#40 Preserving Rural Futures: A Hometown Hero's Quest for Better Healthcare
CommonHealth
In rural communities, access to healthcare is bigger than healing injuries or curing disease. It's about sustaining the wellness of the community itself. Marcus Stone, CEO of Virginia community health center Connect Health + Wellness, joins Tracy for a conversation on the value of rural healthcare and why all of us - from neighbors to policymakers - should be paying attention. With special guest: Marcus Stone, CEO, Connect Health + Wellness Hosted by: Tracy Douglas
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#39 Your Voice, Your Health: How Voting Makes Communities Healthier
CommonHealth
How can voting improve health outcomes? In this episode, Tracy Douglas speaks with Bianca Navarro from Vot-ER about integrating civic engagement into healthcare. Discover how healthcare providers can empower patients, improve community health, and make a lasting impact—all through voter registration and advocacy. Learn more about how to take action today! With special guest: Bianca Navarro, Vot-ER Hosted by: Tracy Douglas
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#38 Medicaid Matters: Two Teachers, Four Kids, One Special Family
CommonHealth
What happens when love meets the limits of the healthcare system? In this episode, Tracy speaks with Colleen Cook, a Virginia mom and special ed teacher, about raising four adopted children with special needs — and how Medicaid has made their journey possible. This is the story of a loving family navigating more diagnoses and therapies than usual, showing us the transformative power of affordable healthcare. With special guest: Colleen Cook Hosted by: Tracy Douglas
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#37 The Value of Vaccines: Busting Myths and Building Trust on Immunizations
CommonHealth
Are you a patient worried about vaccine safety or a provider experiencing hesitancy in your community? In this episode, Dr. Ayesha Nazli busts common myths, tackles vaccine fears, and shares expert insights on keeping families healthy. Learn how vaccines protect you and why staying informed matters now more than ever! With special guest: Ayesha Nazli, M.D., New Horizons Healthcare Hosted by: Adrienne Harden
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#36 Understanding Medicaid in Virginia: A Primer on the Facts
CommonHealth
Curious how Medicaid actually works in Virginia? Experts Deepak Madala and Eleanor Sullivan break down myths, explain how Virginia's programs work, and highlight Medicaid’s role in supporting hospitals and schools. From free coverage for low-income residents to vital maternal and rural healthcare programs, learn more about how Medicaid keeps over two million Virginians healthier and stronger every year. With special guests: Deepak Madala, Esq., Director of the Center for Healthy Communities and ENROLL Virginia!, Virginia Poverty Law Center and Eleanor Sullivan, Medicaid Policy Analyst...
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#35 Understanding Sickle Cell Pain: When To Treat It, How To Treat It, How To Avoid It
CommonHealth
A genetic mutation that helped people survive malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa now affects 100,000 Americans, causing debilitating pain. Host Tracy returns with renowned sickle cell disease expert Dr. Wally Smith and her husband, Damian Jackson, who shares his powerful personal journey. Hear honest insights on pain management, incorrect assumptions about those who suffer, and hope for a cure. Don’t miss this compelling, real conversation that challenges stigma and inspires change. Listener resources: With special guests: Wally Smith, MD, Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell...
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#34 R.O.A.R.ing to Health: Transforming Futures With Early Literacy
CommonHealth
How can a simple book transform a child’s future? In this episode of Common Health, guest host Adrienne Harden speaks with Callee Boulware, Regional Director of Reach Out and Read, about the powerful connection between early literacy and lifelong health. Learn how pediatricians integrate books into well visits, equipping families with the tools to support child development while strengthening provider-patient relationships. Tune in to discover how this evidence-based program is changing lives! Health centers interested in adding a Reach Out and Read program can visit With special guest:...
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#33 From Jail to Joy: A Journey From Addiction to Assistance
CommonHealth
What does it take to change your life? In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Kyle Elliott, VCHA’s Chief Administrative Officer, speaks with James Orr, a clinical social work resident at Community Access Network about his battle with addiction and how he turned his life around through mindfulness and empathy. Listen to this inspiring conversation today! With special guest: James Orr, MSW, Clinical Social Work Resident, Community Access Network Hosted by: Kyle Elliott, VCHA, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer
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#32 Polishing the Apple: a Virginia Health Center's Story of Resilience and Resourcefulness
CommonHealth
In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Rae Carkhuff welcomes professional staff from Eastern Shore Rural Health (ESRH), a VCHA member health center, including Juan Gomez, MPH, Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Bonniwell, Chief Quality Officer, and Amy Bull, Director of Communications and Development. During this episode, Juan shares his story about how living in the Eastern Shore led him to work in community health and Jessica and Amy dive into day-to-day health center operations, stressing the importance of patient-centric care and how healthcare isn't just physician visits. Tune in now to...
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#31 Journey to Leadership With VCHA’s Community Health Center University (CHCU)
CommonHealth
In this episode of CommonHealth, Dr. Angela Taylor, Director of Health Center Control Network – Center for Data, Analytics, and Quality (CDAQ) at VCHA, hosts a conversation with Korey Cobb, Chief Operations Officer of HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, and participant in CHCU's Class of 2024. Find out how Cobb leveraged his CHCU participation to enhance HealthWorks' healthcare services delivery and community engagement. Get his insights on the time commitment, impressive content of the courses, and immensely beneficial leadership training the program offers. And learn some exciting...
info_outlineJoin host Tracy Douglas as she talks with Travis LeFever and Brad Watson of Mission Mobile Medical. This organization creates mobile healthcare units at a fraction of the typical cost. Listen as Travis and Brad discuss their “why” and their passion for providing healthcare to all communities, especially the ones who might not have access to the care they need. Learn with Tracy about the nurse in North Carolina who inspired the inception of Mission Mobile Medical, and the leap of faith that Travis took to begin this important work. Most importantly, hear the gratitude from patients and providers and the impact mobile units have on the communities they serve.
With special guests:
Travis LeFever, CEO, Mission Mobile Medical and Brad Watson, CRO, Mission Mobile Medical