**This is our final episode until February 2025. Please subscribe to ensure you are alerted when episode 100 becomes available.**

This episode of Raising Joy shines a light on the critical work being done to increase access to mental health services for families living in poverty and/or lacking health insurance
in Tarrant County. Our guests, Kelly Rand and Dayo Jolayemi, are two exceptional Licensed Clinical Social Workers dedicated to Cook Children's Neighborhood Health Centers.

In this conversation, we'll explore:

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The unique needs of children and families facing poverty and health insurance barriers.

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How Kelly and Dayo navigate these challenges to provide essential behavioral health support.

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The importance of accessible and equitable mental health care for all children.

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The impact of their work on the lives of children and families in Tarrant County.

This episode offers valuable insights into the critical role of social workers in supporting the mental health of children and families in underserved communities.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we delve into the critical issue of childhood obesity and explore a new bariatric surgery program at Cook Children's. Joining us is Kanika Bowen-Jallow,
M.D., the medical director of the program at Cook Children’s Medical Center - Prosper.

Dr. Bowen-Jallow provides invaluable insights into:

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When and why bariatric surgery is considered
for adolescents struggling with severe obesity.

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The potential health benefits of weight loss
surgery, including improvements in physical health and mental well-being.

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The multidisciplinary approach at Cook Children's,
which involves a team of experts to support patients on their weight loss journey.

This episode offers valuable information for parents and caregivers concerned about childhood obesity and provides a deeper understanding of the role of bariatric surgery in addressing
this complex health challenge.

In this episode of Raising Joy, we welcome Andrea Dunlop, author and host of the true crime podcast "Nobody Should Believe Me," which investigates medical child abuse (MCA), formerly known as Munchausen by Proxy. Andrea shares her personal connection to the topic, stemming from a family experience, and explains what MCA is: a parent or caregiver, most often the mother, inducing, exaggerating, or fabricating a child's medical illness for attention and sympathy.

Andrea discusses the red flags that may indicate MCA, and highlights the importance of distinguishing between anxious parents and those intentionally deceiving medical professionals. This episode contains sensitive content related to child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.