Healthy Dialogs

Ignacio, CO, 2002

KSUT-FM and the San Juan Basin Health Department (SJBHD) serve a constituency that includes Native Americans who rely on livestock for their livelihood, an Anglo-dominated tourism and resort industry, and a significant Hispanic population working in all economic sectors. All have been seriously affected by a three-year drought and the summer of 2002's devastating wildfire, which blackened 110 square miles of scenic mountains, dealt a sharp blow to the summer tourist season and destroyed 56 homes. In addition, real estate prices continue to skyrocket, wages remain low and many people struggle with unmet health care needs. KSUT teamed up with San Juan Basin Health Department (SJBHD) to help community members in dealing with these difficult times.

KSUT and SJBHD are engaging their community in a dialogue about how to deal with these issues by identifying and distributing information relative to the community's mental and physical health crisis and increase the capacity of the community to strengthen itself through a cross-cultural “talking circle.” SJBHD serves both La Plata and Archuleta counties, and KSUT's signal reaches from Pagosa Springs to Monticello, Utah, Silverton to Gallup, New Mexico. SJBHD hopes to achieve better relationships with surrounding communities, while helping KSUT develop locally produced programming. Both partners seek an increased connectivity among health care providers, community leaders and residents in need.

Healthy Dialogs covers mental health issues during stressful times, cultural approaches to wellness, diabetes and substance abuse.The programming blends journalism, community dialogue and advocacy. The partners host a quarterly one-hour call-in program and a monthly 15-minute module that include a brief news summary and an in-depth feature. Transcripts and links are available online, and elements of each program can be repurposed for regional and/or national programs, including American Indian Radio on Satellite, Latino USA, and National Native News.

KSUT and SJBHD hope the project empowers locals to make informed decisions related to the economic emergency, and helps them realize the role all people play in maintaining and improving the community's well-being.

Contact Information

Healthy Dialogs
KSUT Public Radio
Tel: 970-560-2226

San Juan Basin Health Department
Danni Lorrigan, Communications Director
Tel: 970-247-5702