Welcome to Root of the Issue, the podcast of the Root Cause Coalition. Our program explores the motivations and stories behind the individuals who have dedicated their lives to achieving health equity for all. In this episode, we speak with Ipyana Spencer, the Chief Health Officer of Meals on Wheels America (MOWA). Ipyana leads the newly created Meals on Wheels Health division, partnering with healthcare payers and health systems to expand services for seniors and vulnerable adults managing chronic conditions or recovering from hospitalizations. With over 20 years of experience in legislative public policy, healthcare, and data analytics, Ipyana brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Join us as we delve into her journey and the impactful work she is spearheading at MOWA.

Welcome to Root of the Issue, the podcast of the Root Cause Coalition where we delve into the motivations and stories behind those dedicated to achieving health equity for all. In this week's episode, we are joined by Kim Prendergast, Vice President of Policy for Community Care Cooperative (C3), a federally qualified health center-led accountable care organization serving health centers in seven states. Kim shares her insights on leading policy initiatives to support federally qualified health centers, leveraging value-based payments, and addressing social drivers of health. Since joining C3 in 2019, Kim has been instrumental in building partnerships across healthcare and social services sectors. Tune in to hear how Kim's work is transforming health care and driving health equity forward.

In this episode of the Root of the Issue, host Barb Petee speaks with Stacy Wathen, Secretary of the Board of Trustees at the Root Cause Coalition and Manager of Community and Child Health at the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). CHA advances child health through innovation and quality cost and delivery of care with its 220 member children's hospitals and health systems.

Many CHA member hospitals were founded by women in their community who saw an unmet need for children's health and children's healthcare 100 years ago

Today, CHA members are expanding their services beyond the walls of their hospitals to more fully engage with their communities and provide better outcomes for their constituents