Last Updated on November 17, 2025 by Brenda

Listen to or watch this episode here The Courage to Ask for Help

We’ve all faced moments when seeking help feels daunting. Sometimes, the biggest barrier isn’t cost or a lack of resources—it’s stigma. The Quay County Health Council recently hosted an enlightening discussion on our “Health IQ” podcast with guest Liam Westgate, Director of Community and Clinical Linkages at Presbyterian Health Care Services, about how stigma affects our community and what we can do about it.

Liam Westgate shared that stigma, which he defines as a “marker of separateness,” is often a greater barrier to care than financial concerns. This is because stigma can lead to a sense of isolation and even an internalized feeling of shame. This feeling can keep people from accessing the care they need, whether for physical, behavioral, or mental health.

So, how can we change this? The podcast episode highlighted two powerful tools:

• Universal Screening: By asking everyone the same questions about their health-related social needs, we normalize the conversation. This practice, similar to universal precautions like washing our hands, removes the isolation that can come from being singled out. It shows that everyone’s well-being matters and that there is no shame in having health concerns.
• Connection as a Superpower: One of the most impactful takeaways from the episode was Liam’s message that connection is our superpower. In small communities like ours, we have the unique advantage of knowing our neighbors. This means we can actively choose to support each other. Instead of turning away from someone who is struggling, we can bring them closer. We can offer a ride, share a meal, or simply offer a listening ear. When someone is in recovery, we can cheer them on and remind them that a setback is not a failure, but a part of the journey.

The conversation also touched on the stigma surrounding harm reduction, a practice focused on keeping people safe while they build their readiness to change. It’s a reminder that we must move away from seeing addiction as a moral failing and instead recognize it as a complex health issue.

As a community, we can actively reduce stigma by showing up for one another. Offering quiet support, asking how a person needs to be supported, and being a reliable presence can make all the difference. If you or someone you know is in need of resources for behavioral or mental health, please visit the Quay County Health Council website at QCHealthCouncil.org and click on our resource directory.

We invite you to join in the Conversation on January 7th from 11:00 to 2:00 at Mesalands Community College.  Text 575-815-4575 to register so a lunch will be provided for you.