When You Know, a Polk Vision Initiative

When You Know, a Polk Vision Initiative Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from When You Know, a Polk Vision Initiative, Health & Wellness Website, 3425 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL.

is a Polk Vision campaign breaking down mental health stigma in Polk County by shining a light on pivotal moments when understanding emerges, silence is broken, and the need for change becomes clear—sparking connection and transformation.

We’re officially at capacity for the 3rd Annual Conversations in Behavioral Health Summit.The response to this year’s ev...
04/21/2026

We’re officially at capacity for the 3rd Annual Conversations in Behavioral Health Summit.

The response to this year’s event has been incredible, and we’re grateful to see so many people committed to building a more mindful community. We have now opened a waitlist for those still hoping to attend.

Get on the waitlist 🔗 https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/WM1Risp/CBH2026waitlist

If you’re already registered, please make plans to join us. And if your plans have changed, we kindly ask that you let us know as soon as possible (send us a quick email at [email protected]) so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.

Every seat matters, and your quick response helps us make this opportunity available to as many people as possible.

04/18/2026

Risdon Slate’s story brings an important perspective to the mental health conversation—especially around the stigma that keeps so many people silent.

A Professor Emeritus of Criminology at Florida Southern College, Risdon shares his experience living with Bipolar Disorder and the life-changing impact of two manic episodes. In his story, he speaks openly about shame, stigma, and the moment he realized he could no longer stay silent. His message is powerful: if mental illness can affect someone with his background and experience, it can affect anyone. Recovery is possible, and honesty matters.

Watch Risdon’s story at whenyouknow.org/risdon-slate/ and explore more stories at whenyouknow.org.

Behavioral health is not just about crisis. It is part of everyday life.It affects how we think, feel, cope with stress,...
04/10/2026

Behavioral health is not just about crisis. It is part of everyday life.

It affects how we think, feel, cope with stress, connect with others, and move through daily routines. When something feels off, it does not mean something is wrong with you. It may be a sign that support could help.

Our latest blog post, Behavioral Health and Why It Matters, explores what behavioral health really means, how it connects to physical health, and why understanding it can help reduce stigma and encourage earlier support. Because the more we understand, the more we can recognize the signs, start honest conversations, and remind people they are not alone.

Read more at: https://whenyouknow.org/behavioral-health-and-why-it-matters/

04/09/2026

PCPS Superintendent Frederick Heid’s story shines a light on the complexities of mental health struggles, even for someone in a high-profile leadership role. In his video, he shares the weight of leadership and expectation, along with the shame, secrecy, and stigma that can make asking for help feel so difficult.

His story is a powerful reminder that mental health challenges are real, human, and deserving of the same care and compassion as any other medical issue. By speaking openly, he helps make it safer for others to do the same.

Watch his story: whenyouknow.org/pcps-frederick-heid/

04/02/2026

Ashley Adair’s story is one of resilience, recovery, and purpose. After struggling with mental health challenges and substance abuse from a young age, Ashley walked through years of hardship, including arrests, court-ordered programs, and the devastating loss of her parental rights. But her story did not end there. Today, she is 12 years sober and using her life experience to help others who are facing the same battle she once fought.

What makes Ashley’s story so powerful is the full-circle nature of it. She was born here, struggled here, got clean here, and now serves people in this same community with compassion, credibility, and hope. Her story is a reminder that recovery is possible, and that healing can lead to purpose.

Listen to Ashley’s full story at whenyouknow.org/ashley-adair/ and explore more stories at whenyouknow.org.

03/30/2026

Alice Nuttall’s story brings an important perspective to the conversation around mental health stigma. With more than 20 years in behavioral health and her leadership role at Lakeland Regional Health, Alice has seen firsthand how shame and outdated mindsets keep people from seeking the care they need and deserve.

Her message is simple and powerful: we have to talk about mental health in an unashamed way.

Hear more of Alice's insights here: whenyouknow.org/alice-nuttall/

What does breaking the stigma look like?Imagine a community where no one feels ashamed to say they are struggling. A com...
03/29/2026

What does breaking the stigma look like?

Imagine a community where no one feels ashamed to say they are struggling. A community where mental health is met with compassion, not judgment. Where asking for help feels normal. Where people feel seen, supported, and safe enough to be honest.

That's what building a mindful community looks like. And it is worth building together.

03/27/2026

Tina Brown’s story speaks to the power of owning your story and asking for help.

After struggling with alcoholism and believing she could handle it on her own, Tina, who is the Director of Peer Support Services at Polk for Recovery, reached a turning point: real change began when she stopped hiding the truth and admitted she needed support. Her story is also a strong reminder that addiction is a disease, and the more we understand that, the better we can support others with compassion instead of stigma.

Watch her story and others here: https://whenyouknow.org/tina-brown/

Real conversations can change lives.The 3rd Annual Conversations in Behavioral Health Summit is a chance to come togethe...
03/23/2026

Real conversations can change lives.

The 3rd Annual Conversations in Behavioral Health Summit is a chance to come together as a community for a full day of learning, connection, and honest dialogue around behavioral health.

Through inspiring keynote speakers, practical breakout sessions, and access to local resources, this free event is designed to help bring mental health into the light and strengthen the way Polk County supports individuals and families. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, educator, HR professional, behavioral health provider, manager, team leader, law enforcement professional, or someone who simply cares about the well-being of others, this event is for you.

This is event was organized with 's mission at it's core, that with more connection and conversation comes more understanding and less stigma.

Visit https://whenyouknow.org/conversations-in-behavioral-health-2026/ to learn more about the event and to register to join us.

03/20/2026

Some stories stay with you because they name something hard, true, and deeply important. Johnny Crowder’s story is one of them.

A speaker at last year’s Conversations in Behavioral Health event, Johnny shares what it means to live with mental health diagnoses, anxiety, and depression, and the daily work of continuing to heal. One of the most powerful truths in his story is this: even though his traumatic upbringing and diagnoses were not his fault, healing became his responsibility.

That perspective is honest, challenging, and ultimately hopeful.

Listen to Johnny’s full story and explore others like his at whenyouknow.org/johnny-crowder/

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3425 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL
33803

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