Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Military-connected families are often praised for their resilience. But behind every deployment, relocation and homecoming are children navigating constant change, and too often, gaps in the mental health care system meant to support them.
In the first episode of this two-part series, we speak with policy leaders from Nemours Children's Health and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, along with military-connected parents and advocates, about the unique behavioral health challenges facing military-connected youth. From frequent moves and disrupted continuity of care to the stigma surrounding mental health, they discuss what's working, where the system falls short, and the policy solutions that could help ensure every military-connected child has access to the care they need, wherever military life takes their family.
Featuring:
Daniella Gratale, MA, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's Health
Meredith Beck, Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Engagement, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Duane Duke, MD, FACS, FAAP, Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves, Trauma Medical Director, Nemours Children’s Health
Allison Mejia, Child & Family Advocate, Military Spouse
Elizabeth (Liz) Rotenberry, Director, Caregiver Engagement, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Military Spouse
Host/Producer: Carol Vassar
Military-connected families are often praised for their resilience. But behind every deployment, relocation and homecoming are children navigating constant change, and too often, gaps in the mental health care system meant to support them.
In the first episode of this two-part series, we speak with policy leaders from Nemours Children's Health and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, along with military-connected parents and advocates, about the unique behavioral health challenges facing military-connected youth. From frequent moves and disrupted continuity of care to the stigma surrounding mental health, they discuss what's working, where the system falls short, and the policy solutions that could help ensure every military-connected child has access to the care they need, wherever military life takes their family.
Featuring:
Daniella Gratale, MA, Associate Vice President, Federal Affairs, Nemours Children's Health
Meredith Beck, Vice President for Government Affairs and Community Engagement, Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Duane Duke, MD, FACS, FAAP, Colonel, U.S. Army Reserves, Trauma Medical Director, Nemours Children’s Health
Allison Mejia, Child & Family Advocate, Military Spouse
Elizabeth (Liz) Rotenberry, Director, Caregiver Engagement, The Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and Military Spouse
Host/Producer: Carol Vassar
