April 25, 2025 • 29 mins
This week on Kentucky Focus with Scott Fitzgerald, we’re putting a spotlight on a growing concern across the Commonwealth—mental health care access and the insurance hurdles that are getting in the way. It’s Autism Awareness Month here in Kentucky, and while awareness is growing, so are the challenges. How far have we come in diagnosing and supporting those living with Autism—and how far do we still have to go? We’ll also introduce you to a new effort from the Mental Health Insurance Reform Task Force, led by the team at Bridge Counseling and Wellness. They’ve launched a powerful new platform where you—patients, families, and providers—can share your own insurance struggles, from denied treatments to surprise bills. Your story could be the key to real change.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This week we
turn our attention to mental health. As the stigma continues
to fade, more Kentuckians are finally reaching out for the
support they deserve, but too often they're met with unexpected barriers,
insurance hurdles that standing the way of healing. We'll hear
from someone on the front lines of change, working to
ensure mental health care is accessible to all. Also, this week,
(00:24):
April mark's National Autism Awareness Month. Whether you or someone
you love is navigating life on the spectrum, We're simply
asking the question, could this be me?
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Conversation we're about to have is for you? Are we
doing enough? Are we truly aware?
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Together, we'll explore those answers. This is Kentucky Focus. Stories
that matter, of voices that need to be heard. I'm
Scott Fitzgerald. We're back after this.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
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 and history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
The Alzheimer's Association, and the ad Council present the story
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(01:30):
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Out of there.
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I was really starting to worry because I saw something
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Levi and I talked about out would change our lives.
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Brought to you by the USCA for Service or State
Poster and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Well, no doubt, mental health is a big deal nowadays,
and it's a big deal with insurance companies, but that
comes with some roadblocks. So trying to help us figure
this out, and somebody wants to do something, of course,
is Nicole Sartini, and she is with Bridge Counseling and Wellness,
and she thinks she has the answer.
Speaker 6 (02:50):
Nicole, good morning, good morning, Thank you so much for
inviting me on the show, Scott. And I'm not sure
that I have the full answer, but I do think
that if we put our together, that we can come
up with something better than the system that currently exists.
Speaker 10 (03:04):
And I'm willing to put.
Speaker 6 (03:05):
My energy in my effort and the skills that I've
acquired by running the group practice and being in the
field for over two decades to do my best to
help make that happen for us.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
I was going to say, tell us a little bit
about before we get started, about Bridge Counseling and Wellness.
Speaker 6 (03:19):
Well Bridge Counseling and Wellness was founded by Juniper Owens
and I in January of twenty fifteen when we wanted
to create a practice that offered holistic offerings like free
yoga and meditation to support whole self care. So on
our team we have the traditional therapist we actually have
about sixty team members now, but we also have a
(03:41):
free yoga meditation, a dietitian, We have nurse practitioners, and
we have people that offer non traditional models of therapy.
Speaker 10 (03:50):
So those who don't.
Speaker 6 (03:52):
Fit perfectly inside the traditional models can have alternatives that
work for them absolutely.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
And let's start with the big picture.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
What is the Mental Health Insurance Reformed task and what
prompted its creation?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
The task force and what prompted it.
Speaker 10 (04:04):
There's something called parody that is supposed.
Speaker 6 (04:07):
To exist on a federal level that means that mental
health and physical health providers are to be paid similarly
for their education. We didn't think a lot about this
until one of the main insurance companies left commercial insurance
and our practice was absorbed. The clients that were previously
(04:27):
using this more mainstream entrance company that was actually using
parity left the scene.
Speaker 10 (04:34):
And we lost about thirty percent of our income.
Speaker 6 (04:37):
It was a huge drop for us, and what we
realized was that these other companies were paying, like most
all companies were paying about fifty dollars less per hour
for the services that we were doing, and that had
a major impact not just on our practice, but on
clinicians all across the state, and we felt it was
important to look into the laws and see how we
(04:58):
can maybe do something to protect people.
Speaker 10 (05:01):
What's happening is insurance providers.
Speaker 6 (05:04):
Do not want to take insurance because of this low reimbursement,
because of something called clawbacks, where after you do a
session and get paid for it, sometimes that money can
be taken back without a lot of explanation. So that
means that only about eighteen percent of people who want
to use their commercial insurance for therapy are able to
do so, not because there aren't enough providers, but rather
(05:26):
because providers don't want to accept the terms that entrance
companies are asking them to accept.
Speaker 10 (05:32):
And that's completely understandable. So we wanted to figure out.
Speaker 6 (05:35):
How can we improve access, especially in places like rural
Kentucky where you know there's even fewer providers how can
we help improve access and then also make sure that
people are being treated barely for you know, their profession,
which is made up of about eighty percent women.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
You know, we're talking with Nicole Sartinis. She of course
was with Bridge Counseling and Wellness and they are looking
for some reform when it comes to mental health awareness
and Nicole, what stories are you hoping to collect from
both patients and say providers.
Speaker 10 (06:03):
Well, originally we did a survey.
Speaker 6 (06:07):
We collected a lot of stories from providers and their
experience with why they're not able to accept insurance and
how that creates barriers for consumers, for people who want
to use those services and whose entrants are supposed to.
Speaker 10 (06:17):
Pay for them.
Speaker 6 (06:19):
But as we have continued this work, which we started
in summer of twenty twenty four, since we've continued it ongoing,
we continue to hear more and more stories about insurance
as a whole and barriers to getting services for even.
Speaker 10 (06:33):
Physical health issues.
Speaker 6 (06:34):
So now we have created a landing platform called Buildbetterhealth
dot org and at that platform we're collecting stories not
just from mental health struggles and challenges with entrance, but
also from barriers that people have experienced for their physical health.
And what we're hoping to do is actually create an
(06:54):
alternative to traditional health insurance. But before we're going to
use this information to inform that process, and it's going
to be a big feat and there's a lot of
steps ahead, but we're hoping to get stories about how
insurance has been either barrier for people in achieving the
services that they needed for their well being, either physically
(07:15):
or mentally, and also any ideas people have for systems
that could work more effectively.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
You know, we're having a great conversation with Nicole Startini.
She is with Bridge Counseling and Wellness, and we're talking
about the frustrations people are experiencing with insurance companies and
mental health and as you pointed out, Nicole, now with
your physical health and you know, we've all heard stories
about people who are denied coverage, even the surprise bills.
What are some of the common issues you seem to
hear about through this feedback.
Speaker 6 (07:41):
I have heard stories about people having to get married
in the hospital in order to have the benefits that
they needed to get what they felt was life saving
service for them.
Speaker 10 (07:53):
That's a physical health thing.
Speaker 6 (07:54):
Of course, we being that we're therapists are getting tons
of stories about people being on really long at our
practice at Bridge, for instance, we constantly have a really
long wait list and we have so many providers. Doesn't
seem to be how much we grow. It's because people
need to use their insurance. They don't have the opportunity
to be out of pocket. If they could, they would
and some people are able to. But there's a big
(08:17):
gap of people who aren't eligible for Medicaid and who
aren't able to pay out of pocket, which is like
most Americans who need to use that until we're hearing
a lot of stories about people having barriers just receiving
that kind of treatment as well.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Right, Nicole Sartini joining us again with Bridge Counseling and Wellness.
We're talking about reforms in another approach, given the roadblocks
we experience with insurance companies for sure, and you know, Nicole,
as we move forward in sort of going to the
political spectrum of this. Once you guys compile your results,
have you been in touch with lawmakers? Are you planning
on taking this trying to get this legislation changed.
Speaker 6 (08:50):
Yes, Actually, we do have a bill BR four twenty seven,
which is currently currently being sponsored by Representative Lisa Wilner,
and we hope it will be brought on by some
other legislators as well. We haven't introduced it formally to
the Kentucky House because we're kind of fine tuning some things.
When we were writing the Kentucky Mental Health Fairness Act,
(09:12):
we came across other bills and amendments that had already
been done previously that weren't actually being followed, and so
what we're doing now is we've met with the Department
of Insurance and had conversations there about specific things that
have been signed off on reflecting parody being something that
(09:33):
we should be here in Kentucky, and we're also reaching
out to the Department of Labor.
Speaker 10 (09:38):
So we have those things coming up.
Speaker 6 (09:40):
We also have a town hall that we're going to
be doing at the end of May, and so we'll
be reaching out inviting people to come learn about the
work that we've done with the Kentucky Mental Health Fairness
Act with Bildbetterhealth dot Org, and what we're hoping to
do with creating the alternative.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Having a great conversation with Nicole Sartini again, she's with
Bridge Counseling and Well and they're trying to get folks
help over experienced you know, roadblocks when it comes to
insurance company companies. It's a lightning rod issue, Nicole, And
I'm so glad that you guys are tackling this. And
I don't know if you can answer this question, but
is there a timeline do you guys know about when
you want to compile this and present everything and move
(10:17):
up and take it to the next level.
Speaker 6 (10:19):
That timeline has been shifting ongoing. Of course, I bet
these developments end up coming.
Speaker 10 (10:24):
We hope.
Speaker 6 (10:25):
We're in the process of meeting with attorneys and that
sort of thing to figure out how quickly we can
actually move this. But technically we've created what's called the
Public Benefits Corporation, which has protections in place for consumers
and which embodies inherently a more transparent system. So in
our minds, if we can create an alternative where transparency
(10:47):
is key, which is missing. Therapists aren't even allowed to
talk about what their reimbursement rates are.
Speaker 10 (10:52):
It's in our contract. We can't discuss those things.
Speaker 6 (10:55):
In a newer system where we could be open about
what are providers getting paid, where's our money from our
health insurance actually going, and where is the surplus of
income going because as of now, traditional insurance CEOs make
fifteen million to thirty million dollars a year plus there's
uh I think I did the It was like one
point three trillion in the revenue between all the main
(11:19):
main ones, and each insurance company is profiting in the
billions every quarter. So in our from our perspective, some
of that money, most of that money could be returning.
Speaker 10 (11:30):
Into care for the consumer.
Speaker 6 (11:33):
And if we were able to create a transparent system.
Speaker 10 (11:37):
And hold that like treat the leadership.
Speaker 6 (11:40):
Would maybe embody more of like a nonprofit type of
salary and have that be public facing. In addition to
you know, the surpluses that we're going to be able
to hopefully receive from a system like that, which is
community lad and provider lead, that would make a huge
difference in our ability to actually not have to borrow
so many people from.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Services Sure Sure and Nicole.
Speaker 6 (12:01):
Sartine, the power power can be embodied in a different
way than it.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Has been in this case, absolutely great conversation. Excuse me,
Nicole SARTINII again is with Bridge Counseling and Wellness really
launching an initiative to kind of take on the frustrations
we've all experienced with the insurance companies and Nicole, where
can people go to share their stories and learn more
about about the Mental Health Reform Task Force.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
You can visit either our website at Bridge Counseling Wellness,
which is www dot bridgemindbody dot com, or you can
go to our current landing page which we're in the
process of building out, which is build betterhealth dot org
and that's what we're doing.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
The story collection outstanding in any final thoughts, Nicole, for
those listening and struggle with insurance barriers but are maybe
hesitant to speak out, what do you say to them?
Speaker 6 (12:51):
I just want to let people know that the providers
want to do the right thing. We want to serve
as many people as possible.
Speaker 10 (13:00):
What we are.
Speaker 6 (13:00):
Seeking is mutual respect within a system that needs some reform,
and we're going to do everything that we can to
make mental health and physical health treatment that people need
accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Nicole SARTAINI you have been amazing Bridge Counseling and Wellness.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
I'm so glad we had a chance to catch up.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Let's you and I check in down the road and
let's see how we're doing with this, and you know,
anytime you want to speak, I know how to get.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
A hold of you. You know how to get a
hold of me.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Let's make sure we make this happen because you're doing
some good work and it sounds like it's been long overdue,
that's for sure.
Speaker 10 (13:32):
Thank you so much, Scott.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Thank you again to Nicole sartaini and co founder of
Bridge Counseling and Wellness. For more information, you can visit
bridgemindbody dot com. Coming up, what if the signs of
autism aren't what you think they are? And what's one
thing Kentucky parents need to know right now that could
make a difference in early intervention. We'll dive into that
and more with someone who's been guiding families through this
(13:55):
journey for decades. I'm Scott Fitzgeralden you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 11 (14:02):
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be.
So we ask kids, what do you want your parents
to hear?
Speaker 12 (14:10):
I feel sometimes that I'm not listening to I would
just want you to listen to me more often and
evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success.
Speaker 13 (14:19):
We're not adults, so just just be there and like, listen.
I just want someone to yat too, and I just
feel like I'll be fine. Like if someone just hears
me talk and talk and talk and talk and talk.
Speaker 12 (14:31):
And talk and talk, you're doing a really good job.
And I don't think I tell you that. I don't know,
and I know sometimes we get into it. It's just
hard on both of us. But I'll try to understand
me more and I'll try to do the same.
Speaker 11 (14:47):
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help
you support your kids and their emotional well being that
sound it out together dot org. That's Sounded out Together
dot org. Brought to you by the ad Council.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
I'm pivotal.
Speaker 14 (15:00):
Adoption of teams from foster care is a topic not
enough people know about, and we are here to change that.
I'm April Dinwity, host of the new podcast Navigating Adoption,
presented by adopt us Kids. Each episode brings you compelling,
real life adoption stories told by the families that live them,
with commentary from experts. Visit adopt us Kids dot org,
slash podcast, or subscribed to Navigating Adoption presented by adopt
(15:23):
us Kids brought to you by the US Department of
Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, and
the AD Council.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
April was Autism Awareness Month, time not just for reflection,
but for action.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Across the Commonwealth, families, educators, and healthcare professionals are working
every day to better understand and support those living with
autism spectrum disorder.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Here in Kentucky, the numbers are growing.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
According to the CDC, one in thirty six children nationwide
is diagnosed with autism, and our state reflects that trend.
In fact, recent data suggests more than fourteen thousand children
in Kentucky are currently diagnosed on this spectrum, and yet
so many families still face challenges in accessing early diagnosis, therapies,
and educational support. Well, this week we're shining a light
(16:08):
on those challenges and the early progress being made. We
had the opportunity to catch up with doctor Charles Pemberton.
He is a licensed professional clinical counselor based right here
in Kentucky. Doctor Pemberton brings years of experience working with
individuals and families navigating the autism journey, and he shares
some meaningful insights into how we can all play a
role in building a more inclusive, understanding community. So, whether
(16:32):
autism has touched your life directly or you're simply looking
to learn.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
More, you're in the right place.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
And it's clear we made tremendous progress in diagnosing and
dealing with autism, something doctor Charles Pemmerton completely agrees with.
Speaker 15 (16:46):
We have learned a lot about how to identify autism.
We have learned a lot about how to treat it,
although I will say we've got a long way to
go and treat because it still can be a very
frustrating condition for families. What we haven't worked and discovered
yet is the cause of autism.
Speaker 7 (17:08):
We suspect that it's genetic based.
Speaker 15 (17:11):
We know it is not caused by vaccines, and there's
other things that vaccines can cause with mercury and things,
so we know it's not caused by that, but that's
been a big hiccup in the treatment of other things
as it gotten the way of having people take those vaccines.
Speaker 7 (17:32):
The issue is is.
Speaker 15 (17:33):
That we have to realize that a government came out
with a phrase that you know, they'll never lead normal lives,
and they'll never have jobs, and they'll never pay taxes.
Speaker 7 (17:42):
That simply isn't true.
Speaker 15 (17:45):
Now when you talk about profound autism, and we talk
about autism kind of in different levels, when you talk
about that most severe autistic situation, yes, those people are
not going to hold jobs, They're not going to be
able to pay taxes, but that is no different than
(18:05):
anyone with another majorly significant medical condition. They're going to
be kind of in that role. But a vast majority
of these people are going to live pretty productive and happy,
healthy lives. We just have to make sure that we
(18:25):
get them the treatment that they need early on, and
we don't kind of hide them away.
Speaker 7 (18:31):
We don't get people that are afraid to seek treatment.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Again, we're hearing from doctor Charles Pemberton, a licensed professional
clinical counselor based here in Kentucky, and we're talking about
autism in this Autism Awareness month. Doctor Pemberton, we're seeing
movement in our numbers here locally specifically an increase. Is
that due really to our ability to better diagnose autism
or is there another specific cause.
Speaker 7 (18:54):
But there's a.
Speaker 15 (18:55):
Great question, and there are two answers to that. We
are getting better at identify, so the diagnosing is better.
There can be an increase across the spectrum, So that
is a possibility.
Speaker 7 (19:08):
I hate to use the word benefits.
Speaker 15 (19:10):
But there are in school systems and educational situations, there
are reasons to get a diagnosis that years ago there
wasn't Having a diagnosis of autism didn't.
Speaker 7 (19:22):
Gain you anything. There were no other treatments.
Speaker 15 (19:24):
You didn't get anything for having that diagnosis, so why
bother going down that road? Now you get those So
there are some avenues that are open to you for that.
But the biggest reason is is we have redefined autism
throughout the years. So it's almost imagined. If we used
to say that tall was diagnosed as anyone over six',
(19:48):
five and all of a sudden we've, said well tall
is anyone over five. Eleven there's gonna be a lot
more tall people in the. World and we've done that
by redefining what autism.
Speaker 7 (20:01):
Is and that was a major change in THE dsm.
Speaker 15 (20:04):
Five that, occurred and that skyrocketed the numbers because we
grouped a lot of things together and, said, well instead
of calling IT a AND b AND, c this is
all in the autism, spectrum and we put all of those,
together and that number blew.
Speaker 7 (20:23):
Up after that.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
Happened, again we're talking with Doctor Charles, pemberton a licensed
professional clinical counselor based here In.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Kentucky and of course it Is Autism awareness. Month if you're.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
Listening to this and you think you may need to
explore autism further or know someone who, does Doctor pemberton
has this.
Speaker 15 (20:40):
Advice the two things that people need to look for
in their young children is we need to have either
an over fascination with something or a complete disinterest in
actions and activities, toys, games things like. That but then
the other pieces is that lack of social, interaction that
inability to socially engage with. PEOPLE i want to caution, people,
(21:03):
though to say that every child goes through a normal
developmental phase where they are kind of obsessed with toys
or they're disinterested in. Toys everybody has a time when
they line up all their hot wheels or they no
longer care about that stuffed. Animal, likewise every child naturally
goes through a phase where they are overly social or
(21:26):
maybe disinterested in Social we're not looking for those, phases
we're looking for that pattern of those things across multiple,
events multiple. Situations when those things, occur that's when you
need to talk to your. Pediatrician you need to talk
to educators.
Speaker 7 (21:46):
And get another set of.
Speaker 15 (21:47):
Eyes that does not mean your child is, autistic but
it might be something that you want to alter how
you parent just a little bit to help your child
develop certain.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Skills, finally Doctor pem didn't shares his final.
Speaker 15 (22:02):
Thoughts the first one would be when you see, somebody you,
know a family out and they have a child that
is acting, out or you, know you, think oh, boy
that that parent's not doing their, job please give them
a little bit of grace because we never know what
that parent is dealing, with or what that child is dealing,
with what they've just come out. Of tup that judgment
(22:23):
away a little, bit because none of us want to get.
Speaker 7 (22:26):
Judged on our worst.
Speaker 15 (22:27):
Days and just because a parent isn't parenting the way
that we would definitely doesn't make it the wrong.
Speaker 7 (22:34):
Way the second.
Speaker 15 (22:35):
Piece is is that if you have a child that you're,
questioning or you're worried, about or you're considering might need
some special tension down the, road seek those services out.
Early right, now all of our facilities are backlogged with
getting those assessments done and getting that help out. THERE
a lot of people are on a waiting. List it
(22:56):
would be better to seek those things out early and
a wide net to get those, services because none of
the services are going to make things.
Speaker 7 (23:06):
Worse they can.
Speaker 15 (23:08):
Just help a situation. Better so please remember those two things.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Again thank you to Doctor Charles.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Pemberton he is a licensed clinical professional here In kentucky
and he took time to share his, insight most, importantly his.
Compassion his work is helping so many families here in
The commonwealth be, seen heard and, supported and we're truly
grateful for the difference he's making in the time he
spends with. Us as we've heard, today understanding autism begins with,
listening with, curiosity with, patience and an open. Heart the
(23:37):
more we, learn the better we, become not just as
caregivers or, professionals but his, neighbors.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
As communities and human. Beings thank you, again Doctor.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Pemberton we're back after this Sim Scott fitzgerald and you're
listening To Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
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welcome back To Kentucky. Focus I'm. Scott it's.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
General, well it's that time. Again the eyes of the
world are turning to The Bluegrass. State next, week all
roads lead To louisville for The run for The, roses
The Kentucky. Derby but as anyone from around here will tell,
you it's not just a two minute horse. Race it's
a week long celebration of, heritage, fashion, food, music and
the heart and soul for our.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
State i'm under Over louisville to.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
The Pegasus, parade from steamboat races on The ohio to
bourbon tasting tours around The commonwealth that culminate with of,
course The gala is under those beautiful glass. Chandeliers there's
no week quite Like Derby week In. Kentucky and sometimes
it's not always about the big glamour and glitz of
celebrities and. Parties it's a time when families gathered For
(24:51):
derby parties and fourbon flows a little, easier and.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
We probably show the world just how much spirit we really.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Have but behind the Men julep's and the big, hats
The derby is serious.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Business For.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
Kentucky each, year this one event brings in more than
four hundred million dollars to our state's, economy tells, restaurants
small businesses all across our state field of. Boost it's
an incredible driver, tourism, jobs and most importantly. Pride and this,
year with the new faces and the stables and the
global spotlight brighter than, Ever derby one fifty one promises
(25:22):
to be one.
Speaker 2 (25:23):
For the history.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
Books it's all week long here at The Kentucky News
network will bring you the stories from behind the, scenes
the voices from the backside Of churchill, downs and insight
into what makes this Uniquely kentucky traditional so.
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Important not just to us the rest of the, world
stick with.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
Us Gang Derby week is here and The Kentucky News,
network along With Kentucky, focus will.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
Be right in the heart of. It I'm Scott. Fitzgerald
we're back to wrap things up after.
Speaker 17 (25:50):
This you wanted to be, cool which led you to,
(26:12):
smoking which led to a pack a. Day then you
met that special, someone which led to starting a life with,
them which led to wanting 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 if you, smoked get, scanned talk to your doctor
(26:33):
and learn more At saved bythscan dot. Org brought to
you by The American Lung association and THE Ad.
Speaker 1 (26:39):
Council as we wrap up this Week's Kentucky, FOCUS i
want to take a moment and extend a heart felt
thank you the two remarkable individuals who are making a
difference here in the. State that would Be Nicole, sartini
co founder AND ceo Of Bridge counseling And. Wellness thank,
you of, course for the tireless efforts to break down
barriers and make mental health care more accessible for Every.
(27:01):
Kentucky work is changing, lives and our passion is a
reminder that healing begins with, hope and hope begins with
someone who cares and to Doctor Charles pemberton is, compassion,
insight and dedication to those living with autism as well
as those just beginning to ask questions can't accurately be.
Measured his voice is one of reassurance and his work
(27:21):
continues to light the path for so many families across the.
State and, finally of, course to all of you listening Across.
Kentucky thank. You thank you for Making Kentucky focus part
of your week and for being a part of these important.
Conversations the more we, listen and more we, learn and
the stronger we grow.
Speaker 2 (27:39):
Together I'm Scott. Fitzgerald have a Great derby. Week we'll
talk to you next time right here On Kentucky.
Speaker 3 (27:46):
Focus Kentucky focus on The Kentucky News, network the show
that looks at issues affecting The commonwealth and it's. Citizens
we cover state politics and, history human interest, stories, sports
and even entertainment Which Kentucky focus ON.
Speaker 16 (28:01):
kNN you said you'd never buy your kid candy from
the checkout, aisle or forget extra, diapers and never give
into a. Meltdown you'd never lick your thumb to clean their,
face never let them have too much green, time and
(28:24):
never bribe them for just one more. Bite you say
you'd never let them out in public without their hair,
brush never ever become a minivan, mom and you'd never
give them your phone for a quiet dinner calling boss work.
Phone so when you say you'd never leave your child
(28:46):
in a hot, car, no it can. Happen cars get hot,
fast and kids can be at risk in temperatures as
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Speaker 17 (28:59):
You leave the.
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Free brought to you by THE Ad council
Welcome to Kentucky Focus. I'm Scott Fitzgerald. This week we
turn our attention to mental health. As the stigma continues
to fade, more Kentuckians are finally reaching out for the
support they deserve, but too often they're met with unexpected barriers,
insurance hurdles that standing the way of healing. We'll hear
from someone on the front lines of change, working to
ensure mental health care is accessible to all. Also, this week,
(00:24):
April mark's National Autism Awareness Month. Whether you or someone
you love is navigating life on the spectrum, We're simply
asking the question, could this be me?
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Conversation we're about to have is for you? Are we
doing enough? Are we truly aware?
Speaker 1 (00:38):
Together, we'll explore those answers. This is Kentucky Focus. Stories
that matter, of voices that need to be heard. I'm
Scott Fitzgerald. We're back after this.
Speaker 3 (00:47):
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 and history, human interest stories, sports,
and even entertainment. It's Kentucky Focus on kNN.
Speaker 4 (01:03):
The Alzheimer's Association, and the ad Council present the story
of Tom and Levi.
Speaker 5 (01:08):
Tom is the smartest man I know. He's been a
professor at two major university. He's been a teacher for
over forty years. One day he told me that he
was having problems in his classes. I think one of
the students had asked the question and he didn't remember
the answer. And I also noticed that he was letting
his class out earlier than they were supposed to let out,
and he was telling them that he was doing it
(01:30):
as a favor to them, but I think in reality,
he just wanted to get.
Speaker 6 (01:34):
Out of there.
Speaker 5 (01:35):
I was really starting to worry because I saw something
that was wrong.
Speaker 7 (01:39):
Levi and I talked about out would change our lives.
But he was there beside me, and my love for
him was just immense.
Speaker 4 (01:50):
When something feels different, it could be Alzheimer's. Now is
the time to talk. Visit alz dot org slash our
stories to learn more. A message from the Alzheimer's Station
and the AD Council Smokey the Bear.
Speaker 8 (02:04):
Then you know why Smokey tells you when he sees
you passion through, remember please be careful.
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It's the least that you can.
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Don't after eighty years of learning his wildfire prevention tips.
Smokey Bear lives within us. All learn more at smokeybear
dot com and remember only.
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You can prevent wildfires.
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Brought to you by the USCA for Service or State
Poster and the AD Council.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Well, no doubt, mental health is a big deal nowadays,
and it's a big deal with insurance companies, but that
comes with some roadblocks. So trying to help us figure
this out, and somebody wants to do something, of course,
is Nicole Sartini, and she is with Bridge Counseling and Wellness,
and she thinks she has the answer.
Speaker 6 (02:50):
Nicole, good morning, good morning, Thank you so much for
inviting me on the show, Scott. And I'm not sure
that I have the full answer, but I do think
that if we put our together, that we can come
up with something better than the system that currently exists.
Speaker 10 (03:04):
And I'm willing to put.
Speaker 6 (03:05):
My energy in my effort and the skills that I've
acquired by running the group practice and being in the
field for over two decades to do my best to
help make that happen for us.
Speaker 1 (03:15):
I was going to say, tell us a little bit
about before we get started, about Bridge Counseling and Wellness.
Speaker 6 (03:19):
Well Bridge Counseling and Wellness was founded by Juniper Owens
and I in January of twenty fifteen when we wanted
to create a practice that offered holistic offerings like free
yoga and meditation to support whole self care. So on
our team we have the traditional therapist we actually have
about sixty team members now, but we also have a
(03:41):
free yoga meditation, a dietitian, We have nurse practitioners, and
we have people that offer non traditional models of therapy.
Speaker 10 (03:50):
So those who don't.
Speaker 6 (03:52):
Fit perfectly inside the traditional models can have alternatives that
work for them absolutely.
Speaker 2 (03:57):
And let's start with the big picture.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
What is the Mental Health Insurance Reformed task and what
prompted its creation?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
The task force and what prompted it.
Speaker 10 (04:04):
There's something called parody that is supposed.
Speaker 6 (04:07):
To exist on a federal level that means that mental
health and physical health providers are to be paid similarly
for their education. We didn't think a lot about this
until one of the main insurance companies left commercial insurance
and our practice was absorbed. The clients that were previously
(04:27):
using this more mainstream entrance company that was actually using
parity left the scene.
Speaker 10 (04:34):
And we lost about thirty percent of our income.
Speaker 6 (04:37):
It was a huge drop for us, and what we
realized was that these other companies were paying, like most
all companies were paying about fifty dollars less per hour
for the services that we were doing, and that had
a major impact not just on our practice, but on
clinicians all across the state, and we felt it was
important to look into the laws and see how we
(04:58):
can maybe do something to protect people.
Speaker 10 (05:01):
What's happening is insurance providers.
Speaker 6 (05:04):
Do not want to take insurance because of this low reimbursement,
because of something called clawbacks, where after you do a
session and get paid for it, sometimes that money can
be taken back without a lot of explanation. So that
means that only about eighteen percent of people who want
to use their commercial insurance for therapy are able to
do so, not because there aren't enough providers, but rather
(05:26):
because providers don't want to accept the terms that entrance
companies are asking them to accept.
Speaker 10 (05:32):
And that's completely understandable. So we wanted to figure out.
Speaker 6 (05:35):
How can we improve access, especially in places like rural
Kentucky where you know there's even fewer providers how can
we help improve access and then also make sure that
people are being treated barely for you know, their profession,
which is made up of about eighty percent women.
Speaker 1 (05:50):
You know, we're talking with Nicole Sartinis. She of course
was with Bridge Counseling and Wellness and they are looking
for some reform when it comes to mental health awareness
and Nicole, what stories are you hoping to collect from
both patients and say providers.
Speaker 10 (06:03):
Well, originally we did a survey.
Speaker 6 (06:07):
We collected a lot of stories from providers and their
experience with why they're not able to accept insurance and
how that creates barriers for consumers, for people who want
to use those services and whose entrants are supposed to.
Speaker 10 (06:17):
Pay for them.
Speaker 6 (06:19):
But as we have continued this work, which we started
in summer of twenty twenty four, since we've continued it ongoing,
we continue to hear more and more stories about insurance
as a whole and barriers to getting services for even.
Speaker 10 (06:33):
Physical health issues.
Speaker 6 (06:34):
So now we have created a landing platform called Buildbetterhealth
dot org and at that platform we're collecting stories not
just from mental health struggles and challenges with entrance, but
also from barriers that people have experienced for their physical health.
And what we're hoping to do is actually create an
(06:54):
alternative to traditional health insurance. But before we're going to
use this information to inform that process, and it's going
to be a big feat and there's a lot of
steps ahead, but we're hoping to get stories about how
insurance has been either barrier for people in achieving the
services that they needed for their well being, either physically
(07:15):
or mentally, and also any ideas people have for systems
that could work more effectively.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
You know, we're having a great conversation with Nicole Startini.
She is with Bridge Counseling and Wellness, and we're talking
about the frustrations people are experiencing with insurance companies and
mental health and as you pointed out, Nicole, now with
your physical health and you know, we've all heard stories
about people who are denied coverage, even the surprise bills.
What are some of the common issues you seem to
hear about through this feedback.
Speaker 6 (07:41):
I have heard stories about people having to get married
in the hospital in order to have the benefits that
they needed to get what they felt was life saving
service for them.
Speaker 10 (07:53):
That's a physical health thing.
Speaker 6 (07:54):
Of course, we being that we're therapists are getting tons
of stories about people being on really long at our
practice at Bridge, for instance, we constantly have a really
long wait list and we have so many providers. Doesn't
seem to be how much we grow. It's because people
need to use their insurance. They don't have the opportunity
to be out of pocket. If they could, they would
and some people are able to. But there's a big
(08:17):
gap of people who aren't eligible for Medicaid and who
aren't able to pay out of pocket, which is like
most Americans who need to use that until we're hearing
a lot of stories about people having barriers just receiving
that kind of treatment as well.
Speaker 1 (08:29):
Right, Nicole Sartini joining us again with Bridge Counseling and Wellness.
We're talking about reforms in another approach, given the roadblocks
we experience with insurance companies for sure, and you know, Nicole,
as we move forward in sort of going to the
political spectrum of this. Once you guys compile your results,
have you been in touch with lawmakers? Are you planning
on taking this trying to get this legislation changed.
Speaker 6 (08:50):
Yes, Actually, we do have a bill BR four twenty seven,
which is currently currently being sponsored by Representative Lisa Wilner,
and we hope it will be brought on by some
other legislators as well. We haven't introduced it formally to
the Kentucky House because we're kind of fine tuning some things.
When we were writing the Kentucky Mental Health Fairness Act,
(09:12):
we came across other bills and amendments that had already
been done previously that weren't actually being followed, and so
what we're doing now is we've met with the Department
of Insurance and had conversations there about specific things that
have been signed off on reflecting parody being something that
(09:33):
we should be here in Kentucky, and we're also reaching
out to the Department of Labor.
Speaker 10 (09:38):
So we have those things coming up.
Speaker 6 (09:40):
We also have a town hall that we're going to
be doing at the end of May, and so we'll
be reaching out inviting people to come learn about the
work that we've done with the Kentucky Mental Health Fairness
Act with Bildbetterhealth dot Org, and what we're hoping to
do with creating the alternative.
Speaker 1 (09:55):
Having a great conversation with Nicole Sartini again, she's with
Bridge Counseling and Well and they're trying to get folks
help over experienced you know, roadblocks when it comes to
insurance company companies. It's a lightning rod issue, Nicole, And
I'm so glad that you guys are tackling this. And
I don't know if you can answer this question, but
is there a timeline do you guys know about when
you want to compile this and present everything and move
(10:17):
up and take it to the next level.
Speaker 6 (10:19):
That timeline has been shifting ongoing. Of course, I bet
these developments end up coming.
Speaker 10 (10:24):
We hope.
Speaker 6 (10:25):
We're in the process of meeting with attorneys and that
sort of thing to figure out how quickly we can
actually move this. But technically we've created what's called the
Public Benefits Corporation, which has protections in place for consumers
and which embodies inherently a more transparent system. So in
our minds, if we can create an alternative where transparency
(10:47):
is key, which is missing. Therapists aren't even allowed to
talk about what their reimbursement rates are.
Speaker 10 (10:52):
It's in our contract. We can't discuss those things.
Speaker 6 (10:55):
In a newer system where we could be open about
what are providers getting paid, where's our money from our
health insurance actually going, and where is the surplus of
income going because as of now, traditional insurance CEOs make
fifteen million to thirty million dollars a year plus there's
uh I think I did the It was like one
point three trillion in the revenue between all the main
(11:19):
main ones, and each insurance company is profiting in the
billions every quarter. So in our from our perspective, some
of that money, most of that money could be returning.
Speaker 10 (11:30):
Into care for the consumer.
Speaker 6 (11:33):
And if we were able to create a transparent system.
Speaker 10 (11:37):
And hold that like treat the leadership.
Speaker 6 (11:40):
Would maybe embody more of like a nonprofit type of
salary and have that be public facing. In addition to
you know, the surpluses that we're going to be able
to hopefully receive from a system like that, which is
community lad and provider lead, that would make a huge
difference in our ability to actually not have to borrow
so many people from.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Services Sure Sure and Nicole.
Speaker 6 (12:01):
Sartine, the power power can be embodied in a different
way than it.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Has been in this case, absolutely great conversation. Excuse me,
Nicole SARTINII again is with Bridge Counseling and Wellness really
launching an initiative to kind of take on the frustrations
we've all experienced with the insurance companies and Nicole, where
can people go to share their stories and learn more
about about the Mental Health Reform Task Force.
Speaker 6 (12:26):
You can visit either our website at Bridge Counseling Wellness,
which is www dot bridgemindbody dot com, or you can
go to our current landing page which we're in the
process of building out, which is build betterhealth dot org
and that's what we're doing.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
The story collection outstanding in any final thoughts, Nicole, for
those listening and struggle with insurance barriers but are maybe
hesitant to speak out, what do you say to them?
Speaker 6 (12:51):
I just want to let people know that the providers
want to do the right thing. We want to serve
as many people as possible.
Speaker 10 (13:00):
What we are.
Speaker 6 (13:00):
Seeking is mutual respect within a system that needs some reform,
and we're going to do everything that we can to
make mental health and physical health treatment that people need
accessible to everyone.
Speaker 1 (13:12):
Nicole SARTAINI you have been amazing Bridge Counseling and Wellness.
Speaker 2 (13:16):
I'm so glad we had a chance to catch up.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Let's you and I check in down the road and
let's see how we're doing with this, and you know,
anytime you want to speak, I know how to get.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
A hold of you. You know how to get a
hold of me.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Let's make sure we make this happen because you're doing
some good work and it sounds like it's been long overdue,
that's for sure.
Speaker 10 (13:32):
Thank you so much, Scott.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
Thank you again to Nicole sartaini and co founder of
Bridge Counseling and Wellness. For more information, you can visit
bridgemindbody dot com. Coming up, what if the signs of
autism aren't what you think they are? And what's one
thing Kentucky parents need to know right now that could
make a difference in early intervention. We'll dive into that
and more with someone who's been guiding families through this
(13:55):
journey for decades. I'm Scott Fitzgeralden you're listening to Kentucky Focus.
Speaker 11 (14:02):
The more you listen to your kids, the closer you'll be.
So we ask kids, what do you want your parents
to hear?
Speaker 12 (14:10):
I feel sometimes that I'm not listening to I would
just want you to listen to me more often and
evaluate situations with me and lead me towards success.
Speaker 13 (14:19):
We're not adults, so just just be there and like, listen.
I just want someone to yat too, and I just
feel like I'll be fine. Like if someone just hears
me talk and talk and talk and talk and talk.
Speaker 12 (14:31):
And talk and talk, you're doing a really good job.
And I don't think I tell you that. I don't know,
and I know sometimes we get into it. It's just
hard on both of us. But I'll try to understand
me more and I'll try to do the same.
Speaker 11 (14:47):
Listening is a form of love. Find resources to help
you support your kids and their emotional well being that
sound it out together dot org. That's Sounded out Together
dot org. Brought to you by the ad Council.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
I'm pivotal.
Speaker 14 (15:00):
Adoption of teams from foster care is a topic not
enough people know about, and we are here to change that.
I'm April Dinwity, host of the new podcast Navigating Adoption,
presented by adopt us Kids. Each episode brings you compelling,
real life adoption stories told by the families that live them,
with commentary from experts. Visit adopt us Kids dot org,
slash podcast, or subscribed to Navigating Adoption presented by adopt
(15:23):
us Kids brought to you by the US Department of
Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, and
the AD Council.
Speaker 2 (15:32):
April was Autism Awareness Month, time not just for reflection,
but for action.
Speaker 1 (15:37):
Across the Commonwealth, families, educators, and healthcare professionals are working
every day to better understand and support those living with
autism spectrum disorder.
Speaker 2 (15:45):
Here in Kentucky, the numbers are growing.
Speaker 1 (15:46):
According to the CDC, one in thirty six children nationwide
is diagnosed with autism, and our state reflects that trend.
In fact, recent data suggests more than fourteen thousand children
in Kentucky are currently diagnosed on this spectrum, and yet
so many families still face challenges in accessing early diagnosis, therapies,
and educational support. Well, this week we're shining a light
(16:08):
on those challenges and the early progress being made. We
had the opportunity to catch up with doctor Charles Pemberton.
He is a licensed professional clinical counselor based right here
in Kentucky. Doctor Pemberton brings years of experience working with
individuals and families navigating the autism journey, and he shares
some meaningful insights into how we can all play a
role in building a more inclusive, understanding community. So, whether
(16:32):
autism has touched your life directly or you're simply looking
to learn.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
More, you're in the right place.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
And it's clear we made tremendous progress in diagnosing and
dealing with autism, something doctor Charles Pemmerton completely agrees with.
Speaker 15 (16:46):
We have learned a lot about how to identify autism.
We have learned a lot about how to treat it,
although I will say we've got a long way to
go and treat because it still can be a very
frustrating condition for families. What we haven't worked and discovered
yet is the cause of autism.
Speaker 7 (17:08):
We suspect that it's genetic based.
Speaker 15 (17:11):
We know it is not caused by vaccines, and there's
other things that vaccines can cause with mercury and things,
so we know it's not caused by that, but that's
been a big hiccup in the treatment of other things
as it gotten the way of having people take those vaccines.
Speaker 7 (17:32):
The issue is is.
Speaker 15 (17:33):
That we have to realize that a government came out
with a phrase that you know, they'll never lead normal lives,
and they'll never have jobs, and they'll never pay taxes.
Speaker 7 (17:42):
That simply isn't true.
Speaker 15 (17:45):
Now when you talk about profound autism, and we talk
about autism kind of in different levels, when you talk
about that most severe autistic situation, yes, those people are
not going to hold jobs, They're not going to be
able to pay taxes, but that is no different than
(18:05):
anyone with another majorly significant medical condition. They're going to
be kind of in that role. But a vast majority
of these people are going to live pretty productive and happy,
healthy lives. We just have to make sure that we
(18:25):
get them the treatment that they need early on, and
we don't kind of hide them away.
Speaker 7 (18:31):
We don't get people that are afraid to seek treatment.
Speaker 1 (18:34):
Again, we're hearing from doctor Charles Pemberton, a licensed professional
clinical counselor based here in Kentucky, and we're talking about
autism in this Autism Awareness month. Doctor Pemberton, we're seeing
movement in our numbers here locally specifically an increase. Is
that due really to our ability to better diagnose autism
or is there another specific cause.
Speaker 7 (18:54):
But there's a.
Speaker 15 (18:55):
Great question, and there are two answers to that. We
are getting better at identify, so the diagnosing is better.
There can be an increase across the spectrum, So that
is a possibility.
Speaker 7 (19:08):
I hate to use the word benefits.
Speaker 15 (19:10):
But there are in school systems and educational situations, there
are reasons to get a diagnosis that years ago there
wasn't Having a diagnosis of autism didn't.
Speaker 7 (19:22):
Gain you anything. There were no other treatments.
Speaker 15 (19:24):
You didn't get anything for having that diagnosis, so why
bother going down that road? Now you get those So
there are some avenues that are open to you for that.
But the biggest reason is is we have redefined autism
throughout the years. So it's almost imagined. If we used
to say that tall was diagnosed as anyone over six',
(19:48):
five and all of a sudden we've, said well tall
is anyone over five. Eleven there's gonna be a lot
more tall people in the. World and we've done that
by redefining what autism.
Speaker 7 (20:01):
Is and that was a major change in THE dsm.
Speaker 15 (20:04):
Five that, occurred and that skyrocketed the numbers because we
grouped a lot of things together and, said, well instead
of calling IT a AND b AND, c this is
all in the autism, spectrum and we put all of those,
together and that number blew.
Speaker 7 (20:23):
Up after that.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
Happened, again we're talking with Doctor Charles, pemberton a licensed
professional clinical counselor based here In.
Speaker 2 (20:30):
Kentucky and of course it Is Autism awareness. Month if you're.
Speaker 1 (20:34):
Listening to this and you think you may need to
explore autism further or know someone who, does Doctor pemberton
has this.
Speaker 15 (20:40):
Advice the two things that people need to look for
in their young children is we need to have either
an over fascination with something or a complete disinterest in
actions and activities, toys, games things like. That but then
the other pieces is that lack of social, interaction that
inability to socially engage with. PEOPLE i want to caution, people,
(21:03):
though to say that every child goes through a normal
developmental phase where they are kind of obsessed with toys
or they're disinterested in. Toys everybody has a time when
they line up all their hot wheels or they no
longer care about that stuffed. Animal, likewise every child naturally
goes through a phase where they are overly social or
(21:26):
maybe disinterested in Social we're not looking for those, phases
we're looking for that pattern of those things across multiple,
events multiple. Situations when those things, occur that's when you
need to talk to your. Pediatrician you need to talk
to educators.
Speaker 7 (21:46):
And get another set of.
Speaker 15 (21:47):
Eyes that does not mean your child is, autistic but
it might be something that you want to alter how
you parent just a little bit to help your child
develop certain.
Speaker 2 (21:59):
Skills, finally Doctor pem didn't shares his final.
Speaker 15 (22:02):
Thoughts the first one would be when you see, somebody you,
know a family out and they have a child that
is acting, out or you, know you, think oh, boy
that that parent's not doing their, job please give them
a little bit of grace because we never know what
that parent is dealing, with or what that child is dealing,
with what they've just come out. Of tup that judgment
(22:23):
away a little, bit because none of us want to get.
Speaker 7 (22:26):
Judged on our worst.
Speaker 15 (22:27):
Days and just because a parent isn't parenting the way
that we would definitely doesn't make it the wrong.
Speaker 7 (22:34):
Way the second.
Speaker 15 (22:35):
Piece is is that if you have a child that you're,
questioning or you're worried, about or you're considering might need
some special tension down the, road seek those services out.
Early right, now all of our facilities are backlogged with
getting those assessments done and getting that help out. THERE
a lot of people are on a waiting. List it
(22:56):
would be better to seek those things out early and
a wide net to get those, services because none of
the services are going to make things.
Speaker 7 (23:06):
Worse they can.
Speaker 15 (23:08):
Just help a situation. Better so please remember those two things.
Speaker 2 (23:12):
Again thank you to Doctor Charles.
Speaker 1 (23:14):
Pemberton he is a licensed clinical professional here In kentucky
and he took time to share his, insight most, importantly his.
Compassion his work is helping so many families here in
The commonwealth be, seen heard and, supported and we're truly
grateful for the difference he's making in the time he
spends with. Us as we've heard, today understanding autism begins with,
listening with, curiosity with, patience and an open. Heart the
(23:37):
more we, learn the better we, become not just as
caregivers or, professionals but his, neighbors.
Speaker 2 (23:41):
As communities and human. Beings thank you, again Doctor.
Speaker 1 (23:44):
Pemberton we're back after this Sim Scott fitzgerald and you're
listening To Kentucky.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Focus.
Speaker 7 (23:53):
Listen retirement is the long. Game we can't play about
our future or our.
Speaker 9 (23:58):
Finances let's put ourselves in the right.
Speaker 16 (24:00):
Position start building your retirement plan at this ispretirement dot.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Org brought to you BY aarp and the Ad. Council
welcome back To Kentucky. Focus I'm. Scott it's.
Speaker 1 (24:11):
General, well it's that time. Again the eyes of the
world are turning to The Bluegrass. State next, week all
roads lead To louisville for The run for The, roses
The Kentucky. Derby but as anyone from around here will tell,
you it's not just a two minute horse. Race it's
a week long celebration of, heritage, fashion, food, music and
the heart and soul for our.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
State i'm under Over louisville to.
Speaker 1 (24:31):
The Pegasus, parade from steamboat races on The ohio to
bourbon tasting tours around The commonwealth that culminate with of,
course The gala is under those beautiful glass. Chandeliers there's
no week quite Like Derby week In. Kentucky and sometimes
it's not always about the big glamour and glitz of
celebrities and. Parties it's a time when families gathered For
(24:51):
derby parties and fourbon flows a little, easier and.
Speaker 2 (24:54):
We probably show the world just how much spirit we really.
Speaker 1 (24:57):
Have but behind the Men julep's and the big, hats
The derby is serious.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Business For.
Speaker 1 (25:02):
Kentucky each, year this one event brings in more than
four hundred million dollars to our state's, economy tells, restaurants
small businesses all across our state field of. Boost it's
an incredible driver, tourism, jobs and most importantly. Pride and this,
year with the new faces and the stables and the
global spotlight brighter than, Ever derby one fifty one promises
(25:22):
to be one.
Speaker 2 (25:23):
For the history.
Speaker 1 (25:24):
Books it's all week long here at The Kentucky News
network will bring you the stories from behind the, scenes
the voices from the backside Of churchill, downs and insight
into what makes this Uniquely kentucky traditional so.
Speaker 2 (25:36):
Important not just to us the rest of the, world
stick with.
Speaker 1 (25:40):
Us Gang Derby week is here and The Kentucky News,
network along With Kentucky, focus will.
Speaker 2 (25:45):
Be right in the heart of. It I'm Scott. Fitzgerald
we're back to wrap things up after.
Speaker 17 (25:50):
This you wanted to be, cool which led you to,
(26:12):
smoking which led to a pack a. Day then you
met that special, someone which led to starting a life with,
them which led to wanting 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 if you, smoked get, scanned talk to your doctor
(26:33):
and learn more At saved bythscan dot. Org brought to
you by The American Lung association and THE Ad.
Speaker 1 (26:39):
Council as we wrap up this Week's Kentucky, FOCUS i
want to take a moment and extend a heart felt
thank you the two remarkable individuals who are making a
difference here in the. State that would Be Nicole, sartini
co founder AND ceo Of Bridge counseling And. Wellness thank,
you of, course for the tireless efforts to break down
barriers and make mental health care more accessible for Every.
(27:01):
Kentucky work is changing, lives and our passion is a
reminder that healing begins with, hope and hope begins with
someone who cares and to Doctor Charles pemberton is, compassion,
insight and dedication to those living with autism as well
as those just beginning to ask questions can't accurately be.
Measured his voice is one of reassurance and his work
(27:21):
continues to light the path for so many families across the.
State and, finally of, course to all of you listening Across.
Kentucky thank. You thank you for Making Kentucky focus part
of your week and for being a part of these important.
Conversations the more we, listen and more we, learn and
the stronger we grow.
Speaker 2 (27:39):
Together I'm Scott. Fitzgerald have a Great derby. Week we'll
talk to you next time right here On Kentucky.
Speaker 3 (27:46):
Focus Kentucky focus on The Kentucky News, network the show
that looks at issues affecting The commonwealth and it's. Citizens
we cover state politics and, history human interest, stories, sports
and even entertainment Which Kentucky focus ON.
Speaker 16 (28:01):
kNN you said you'd never buy your kid candy from
the checkout, aisle or forget extra, diapers and never give
into a. Meltdown you'd never lick your thumb to clean their,
face never let them have too much green, time and
(28:24):
never bribe them for just one more. Bite you say
you'd never let them out in public without their hair,
brush never ever become a minivan, mom and you'd never
give them your phone for a quiet dinner calling boss work.
Phone so when you say you'd never leave your child
(28:46):
in a hot, car, no it can. Happen cars get hot,
fast and kids can be at risk in temperatures as
low as sixty degrees. Fahrenheit never happens before.
Speaker 17 (28:59):
You leave the.
Speaker 16 (28:59):
Car always, stop look. Luck brought to you By nitze
and THE Ad.
Speaker 4 (29:04):
Council Michael Eric dyson for The Bail.
Speaker 8 (29:07):
Project our founders drafted The Eighth amendment to prohibit excessive cash.
Speaker 7 (29:11):
Bail they never meant for it to hold people in.
Speaker 8 (29:14):
Jail they knew excessive bail would create one system of
justice with a rich and one for everyone. Else but
today cash beil traps people in jail before they've even
had their day in. Court that's why The Bail project
helps those who can afford it while fighting to end
cash bail because freedom should be.
Speaker 4 (29:32):
Free brought to you by THE Ad council
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