Episodios

  • Improving Health Equity through Community Health Collaborative: Interview with Dr. Lucas Carr
    Apr 30 2023


    In this episode, host Elizabeth Dix interviews Dr. Lucas Carr about his work with the Community Health Collaborative and the Vitalis study, as well as the importance of addressing physical inactivity in primary care settings. They also discuss the role of equity in their mission and ways for students and community members to get involved.

    Show notes:
    0:00 Introduction
    1:12 Dr. Lucas Carr's background and work with the Community Health Collaborative
    4:35 The importance of addressing physical inactivity in primary care settings
    7:10 Collecting and analyzing data on physical activity to address health inequities
    11:12 The Vitalis study and its focus on young adult cancer survivors
    15:30 Expanding the Vitalis program and focusing on health equity
    20:53 Changes in the community in the last five years and opportunities for involvement
    23:48 How to support the Community Health Collaborative and access their services
    25:40 Conclusion and podcast outro

    About the host: Elizabeth Dix is a student at the University of Iowa, studying health promotion and marketing. Elizabeth is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

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    27 m
  • Addressing Health Equity with Aloha Wilks
    Apr 26 2023

    "When these communities allow you in their spaces, please be humble and allow the trust to build so that you can get the work done. If you don't have the trust, then there's no basis to build up on, no foundation at all." - Aloha Wilks

    In this episode, host Olivia Machaccio talks with Aloha Wilks, a passionate advocate for health equity and community engagement. They discuss the challenges of achieving health equity in Iowa City, the importance of community involvement, and the role of trust in addressing health disparities. Tune in to learn about the critical work being done to ensure healthcare access for all and the steps being taken to close the gap in health equity.

    About the Guest:

    Aloha Wilks is an advocate for health equity and community engagement. She is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities, improving healthcare access, and building trust with community members. Aloha is passionate about her work in health equity and encourages others to be intentional, fearless, and humble in their approach to this important issue.

    In this episode of My City My Health Podcast, you will learn:

    1. The challenges of achieving health equity in Iowa City and the role of community engagement in addressing these issues.
    2. The importance of building trust and forming strong relationships with community members to better understand their needs and advocate for them.
    3. The barriers to health equity, such as communication, cultural differences, and access to healthcare resources.
    4. The consequences of not involving community members in the decision-making process and how proper representation can improve health outcomes.
    5. UIHC's efforts to increase healthcare access in Southeast Iowa City and how it can impact the entire community.
    6. The importance of being intentional, fearless, and humble when working in the field of health equity, and the value of staying connected to community members and their needs.


    Show Notes:

    [00:00] - Introduction to the My City My Health Podcast
    [11:31] - Health equity and transforming the healthcare system
    [12:26] - Disproportionate resources in healthcare
    [13:56] - Barriers to health equity in the Iowa City community
    [15:20] - Importance of community involvement to overcome barriers
    [17:15] - Consequences of not involving community members
    [18:42] - Advocating for vulnerable communities
    [19:14] - UIHC's efforts to increase healthcare access in Southeast Iowa City
    [21:10] - Takeaway message from Aloha Wilks


    About the host: Olivia Machaccio, is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa studying Health and Human Phys with a minor in social justice. Olivia hopes to be a doctor helping those in the community. Olivia is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.


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    23 m
  • Understanding Mental Health & Immigrant Communities with Dr. Rima Afifi
    Apr 26 2023

    "I think probably to really think deeply about the amount of othering that we all do every day in our lives and how to start reversing that, how to understand where it comes from, and how we start to keep ourselves to account in that process because we really need to change the way that we interact with people if we are going to ever get to health equity." - Dr. Rima Afifi

    In this episode of My City My Health Podcast, host Ellery Winterbottom is joined by Dr. Rima Afifi, a public health expert, and professor, to discuss mental health in immigrant and refugee communities. They delve into the challenges faced by these communities, the importance of understanding and addressing mental health, and the innovative program called Problem Management Plus in Iowa. Join us to learn about the complexities of mental health and how we can all contribute to creating a more equitable society.

    About the guest:
    Dr. Rima Afifi is a professor in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa's College of Public Health. She is an expert in public health, mental health, and the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities. Dr. Afifi has worked extensively in developing and implementing innovative programs to support mental health in these communities, such as Problem Management Plus. Her work aims to promote health equity and empower communities through a strengths-based approach.

    In this episode of My City My Health Podcast, you will learn:

    1. The challenges faced by immigrant and refugee communities, especially concerning mental health and intergenerational tension.
    2. The concept of the mental health pyramid and its relevance to these communities.
    3. The innovative program called Problem Management Plus and its role in addressing mental health issues in immigrant and refugee communities in Iowa.
    4. The importance of peer-to-peer support, cultural sensitivity, and focusing on the strengths of these communities.
    5. How to get involved and connect with Dr. Rima Afifi's work.
    6. The significance of reflecting on the concept of "othering" and working towards health equity in our daily lives.

    Show notes:

    00:00 - Introduction
    01:10 - About Dr. Rima Afifi
    02:40 - The mental health pyramid and its relevance to immigrant communities
    05:15 - Intergenerational movement and tension in preserving cultural identity
    07:55 - How Problem Management Plus addresses mental health in immigrant communities
    12:45 - Peer-to-peer support and cultural sensitivity in the program
    17:20 - Scaling up the program across Iowa and its significance
    20:40 - How to get involved and connect with Dr. Afifi's work
    24:00 - Final thoughts: Reflecting on othering and working towards health equity

    About the host: Ellery Winterbottom is a junior at the University of Iowa studying human physiology with a minor in lifestyle medicine on the pre-PA track. Ellery is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

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    27 m
  • Telemedicine, Cultural Competency, and Job Retention in Healthcare
    Apr 26 2023

    "I would like to see more effort being put into job creation for retaining local talent. Iowa is great at attracting the best from all over the world, but I cannot see the same for retaining them." - Onyeche Oche

    Join host Caleb as he talks with Onyeche Oche, a healthcare researcher and advocate, about her work in telemedicine, cultural competency in healthcare, and her vision for job retention in the Iowa City area. They discuss the challenges and benefits of telemedicine, especially for older adults, and how to make healthcare more inclusive and accessible for all.

    About the Guest: Onyeche Oche is a healthcare researcher and advocate with a focus on telemedicine and cultural competency. She is passionate about giving older adults a voice in healthcare research and creating sustainable solutions for diverse communities. Onyeche is committed to making Iowa City a more inclusive and accessible place for all.

    You will learn about:

    1. The importance of cultural competency in healthcare and how it impacts patient outcomes.
    2. Onyeche's work and research in telemedicine, especially for older adults, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    3. The perspectives of different stakeholders, including older adults, physicians, caregivers, and medical assistants, on the barriers and facilitators of telemedicine.
    4. The potential future of telemedicine and its role in different scenarios, individual preferences, and accessibility.
    5. Onyeche's vision for job creation and retaining local talent in Iowa City, addressing the challenges of attracting and keeping skilled individuals in the area.
    6. The significance of community-based participatory research in multicultural cities like Iowa and the need for collaborative solutions to address diverse communities' healthcare issues.


    Show Notes:

    00:00 - Introduction to My City My Health Podcast and guest Onyeche Oche
    02:14 - Onyeche's background and current work in healthcare research
    04:25 - The importance of cultural competency in healthcare
    10:12 - The role of telemedicine during the Pandemic
    15:25 - The potential future of telemedicine in healthcare
    21:57 - Giving older adults a Voice in healthcare research
    25:16 - The role of telemedicine in different scenarios and individual preferences
    28:35 - Onyeche's hopes for job creation and retaining local talent in Iowa City
    31:23 - The importance of community-based participatory research in a multicultural city like Iowa

    About the host: Caleb is a student at the University of Iowa. Caleb is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

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    33 m
  • In Dermatology, Health Disparities Can Be Skin Deep with Dr. Marta Van Beek
    Apr 26 2023

    In this episode of the My City My Health Podcast, host Brooklyn talks with Dr. Marta Van Beek, a dermatologist and executive medical director at the University of Iowa. They discuss the importance of health equity and the work being done to improve it in dermatology and medicine overall. Dr. Van Beek also shares her experience in addressing health disparities and the impact of community involvement in achieving health equity goals.


    Show Notes:

    • [00:00] Introduction to the My City My Health Podcast and guest Dr. Marta Van Beek
    • [01:29] Dr. Van Beek's definition of health equity and the importance of addressing historical injustices
    • [04:24] Dr. Van Beek's involvement in national and local initiatives to improve health equity
    • [05:49] The work being done at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics to provide culturally sensitive hair care products for black patients
    • [08:33] Dr. Van Beek's drive to obtain a master's in public health and the importance of frequent skin cancer screenings
    • [10:57] Improvements in health equity in medicine overall and the need to regain trust from marginalized populations
    • [13:20] Dr. Van Beek's upcoming panel at the My City My Health Conference on providing culturally sensitive haircare products for inpatients
    • [15:14] The Role of community involvement in addressing health disparities

    About the host: Brooklyn is a health studies major at the University of Iowa. Brooklyn is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

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    17 m
  • Creating Social Spaces for Health Equity: Connecting People with LaTasha DeLoach
    Apr 25 2023

    In this episode of the My City My Health podcast, host Natalie Rutledge talks with LaTasha DeLoach about her work in community outreach and connecting people, particularly women of color and older adults, with resources and social spaces for health equity. LaTasha shares her insights on the importance of taking the pressure off of black women, erasing the super-strong black woman trope, and creating safe social spaces for people of color. Tune in to learn more about actionable steps toward health equity and how to connect with LaTasha and her work.


    Time-stamped Show Notes:


    00:00 Introduction
    01:20 LaTasha’s background and work in community outreach
    03:45 Sankofa Outreach Connections and creating social spaces for women of color
    06:30 The importance of taking the pressure off of black women and erasing the super-strong black woman trope
    10:20 Connecting older adults with Resources and social spaces for health equity
    14:50 The impact of connecting people and resources in the community
    18:00 Actionable steps towards health equity: listening to people and donating resources
    20:30 Creating safe social spaces for People of Color and the Importance of health equity
    24:00 Looking forward to the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City
    25:06 How to connect with LaTasha and her work
    26:28 Conclusion

    About the host: Natalie Rutledge is a student at the University of Iowa, studying health and human physiology. Natalie is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

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    27 m
  • Achieving Health Equity Through Community Empowerment with Dr. Ebonee Johnson
    Apr 25 2023


    Join host Lauren Whiteman as she discusses achieving health equity through community empowerment with Dr. Ebonee Johnson, an expert in health equity research and the project director of PEER, a community-based organization focused on HIV and substance abuse prevention. In this episode, Dr. Johnson shares her insights on the importance of community engagement in healthcare, the challenges of health literacy, and the power of shifting power dynamics to empower communities.


    00:00 - Introduction
    01:18 - Dr. Johnson's background and research focus
    03:35 - The importance of community engagement in healthcare
    07:11 - Addressing health literacy challenges in healthcare
    10:10 - Shifting power dynamics to empower communities
    13:15 - The origin story and work of PEER
    18:19 - Innovative outreach strategies during COVID-19
    21:41 - The biggest takeaway: achieving health equity through community empowerment
    23:06 - Conclusion and wrap-up.

    About the host: Lauren Whiteman is a student at the University of Iowa, getting her bachelor's in health promotion. Lauren is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health

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    24 m
  • Promoting Community Well-Being and Health Equity
    Apr 24 2023


    In this episode of the My City, My Health podcast, host Sophie Woodley, discusses health equity and community well-being with Cady Gerlach, executive director of Better Together 2030. They delve into the social determinants of health, such as housing, access to healthy food, and education, and how these factors impact access to healthcare. They also discuss the importance of including diverse voices in community conversations and ways for individuals to get involved in collaborative efforts to promote community well-being.


    Key takeaways:
    Social determinants of health such as housing, access to healthy food, and education have a significant impact on healthcare outcomes.

    • Holistic approaches to community well-being that address these social determinants can improve access to healthcare and promote health equity.
    • Mental health, especially for young people, is a critical area for conversation and action in promoting health equity.
    • Community conversations should center around equity and include diverse voices to ensure that everyone's needs are being met.
    • Anyone can get involved in community collaborative efforts to promote community well-being and make a difference.


    About the host: Sophie Woodley is a student at the University of Iowa, getting her bachelor's in health studies and a minor in Lifestyle Medicine. Sophie is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health

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    23 m