Episodes

  • Revolutionizing Community Wellness: Inside a New Nutrition Center with Veronica Clarke

    Revolutionizing Community Wellness: Inside a New Nutrition Center with Veronica Clarke
    Jul 25 2024
    This is part 2 of a mini-series with Veronica Clarke, CEO of TCA Health, Inc. in Chicago. Veronica is back to talk about a new nutrition center breaking ground this August to address urban food deserts. Our guest shares their vision of the trailblazing nutrition center, that will provide fresh and healthy food options through a grab-and-go café, a choice food pantry, and community gardens. This center will not only cater to nutritional needs, but also offer a holistic approach with safe spaces for yoga, meditation, community gatherings and recreation

    The excitement extends to unique features like a zen garden and a green rooftop space, creating a safe and welcoming environment for all community members. We discuss the importance of community engagement, the collaborative planning process, and the anticipated impact of the upcoming Red Line extension in Chicago. Despite initial funding challenges, unwavering community support and innovative design promise to transform the community’s access to wellness and healthy living.
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    18 mins
  • Championing Community and Environmental Health with Veronica Clarke

    Championing Community and Environmental Health with Veronica Clarke
    Jul 18 2024
    Veronica Clarke, CEO of TCA Health, Inc. in Illinois, talks about her inspiring journey from dietician to CEO and her impactful efforts to champion community healthcare. We'll explore the rich history of TCA, including the legacy of its late founder, and how the organization has evolved over the years, achieving significant milestones along the way. Veronica also discusses her role on the National Association of Community Health Centers Executive Committee and the incredible work she has done both within and outside TCA.

    We then get into the specific programs and initiatives that highlight TCA’s commitment to improving community health outcomes, especially in addressing environmental health challenges faced by vulnerable populations. From public housing to transportation and food deserts, learn how TCA tackles these complex issues through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. This is part one of a compelling three-part mini-series. In our next episode, we’ll jump into the story behind TCA breaking ground on a truly innovative nutrition center that will work with the local community this fall. Stay tuned for more!
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    23 mins
  • Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Champions Birth Equity

    Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton Champions Birth Equity
    Jul 11 2024
    In this episode, we welcome Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton for an inspiring conversation on her efforts to raise underrepresented voices and enhance community healthcare. Juliana serves as the 48th Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, and is the first Black woman to hold the office and one of eight Black women in history to hold the title across the nation. We dive into her passionate advocacy for birth equity, a vital aspect of the Illinois state budget aimed at addressing maternal health disparities. Then we explore why birth equity is vital, the personal stories behind her dedication to this cause, and the transformative Birth Equity Investments recently approved in Illinois’ new fiscal year budget. These investments, including a $50 million child tax credit, funding to assess maternal mortality rates, and grants for pregnancy support services are set to make a significant impact.

    Lieutenant Governor Stratton also shares inspirational stories from her advocacy journey, highlighting how birth equity initiatives can empower community health centers and uplifting vulnerable populations. Tune in to learn how the Birth Equity Initiative ensures more women have access to the maternal healthcare they need, while creating positive change across Illinois.

    Resources
    The Lt. Governor Championing Birth Equity: https://bit.ly/3XZ8MTz
    News Release: https://bit.ly/461jfjm
    Birth Equity Funding Breakdown: https://bit.ly/4eYPKCQ
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    19 mins
  • Treatments for Patients with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorder (part 2)

    Treatments for Patients with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorder (part 2)
    Jul 10 2024
    We're welcoming back Tiffany Tathata and Bryce de Venecia for part 2 of an educational series that explores basic treatments for opioid and alcohol use disorder. Tiffany and Bryce are both Addiction Medicine fellows at Rush University Medical Center. Today, they focus on buprenorphine, precipitated withdrawal, and innovations in treatment with long acting injectable buprenorphine. The goal of this three-part podcast series is to educate non-addiction medicine specialists on the various treatments available for their patients with opioid and alcohol use disorder.

    Resources
    1. SAMHSA - https://www.samhsa.gov/
    2. Buprenorphine quick-start guide for new prescribers https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/quick-start-guide.pdf
    3. Addiction Medicine Podcast – The Curbsiders - https://thecurbsiders.com/addiction
    4. Bridge to Treatment - https://nida.nih.gov/
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    26 mins
  • Elevating Dental Care: Integrating Public Health Dental Hygienists at Health Centers

    Elevating Dental Care: Integrating Public Health Dental Hygienists at Health Centers
    Jul 9 2024
    In this episode, Dr. Lisa Kearney from Erie Family Health Centers joins us to address the widespread shortage of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants. We dive into the essence of high quality dental care by exploring the importance of training Dental Assistants within a community health center. We also tackle challenges and share best practices of on-the-job training. Discover the essential role of Public Health Dental Hygienists (PHDHs) and learn how they're seamlessly integrated into workflows. We'll also uncover whether patients are really receptive to care from PHDHs, and share some uplifting and inspirational stories from the field.

    Resources
    Illinois Oral Health Conference: https://bit.ly/4cF1HeO
    PHDH Video: https://bit.ly/45XUmoI
    Dental Assistant Training: https://www.iphca.org/oral-health/
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    28 mins
  • Treatments for Patients with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorder (part 1)

    Treatments for Patients with Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorder (part 1)
    Jun 27 2024
    Today, Tiffany Tathata and Bryce de Venecia join us for an educational series that explores basic treatments for opioid and alcohol use disorder. Tiffany and Bryce are both Addiction Medicine fellows at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. This goal of their three-part series is to educate non-addiction medicine specialists on the various treatments available for their patients with opioid and alcohol use disorder. This episode focuses on primary care physician management, referrals, screening, naloxone, opioid use disorder, methadone basics, and insightful case studies. The conversation is a basic overview, and if you have any additional interest in the information provided please check out the resources below.

    Resources
    1. SAMHSA - https://www.samhsa.gov/
    2. Buprenorphine quick-start guide for new prescribers https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/quick-start-guide.pdf
    3. Addiction Medicine Podcast – The Curbsiders - https://thecurbsiders.com/addiction
    4. Bridge to Treatment - https://nida.nih.gov/
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    17 mins
  • Addressing Hypertension Challenges in Rural Communities

    Addressing Hypertension Challenges in Rural Communities
    Jun 25 2024
    In part two of our hypertension discussion with the American Heart Association (AHA), Tim Nikolai, Senior Rural Health Director of the Midwest Region, joins us to discuss challenges that rural communities face with regards to hypertension control and chronic disease management. Tim also speaks about resources available for rural communities and how they can connect with the AHA.
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    15 mins
  • Addressing Hypertension Challenges in Chicago with the American Heart Association

    Addressing Hypertension Challenges in Chicago with the American Heart Association
    Jun 25 2024
    In this episode, we are joined by American Heart Association’s Lyzeth Mondragon, who is Vice President of Community Impact and works in the Chicago region. Lyzeth discusses various initiatives and resources available to health centers looking to improve hypertension rates in vulnerable communities, and addresses some of the barriers patients face in managing chronic conditions.
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    25 mins