Caregiving in the Ozarks is a multimedia community engagement initiative co-produced by Ozarks Public Television and KSMU Ozarks Public Radio as part of the acclaimed “Sense of Community” series. This project shines a light on the diverse and often invisible experiences of family and professional caregivers across southwest Missouri, amplifying their voices and advocating for meaningful change.

Combining in-depth storytelling with public engagement, the initiative partners with local caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, and support organizations to document the real challenges faced by those who provide care — from financial hardship and workplace strain to emotional burnout and systemic gaps in support. It also highlights resilience, purpose, and the transformative power of caregiving.

The project includes radio features, television segments, a virtual panel discussion, and curated social media content, culminating in a 30-minute documentary premiering June 24, 2025 @ 9:00 p.m. — following the national PBS documentary Caregiving by Bradley Cooper premiering on June 24, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m. Distribution will span the month of June across all platforms to foster awareness, empathy, and connection.

By elevating personal stories and expert insight, Caregiving in the Ozarks seeks to reframe caregiving not just as a crisis to be managed, but as a critical, valued role that deserves recognition, policy support, and communal care.

What: Sense of Community: Caregiving in the Ozarks Virtual Panel Discussion

When: Livestreaming on June 18 @ 1 p.m.

Where: Visit optv.org/caregiving for more information about the project and to access the livestream

Hosted by KSMU News Director, Michele Skalicky, the Caregiving in the Ozarks virtual panel discussion will feature local caregivers and experts from organizations such as the AARP, Senior Age, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Preferred Hospice, and Engage Mobility. The panel discussion is free and open to the public. 

The new documentary Caregiving, with executive producer Bradley Cooper, tackles the reality of caring for loved ones. The two-hour program examines the challenges and triumphs caregivers face and the broader context of the cultural and economic conditions in the U.S. that have driven the country’s care system toward crisis. Narrated by award-winning actress Uzo Aduba, Caregiving brings audiences into the daily experiences of several family and professional caregivers across the U.S. as they share the realities associated with providing full-time care and the often-complicated challenges and extraordinary moments and emotions, including joy, that are part of the care relationship. 
Watch OPT Tuesday, June 24, at 8 p.m.