#32 Polishing the Apple: a Virginia Health Center's Story of Resilience and Resourcefulness
Release Date: 01/17/2025
#45 "Eating is not Optional": Understanding and Addressing Hunger in Virginia
CommonHealth
Just over 1,000,000 people - one in 8 Virginians - face hunger. What does fighting hunger in Virginia look like? In this episode of CommonHealth, host Adrienne Harden speaks with Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, about food insecurity and how the Federation works to address it. Hear more about innovative programs like food pharmacies, and the potential impact of cuts to SNAP. This timely conversation reminds us: eating is not optional. Listen in and get involved in the fight against hunger today. With special guest: Eddie Oliver, Executive Director,...
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#44 Building The Toolkit: VMAP & The Mission to Expand Pediatric Mental Healthcare
CommonHealth
As the need for mental healthcare increases, how do we make more resources available to providers to address gaps in pediatric and maternal care? Enter VMAP. On this World Mental Health Day episode of CommonHealth, Rachel Reynolds of the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) shares how the initiative empowers providers with vital tools, training and real-time psychiatric support to serve young patients and new parents across Virginia. With special guest: Rachel Reynolds, Assistant Director of Operations, VMAP Hosted by: Kate McCarthy
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#43 At Home in Highland Park: Boaz & Ruth's Neighborhood Restoration and Transformation
CommonHealth
A life's work restoring antiques becomes an organization's mission to restore lives. In this episode of CommonHealth, Megan Rollins, CEO of Boaz & Ruth, shares how a unique Richmond nonprofit revitalizes lives in their neighborhood of Highland Park through housing, connection and purpose. Discover the power of growing deep roots to build individual and community wellness. With special guest: Megan Rollins, President & CEO, Boaz & Ruth Hosted by: Adrienne Harden
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#42 Debunking Digital Deceit: Navigating Online Health Misinformation With Dr. Stacy Loeb
CommonHealth
Can you spot false health info online? Host Tracy Douglas and expert Dr. Stacy Loeb dive into the dangers of healthcare misinformation, why it spreads, and how to detect it. Learn what platforms are the most dangerous, who’s most at risk, how AI tools stack up, and what providers can do to protect patients. Tune in to get smarter about the health info you trust. With special guest: Dr. Stacy Loeb, Professor of Urology and Population Health, NYU Langone Health Hosted by: Tracy Douglas
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#41 Leading From the Heart: A Conversation With Four PCA CEOs
CommonHealth
This National Health Center Week, Tracy Douglas isn't the only PCA CEO on CommonHealth! Joining her are four dynamic women CEOs from Mid-Atlantic PCAs to discuss leadership, innovation, and the incredible work being done by their health centers every day. Learn more about the Mid-Atlantic health landscape from the stories and insights of these leaders in the community health center movement. With special guests: Sherri Ferrell, CEO, West Virginia Primary Care Association Nora Hoban, CEO, Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers Ruth Fisher Pollard, CEO, DC Primary Care Association...
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#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...
info_outlineIn 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 learn how ESRH is always "polishing the apple," or trying to leave their community better than they found it. You won't want to miss this one!
With special guests:
Juan Gomez, MPH, Outreach Coordinator, Eastern Shore Rural Health, Jessica Bonniwell, Chief Quality Officer, Eastern Shore Rural Health, and Amy Bull, Director of Communications and Development, Eastern Shore Rural Health
Guest host:
Rae Carkhuff, Communications and Content Specialist, Virginia Community Healthcare Association
Further Resources:
VPM article by Keyris Manzanares featuring Juan Gomez of ESRH