Ozarks Public Broadcasting announces the return of its “Sense of Community” series with a timely and deeply personal installment: Caregiving in the Ozarks.

This multi-platform project shines a light on the invisible backbone of our healthcare system — the unpaid and professional caregivers supporting aging, ill and disabled individuals across southwest Missouri.

From June 9-27, Ozarks Public Broadcasting will distribute multi-platform radio, television and internet content, including KSMU Ozarks Public Radio features, Ozarks Public Television (OPT) interstitials and daily social media spotlights and caregiver stories on @ksmu and @optv platforms.

A free virtual engagement event co-hosted with community partners will be held at 1 p.m. June 18. Anyone interested in attending can visit optv.org/caregiving for more information about the project and to access the virtual panel discussion.

The series will culminate in a weeklong capstone series on KSMU, June 23-27, and a 30-minute feature documentary on OPT premiering at 9 p.m. June 24.

More about the series

“Sense of Community: Caregiving in the Ozarks” includes candid interviews with family caregivers, professional health care workers, advocates and policy experts. It explores the personal and financial toll of caregiving, systemic barriers and the moments of grace, purpose and connection that arise in the face of overwhelming responsibility.

Dax Bedell, series producer and longtime documentary filmmaker, emphasized the series’ local focus.

“We wanted to make sure this wasn’t just about statistics and policy. It’s about real people here in the Ozarks — neighbors, friends, coworkers — whose stories haven’t been heard. This series is for them, and about them.”

Michele Skalicky, series producer and KSMU news director, added, “Many people in the United States and right here in the Ozarks are caregivers, whether full time or part time, and they’re having a significant impact on those who need the care. I’m thrilled to be able to spotlight those caregivers here in our region and to shed light on the joys and challenges they face on a daily basis as well as bring in experts to provide context and advice.”

The PBS special, “Caregiving,” executive produced by Bradley Cooper, airs on OPT’s main channel at 7 p.m. June 24, immediately followed by OPT’s locally produced companion documentary, “Sense of Community: Caregiving in the Ozarks” at 9 p.m. Additional content will be available at optv.org/caregiving.

Learn more about the project