Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Jill West, Chief Executive Officer of People Incorporated Mental Health Services
Jul 3, 2025
Jill Wiedemann-West, CEO of People Incorporated Mental Health Services, leads a non-profit focused on expanding mental health access in Minnesota. In this conversation, she discusses innovative strategies to engage communities post-COVID and reduce stigma. Jill highlights how the pandemic has increased mental health awareness while revealing the need for more accessible services. She also tackles workforce challenges, sharing initiatives like paid internships and a Pathways Program aimed at nurturing the next generation of mental health professionals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Outreach to Hidden Communities
- People Incorporated redefined community engagement to reach individuals who don't seek help due to fear or past experiences.
- They meet people where they are comfortable and raise awareness that services exist.
COVID Reduced Mental Health Stigma
- COVID-19 reduced stigma around mental health by making struggles more universal.
- People now recognize mental wellness needs more openly than before the pandemic.
Mental Health's Role in Overall Wellness
- Mental wellness is essential to overall health and impacts outcomes in physical care.
- Cultural differences require thoughtful outreach to reach all communities for mental health services.