Idaho Public Television to air two upcoming programs on wildflowers and kids’ mental health

This June, Idaho Public Television has two unique programs that focus on the beauty of Idaho and the well-being of Idaho kids’ mental health.

First on Outdoor Idaho, “Wildflowers” airs at 8 p.m. June 16 and repeats at 7 p.m. June 19.

Viewers will go on a vivid, multicolor journey through the foothills and remote areas of Idaho, where stunning wildflowers come in every hue. Most of us know that the state is famous for birders and hikers, but there is such a person as a “wildflower-er” — one who seeks natural flowers for photography or just taking them in.

The “Wildflowers” special features an interesting cast with one passion in common: wildflowers. The footage is thanks to the work of videographer Jay Krajic, who Idaho Public Television says “shot video of wildflowers in every nook and cranny across the state of Idaho” with an eye for capturing the beauty.

Krajic worked with producer Lauren Melink, who shaped the fascinating stories from those who have discovered that the wild side of Idaho’s flora is good for the whole person, heart, mind, and soul, to learn about.

“There’s just so much beauty in nature, and some of it happens to be quite small,” Lauren Melink said in a press statement. “This show is about getting down on your hands and knees and appreciating the true magnificence of our Idaho landscape.”

Idaho Public Television notes the cast will present a fresh perspective on the growing trend.

“We look at wildflowers through the eyes of their devotees: a photographer with an unquenchable curiosity, a botanist recording the landscape for future generations, a blogger with a zest for weeds, a flower seed farmer, and an educator in ethnobotany.”

The documentary will also discuss the various Idaho wildflowers — with the trademark Outdoor Idaho stunning visuals to inspire and perhaps cultivate some new hobbyists to hunt for the Indian paintbrush, beargrass, syringa, or bitterroot.

How Do We Discuss Mental Health With Our Kids?

Also coming in June on Idaho Public Television is “Raising Resilient Kids: Mental Health Matters” at 8 p.m. June 28.

The news cycle is unrelenting in alarming events affecting not only adults but also kids. Talking to them to help them process upsetting news items is often a difficult discussion, and how to gauge their ability to process and think through these events is something every parent can use for some guidance.

“Raising Resilient Kids: Mental Health Matters” is an hourlong special with Idaho’s top mental health experts offering their take on how to do this, as well as general information on how to talk with kids about mental health so parents and caregivers can enter this conversation more confidently.

Nicole Sanchez discusses coping skills, resiliency, and when to seek professional care and consultation. She also produced “Resilient Idaho: Hope Lives Here.” That award-winning documentary explored Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, and showed how resilience is the antidote. It was made available nationwide to all PBS stations as “Resilience: Hope Lives Here.”

“We know there are young people in our communities who are really struggling. A lot of times it can be scary and hard to talk about mental health,” Sanchez said in a press statement to the Idaho Capital Sun. “We want to take as much stress out of these conversations as possible. We hope to normalize these discussions and empower parents to help their children be more resilient and hopeful.”

Along with Sanchez, the discussion’s panelists include:

• Dr. Dennis J. Woody, a senior clinical program consultant for Optum Idaho who served as the clinical director since 2013, when Optum’s care management began in Idaho.
• Dr. Noreen Womack, who works with St. Luke’s Children’s Mobile Care clinic.
• Keith Orchard, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who serves as the mental health coordinator for Coeur d’Alene Public Schools.
• Amber Leyba-Castle of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Idaho’s Wood River Valley.
• Dr. Gretchen Gudmundsen, who oversees diagnostic assessment and therapeutic intervention for the St. Luke’s Children’s Day Treatment Center.

Of note, Sanchez is also the host of the Idaho News 6 award program “Shine a Light” and is a host and reporter for the newsmagazine show “CityStream,” which airs on the Seattle Channel. In addition, Sanchez serves as the president of the NW chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which produces the regional Emmys in Seattle.

In addition to the hourlong broadcast special, these five short videos for “Raising Resilient Kids” will be available on the Resilient Kids website: idahoptv.org/resilientkids