Wyoming PBS Reaches out to Caregivers Statewide with Groundbreaking Live-Streamed Event

Christina George, Director of Marketing, Outreach, and Communications, Wyoming PBS

July 9, 2024—Wyoming PBS is expanding its efforts to raise awareness about caregiver well-being by hosting a public screening event featuring "The Caregivers," an episode from the award-winning documentary series A State of Mind. The screening is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on July 22 at Central Wyoming College’s Little Theatre in Riverton.

There will be a 5 p.m. reception with hors d'oeuvres prior to the screening. The special screening will also be live streamed on YouTube, allowing caregivers across the state to participate in the discussion from the comfort of their homes.

The episode, which delves into the mental health challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia, has already struck a chord with audiences and sparked a much-needed conversation about the well-being of caregivers in Wyoming. By live streaming the event, Wyoming PBS aims to make the discussion accessible to a wider audience and ensure that caregivers unable to attend in person can still benefit from the insights and resources shared. This event is particularly relevant for the “sandwich generation”—adults who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents and their own children. As more young adults find themselves in this challenging position, understanding the mental health impacts of caregiving becomes increasingly important for all generations.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring individuals from the episode and experts in the field, including representatives from the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and the University of Wyoming Dementia Together Program. Another panelist will be Kent Shurtleff, of Riverton, whose experience as a longtime caregiver for his wife, Minnie, is featured prominently in the episode.

Viewers tuning in via the live stream will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panelists through the YouTube chat, fostering an interactive and engaging discussion.

"We recognize that many caregivers face challenges that make it difficult for them to attend events in person," said Joanna Kail, CEO of Wyoming PBS. "By live streaming this screening and discussion, we hope to reach a broader audience and ensure that everyone has access to the valuable information and resources shared by our expert panelists."

The live stream will be accessible on the Wyoming PBS YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@WyomingPBS) at 5:30 p.m. on July 22. Caregivers and interested individuals are encouraged to tune in and participate in this crucial conversation about mental health and support for those caring for loved ones with dementia.

For more information about the A State of Mind series, visit wyomingpbs.org/astateofmind/.

Wyoming PBS is a non-profit public broadcasting organization serving the state of Wyoming. With a commitment to educating, informing, and inspiring, Wyoming PBS produces and broadcasts high-quality programming that addresses the unique needs and interests of the Wyoming community.