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
PLEASE NOTE: The comments and opinions of Dr. Duane Duke are his own and do not represent those of the U.S. Army Reserves.
00:00 Introduction
00:36 Why Military-Connected Youth Need Better Mental Health Support
02:16 New Policy Brief and Partnership
03:45 Biggest Barriers to Behavioral Health Care
05:37 Continuity of Care, Telehealth & Policy Solutions
08:09 Key Recommendations for Policymakers
10:09 Parents Share the Reality of Military Family Life
13:39 The Emotional Impact of Deployments and Frequent Moves
17:01 Continuity of Care Challenges for Military Children
20:31 Why Mental Health Access Remains Difficult
24:59 Mental Health Stigma in Military Families
30:03 Why Prevention Matters
33:00 Can Telehealth Improve Access?
36:19 Advice for Military Families
38:27 Looking Ahead: Provider Perspectives in Part Two
Thanks for listening to Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children’s Health Podcast. How do you go well beyond medicine in your own life or community? How do you celebrate it?
🎙️ Share your story or leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/NemoursWell...
Your message could be featured in a future episode.
🌐 Listen to more episodes and explore the podcast: nemourswellbeyond.org
📩 Sign up for our monthly newsletter for new episodes, stories, and updates: nemourswellbeyond.org/news
Follow Nemours Children’s Health:
Instagram: / nemours
X (Twitter): / nemours
Facebook: / nemours
LinkedIn: / nemours
Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children’s Health Podcast explores children’s health, pediatric care, health equity, mental health, social determinants of health, and health care innovation—from food security and community-based care to meeting families where they are with accessible health and wellness resources. We highlight the people and ideas shaping the future of pediatric health care and building the healthiest generations of children ever.
#WellBeyondMedicine #NemoursChildrensHealth #Pediatrics #ChildrensHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareInnovation #MentalHealth #socialdeterminantsofhealth
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
PLEASE NOTE: The comments and opinions of Dr. Duane Duke are his own and do not represent those of the U.S. Army Reserves.
00:00 Introduction
00:36 Why Military-Connected Youth Need Better Mental Health Support
02:16 New Policy Brief and Partnership
03:45 Biggest Barriers to Behavioral Health Care
05:37 Continuity of Care, Telehealth & Policy Solutions
08:09 Key Recommendations for Policymakers
10:09 Parents Share the Reality of Military Family Life
13:39 The Emotional Impact of Deployments and Frequent Moves
17:01 Continuity of Care Challenges for Military Children
20:31 Why Mental Health Access Remains Difficult
24:59 Mental Health Stigma in Military Families
30:03 Why Prevention Matters
33:00 Can Telehealth Improve Access?
36:19 Advice for Military Families
38:27 Looking Ahead: Provider Perspectives in Part Two
Thanks for listening to Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children’s Health Podcast. How do you go well beyond medicine in your own life or community? How do you celebrate it?
🎙️ Share your story or leave us a voicemail: https://www.speakpipe.com/NemoursWell...
Your message could be featured in a future episode.
🌐 Listen to more episodes and explore the podcast: nemourswellbeyond.org
📩 Sign up for our monthly newsletter for new episodes, stories, and updates: nemourswellbeyond.org/news
Follow Nemours Children’s Health:
Instagram: / nemours
X (Twitter): / nemours
Facebook: / nemours
LinkedIn: / nemours
Well Beyond Medicine: The Nemours Children’s Health Podcast explores children’s health, pediatric care, health equity, mental health, social determinants of health, and health care innovation—from food security and community-based care to meeting families where they are with accessible health and wellness resources. We highlight the people and ideas shaping the future of pediatric health care and building the healthiest generations of children ever.
#WellBeyondMedicine #NemoursChildrensHealth #Pediatrics #ChildrensHealth #HealthEquity #HealthcareInnovation #MentalHealth #socialdeterminantsofhealth
