Derek Blumke is a writer, consultant, and veteran advocate dedicated to improving mental health outcomes and reducing avoidable harm. He served more than a decade in the U.S. Armed Forces and Michigan Air National Guard, and co-founded Student Veterans of America, Derek’s work now includes helping veterans who were harmed by the treatments meant to heal them, a journey he personally understands.

Wendy Dolin is a licensed family therapist and the founder of MISSD. Widely recognized for her public health advocacy and education, Wendy has received humanitarian honors for her work helping both the public and medical community recognize akathisia — before tragedy occurs. Though honored by such recognition, the messages she receives from people who say MISSD helped them identify akathisia in time to seek appropriate care, mean more than any award.

Kristina Kaiser is a strategic communications consultant and educator with extensive experience in public relations, advocacy, and marketing across education, nonprofit, and public health sectors. She has directed large-scale awareness campaigns and academic programming that have strengthened organizational visibility and improved patient safety. Kristina has also developed accredited courses and educational resources, as well as fundraising campaigns and brand partnerships that expand impact. But what really drives her work is something deeply personal. Her daughter — and my cousin — Natalie died after developing prescription drug-induced akathisia. Since then, Kristina turned the heartbreaking loss of Natalie into a mission to make sure no other family has to suffer the same avoidable harm.