Our Voice of ME
Our Voice of ME
Podcast Description
Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine. Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes including mental health advocacy, peer support, resilience, and systemic change, with episodes such as conversations about advocacy in physical disabilities as reflected in Kim Moody's story and introductions to personal experiences shared by staff and board members from the Consumer Council System of Maine.
Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine. Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers.
TW: Substance use; suicide
In this special episode, we talk with Nio DiPietrantonio, founder of Serving Up Support Maine, about mental health and substance use struggles in the hospitality industry. Nio shares her personal journey and what led her to launch this grassroots support initiative that is fostering community care among hospitality workers in Maine.
Interview Recorded:June 6, 2025
🎧 Tune in to hear from Nio!
LINKS/RESOURCES
Home – Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness
Welcome – Maine Parent Federation
VA Maine Health Care | Veterans Affairs
Maine Invites You – Maine Tourism Association
MyFriendBen – Finding benefits and tax credits just got easier
Kitchen Confidential- Anthony Bourdain
SOURCES/CITATIONS
Maine Office of Tourism – 2023 Annual Report
Maine Office of Tourism 2023 Annual Report
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MOT-2023-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf
→ Provides data on statewide visitation, spending, employment, wages, and visitor satisfaction
Maine Office of Tourism – Greater Portland & Casco Bay Region 2023 Profile
2023 Regional Tourism Impact Report – Greater Portland & Casco Bay
https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Portland-Region.pdf
Details regional data: visitor spending, job support, and income impact in the Portland metro area
Visit Portland – Economic Impact Summary
Tourism’s Economic Impact on Greater Portland (2024 Overview)
https://www.visitportland.com/about-us/tourism-impact/
→ Breaks down broader tourism data for the Portland region, including trip counts, employment, and earnings
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Occupational Estimates
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.html
→ Ranks food service occupations highest for illicit drug use and third-highest for heavy alcohol use
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook & Mental Health Risks
Job Flexibility and Mental Health Challenges in Food Service Jobs
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/home.htm
→ General reference for job outlook and challenges in the food preparation and serving industry
Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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