three quarters of a million Kentuckians who
are hungry. Melissa McDonald and the good folks at Feeding
Kentucky are doing great work to try to get food
to those who need it the most. And Melissa one,
thank you for your time this morning, and I hope
we can keep in touch because, like I said, this
is very passionate for me. Before we let you go,
what message do you want to leave with Kentuckians about
(14:47):
ending hunger in our state.
Speaker 6 (14:49):
We need your help. It's not one person, it's not
one legislator, it's not one governor, it's not one individual.
We need everyone to be part of solving this problem.
Speaker 1 (15:00):
Nobody should ever go hungry, that's for sure. Melissa, thank
you so much for all your work that you do,
and thank everybody there at Feeding Kentucky. And thank you
most importantly for your time today because this is a
message that needs to be not only talked about today
just during Hunger Action Month, but also year round. Thank you, Melissa,
Thank you Scott.
Speaker 6 (15:19):
It was a pleasure to be with you today.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
That's Melissa McDonald, executive director of Feeding Kentucky, joining us
today to talk about Hunger Action Month and the vital
work being done to address food insecurity across our commonwealth. Remember,
one in six Kentuckians face hunger, and every action volunteering, donating,
or spreading awareness does make a difference. To learn more
or to get involved visit feeding Okay, why don or?
(15:43):
I know I speak for all of us at Kentucky
Focus when I say thank you and your entire staff
for helping ensure no one in our state has to
face an empty pantry. Coming up, it's a second summer
in Kentucky with temperatures climbing. Yet again, we'll talk about
something most of us overlook and how it could cost us.
I'm Gott Fitzgerald and this is Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 8 (16:05):
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Speaker 9 (17:05):
And we're live here outside the Perez family home, just
waiting for the and there they go, almost on time.
Speaker 1 (17:12):
This morning.
Speaker 9 (17:12):
Mom is coming out the front door strong with a
double arm kid carry. Looks like Dad has the bags.
Daughter is bringing up the rear. Oh, but the diaper
bag wasn't closed. Diapers and toys are everywhere.
Speaker 1 (17:26):
Ooh, but Mom has just.
Speaker 9 (17:27):
Nailed the perfect car seat buckle for the toddler. And
now the eldest daughter, who looks to be about nine
or ten, has secured herself in the booster seat. Dad
zips the bag closed and they're off.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
Ah.
Speaker 9 (17:40):
It looks like Mom doesn't realize her coffee cup is still.
Speaker 1 (17:42):
On the roof of the car and there it goes.
Speaker 9 (17:46):
Oh, that's a shame. That mug was a fam favorite.
Speaker 10 (17:49):
Don't sweat the small stuff, just nail the big stuff,
like making sure your kids are buckle correctly in the
right seat for their agent's eye. Learn more at NHTSA
dot go Slash the Right Seat visits NHDSAY dot gov.
Slash the Right Seat brought to you by NITSA and
the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (18:06):
Welcome back to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. As temperatures
climb again after our summer heat wave earlier this year,
even being just one to two percent dehydrated can lead
to fatigue, brain fog, and decreased productivity. Do clinical research
shows that during these warmer temperatures, when the body loses
fluids faster, properly formulated hydration solutions can improve fluid retention
(18:26):
and deliver faster hydration than water alone for well up
to hours. Joining us is doctor Dana Ryant. She is
Senior director of Scientific Affairs at liquid IV. She's here
to explain how dehydration affects well focus, energy and overall wellness,
and why water alone may not be enough during these hot,
busy days. Doctor Ryan oversees liquid IV's clinical trial pipeline,
(18:49):
scientific communications, and novel ingredient innovation. With a doctorate in
physical activity, nutrition and wellness, she brings extensive experience and
expertise to our conversation today. Is both a scientist and educator,
Doctor Ryan, thanks for taking time to join us.
Speaker 11 (19:04):
Oh, thank you for having me.
Speaker 6 (19:05):
It's a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (19:06):
Let's start with this. How serious can even mild dehydration
be in terms of how we feel and perform during
the day.
Speaker 11 (19:13):
I mean, it's critical. It's something that we really we
underestimate how much it can impact us on a daily basis.
Oftentimes we try and blame everything else except for hydration,
and oftentimes being dehydrated can really be the culprit.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Doctor Dana Ryan joining us now Senior director of Scientific
Affairs at Liquid IV. We're talking about dehydration in this
heat and doctor Ryan, this new clinical research highlights hydration
solutions outperforming water alone. Can you explain what makes these
solutions more effective?
Speaker 11 (19:40):
Yeah, absolutely so, Liquid I mean, it's really important that
everything that we do is backed by science. We don't
want to just say our product works without testing it
at the highest levels possible, and so the studies that
you just reference, we actually just presented at some conferences
globally to demonstrate that both of our hydration multiplier and
our sugar free hydration multiplier both outperform water when it
(20:03):
comes to long lasting hydration up to four hours and
also being able to rapidly rehydrate you so when you're
getting dehydrated, you don't want to take a while to
have to rehydrate yourself. Being able to rapidly rehydrate is
really gonna be key.
Speaker 1 (20:16):
Doctor Ryan, you mentioned that just a one to two
percent loss in hydration can cause a noticeable well effect
as far as fatigue and brain fog. Why does even
that small drop effect this so dramatically?
Speaker 11 (20:27):
When we think about it, our body is sixty to
seventy percent water. Sixty to seventy percent of anything is huge.
So if we're that dependent on something, when we're seeing
just a small drop, it's going to have a real
noticeable impact on our performance across a wide spectrum of
things from physical to mental performance. And so we may
not notice it. You may not realize, oh, I'm one
(20:49):
to two percent dehydrated. Hard to measure, but you're gonna
start to feel it.
Speaker 2 (20:53):
Again.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
We're talking with doctor Dana Ryan she's senior director of
Scientific Affairs at Liquid IV And we're talking about the
importance of hydration and enhancing your hydration in these crazy
summer temperatures and Doctor Ryan, what exactly happens in the body,
especially now this most recent heat way we experienced here
in Kentucky, that makes hydration so much harder to maintain.
Speaker 11 (21:13):
It's tough, right because it's just NonStop conditions of stress
on your body. So you're constantly sweating, and oftentimes when
we sweat, we think I'm just losing water, I'm just
losing fluid, But the reality is we're losing electrolytes as well.
And those electrolytes are critical for a wide variety of
functions within our body. So if we're not replacing what
our body is losing, we're going to struggle, especially if
(21:35):
we continue to do that chronically day after day and
we're not replacing what our body actually needs to function
at the highest level.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
You know. And I try to keep myself as hydrated
as I can. Doc, I'm pretty active, but yet every
now and then, you know, I'm getting ready to cut
the grass in this heat, and I need that little
extra kick, And the coffee is still bruined. So I
grab a cup of coffee or and comforbid even as
sugary drink because and I drink the diet stuff because
I'm trying to out sugar, but I like the taste.
So with so many of us doing what I do,
(22:04):
reaching for you to coffee or the sugary drinks, what
are the pros and cons of those when it comes
to staying hydrated.
Speaker 11 (22:09):
Yeah, so here's the interesting thing about sugar. When it
comes to hydration. We look at the combination of sugar
plus sodium. They actually work together to help rehydrate you faster.
So I would argue, rather than maybe, you know, grabbing
a different sugary drink, reach for that liquid IV hydration
multiplier that has that combination that's science backed to help
(22:31):
rehydrate you faster because of that combination of the sugar
plus the sodium. But if you're trying to stay away
from the sugar, our sugar free product that is a
blend of allulose and amino acids has actually also been
scientifically shown to help you rehydrate faster. So lots of
great options, especially if you're trying to stay away from
those other sugary drinks.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Doctor Dana Ryan joining a senior director of Scientific Affairs
at Liquid IV, and we're talking about enhanced IVY and
enhanced hydration through such as liquid IV and that leads
me right into my next question, Doctor Ryan, can you
walk us through what goes into a properly formulated hydration
products such as what you offer and how that differs
from plame water.
Speaker 11 (23:11):
So, first and foremost, I know I've said it a
million times, but I think it's really important to emphasize
is that it's backed by science, and we test every
single one of our products. So it's not like, hey,
let's throw a bunch of things into a stick pack
and hope it works out. We want to make sure
that there's actually a specific blend of the right amount
of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, sugar or like we were saying
(23:33):
in the sugar free version, and amino acid alulose blend
that are specifically designed to help hydrate you not just faster,
but also longer, so that you're getting the most out
of everything that you're drinking.
Speaker 1 (23:45):
And doctor Ryan, who's most at risk for dehydration and
that sort of related fatigue, are there specific groups that
should pay special attention.
Speaker 11 (23:54):
Hydration is critical for all of us. Water is essential
to life, So it's really important for all of us
every single day to stay on top of our hydration.
Something that we've got to think about first thing when
we wake up in the morning, but it's important.
Speaker 6 (24:05):
For all of us.
Speaker 1 (24:05):
Doctor Ryan with liquid IV and she's joining us talking
about enhanced hydration techniques where you can help yourself in
the heat. What's on the horizon in terms of hydration science.
Speaker 11 (24:16):
So much exciting stuff going on in the hydration space,
and I think one of the things that's great is
just the level of awareness in the last couple of
years and people realize that this is something that is
a problem for all of us on a daily basis
that we need to solve. And so that's something that
is always top of mind for us at liquid IV
is making sure that we're addressing those daily moments of
dehydration that we all experience so that we can help
(24:37):
maximize our performance on a daily basis.
Speaker 1 (24:39):
What are a few practical tips folks that are listening
today can use to stay better hydrated and avoid that
say afternoon crash.
Speaker 11 (24:46):
Yeah, you know, for me, the easiest thing is just
taking a water bottle with you everywhere you go. It's
that visual, physical reminder to continue to drink. We're all busy,
we get caught up on our daily lives. All of
a sudden, it's five pm. You haven't drank anything all day.
Just bring water bottle with you, plan ahead, set a
reminder on your phone, set an alarm, make sure you're
constantly drinking throughout the data.
Speaker 1 (25:06):
Stay hydrated, doctor Dana Ryan. She's senior director of Scientific
Affairs at LIQUIDIV. Remember during the heat of the summer,
hydration isn't just about quenching your thirst. Just one to
two percent drop in hydration levels, as doc seg can
affect your energy, focus and productivity, and you can learn
more about the science and smarter hydration doc. What's the website?
Speaker 11 (25:25):
They can go to liquid dashiv dot com.
Speaker 1 (25:28):
Doctor Dana Ryan, thank you so much for your time.
Speaker 11 (25:30):
Oh, thank you.
Speaker 6 (25:31):
It's a pleasure.
Speaker 1 (25:32):
And again a big thank you to doctor Dana Ryan
from liquid IV for joining us. Remember, even when you
don't feel thirsty, staying hydrated is essential. Research shows that
being just one to two percent dehydrated can cause fatigue,
brain fog, and decreased focus during these busy summer months,
small drops in hydration can add up quickly. For more
tips and information on staying properly hydrated, visit liquid dashiv
(25:54):
dot com again liquid dashiv dot com. Stay safe, stay energy,
and keep that waterer hydration flowing. For sure, We're back
to wrap things up after this. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. You're
listening to Kentucky Focus.
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supportive community. The Foundation Fighting blind is leading the charge
and finding treatments and cures for blinding diseases. Make your
impact today. Donate now at Fighting Blindness dot org. A
public service message from the Foundation of Fighting Blindness.
Speaker 1 (27:13):
That wraps up another edition of Kentucky Focus. So big
thank you to our guest today Melissa McDonald, executive director
of Feeding Kentucky, for sharing important work being done during
Hunger Action Month, and of course doctor Dana Ryan from
liquidiv for helping us understand the importance of staying hydrated
during this second summer here in Kentucky, even when we
don't feel thirsty. And more importantly, thank you our listeners
(27:35):
for making us part of your listening habits. Whether you're
taking action to fight hunger or simply remembering to drink
it off water, we appreciate you taking time to join us.
To learn more. To get involved with our guest today,
visit feedingky dot org. That's feedingky dot org, or if
you'd like more hydration tips, check out liquid dashiv dot
com liquid dashiv dot com. For all of us here
(27:57):
at Kentucky Focus, thank you for tuning in and staying
informed and for helping make our commonwealth a stronger and
healthier place. I'm Scott Fitzgerald reminding you to stay engaged,
stay curious, and we'll see you next time on Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 2 (28:11):
Kentucky Focus on the Kentucky News Network, the show that
looks at issues affecting the Commonwealth and its citizens. We
cover state politics and history, human interest stories, sports, and
even entertainment. It's Kentucky focus on kNN.
Speaker 7 (28:30):
Only one in five people with disabilities, including those with autism,
are employed, despite many having the skill set and desire
to work.
Speaker 1 (28:37):
Maybe it's because employers don't know what kind of jobs
they can do.
Speaker 7 (28:40):
Okay, try me.
Speaker 1 (28:42):
What about a programmer.
Speaker 7 (28:44):
That is a job for someone with autism? What about
a teacher that is a job for someone with autism?
Speaker 1 (28:50):
Oh? How about a healthcare worker?
Speaker 7 (28:52):
Yes, those are all jobs for someone with autism. The
truth is qualified people with autism can do a lot
of different jobs, often get overlooked due to outdated stigmas
and beliefs. Business is value diversity, but sometimes don't recognize
the unique strengths and abilities of the autism community. Introducing WIN,
the Workplace Inclusion Now Program by Autism Speaks, we help
(29:14):
businesses lead the way in inclusive hiring.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
Ooh what about a ranch hand.
Speaker 7 (29:19):
Yeah, sure, that's a job for someone with autism too.
To learn more, go to Autism Speaks dot org slash WIN.
That's Autism Speaks dot org slash WIN
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