Health Talks

In this episode of Health Talks, we spoke with Nicole Roege and Amy Thompson from Cass County Health Department about their innovative "Grow Your Own" program. This program is designed to introduce high school students to the rewarding field of public health dentistry. We explore how the first year of this program is already reshaping the future of rural oral health. By partnering with local school districts and using the health department's dental clinic, they're building career pathways and cultivating a future workforce in rural Illinois.Tune in as we explore how this unique program got started, the impact it's having in its first year, and what it takes to spark interest in oral health careers in underserved communities. It's a program that's already making a difference and one that other health centers could replicate. Whether you're a health leader, educator, or simply curious about how community-based training can inspire the next generation, this episode delivers insight, inspiration, and practical takeaways.

I sat down with two leaders in community healthcare, Dr. Lisa Green, CEO of Family Christian Health Center in Illinois, and Dr. Conway, founder of the I Am Abel Foundation. In this special Black History Month episode we chatted about how they've dedicated their careers to improving healthcare access and mentoring future generations. They share the pivotal moments that shaped their journeys, including how classic medical TV shows like Marcus Welby, M.D. sparked their early interest in healthcare. Both Dr. Green and Dr. Conway were part of the CHAMPs mentorship program at different points in their lives, but their paths truly crossed about five years ago through the I Am Abel Foundation, where Dr. Green became a mentor and opened her clinic to young aspiring professionals. In our conversation, they discuss the influence of Black History Month on their work, the challenges and successes of community health outreach, and how leaders can work together to create lasting change.

Today I sat down with Veronica Clarke, an accomplished leader in community healthcare and advocacy. We explore what fuels her dedication to wellness in Illinois, the impact of her work on addressing health disparities, and the challenges and successes she's encountered along the way. Veronica shares insights on collaboration, personal wellness practices, and how Black History Month inspires her mission. Plus, she leaves us with a powerful message on building a healthier, more equitable community—along with must hear book and film recommendations for Black History Month! 

This week, we sat down with Marissa Persico from Junior Council and chatted about one of Chicago's most iconic fundraising events—the Snowball Gala. More than just a glamorous night out, Snowball directly supports the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Clinic at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, ensuring that all children in the program receive high-quality healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay.  Now in its 36th year, the Snowball Gala is an unforgettable celebration of music, food, and philanthropy. Marissa takes us behind the scenes, sharing how guests will enjoy live performances from Radio Gaga and DJ Strategy, a premium open bar, a silent auction, and tastings from some of Chicago's best restaurants. She also dives into the history of Junior Council, the lasting impact of Snowball, and what attendees can look forward to this year. With $2.9 million raised to date, Junior Council has provided scholarships, life-saving medications, transportation, and essential services for patients in need. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to the event, this conversation is one you won't want to miss!Event Tickets: https://bit.ly/4hmtd3KPromo Code: JCFriends

In this special holiday episode, we spoke with Ricardo Rinconeño from PrimeCare Health about the joy of giving back during the festive season. Ricardo shares his experiences with food drives, the rewarding moments that come with helping others, and how these initiatives bring communities together. We'll hear about the "Adopt a Family" program and how Hora Del Cafe and Starbucks employees collaborated to spread holiday cheer. We chat about their annual "Golden Turkey" holiday competition and our favorite holiday traditions. Ricardo also shares touching stories of the families these programs support, and advice for listeners looking to start their own outreach efforts!

We continue our conversation with Robin Henry, COO of Solvera Health, and are joined by Ollie Idowu, CEO of IPHCA. Together, they share the missions of their organizations and how they are working to improve community health in Illinois through dedicated partnerships. Robin and Ollie discuss how working together across organizations creates meaningful impact on the communities they serve. They reflect on the recent IPHCA conference, and highlight how events like these create stronger partnerships and advance shared health goals. You'll also hear their personal stories and daily inspirations that drive their commitment to making a difference!

Today, we're getting into the power of communication in palliative care and why it matters for healthcare providers of all backgrounds. Palliative care focuses on supporting patients with serious illnesses or chronic conditions, and enhancing provider communication is key to delivering compassionate, effective care. Our guest is Lisa Werner from Lawndale Christian Health Center, and she participated in the pilot Palliative Care Training (PCT) program last year. Lisa played a unique role as an advisor, helping tailor sessions specifically for health center staff. She shares her experience, what motivated her to join the course, how it benefited her work even outside of direct palliative care, and why this training is so valuable for healthcare providers at any level.Tune in as Lisa shares practical insights and personal takeaways that could inspire you or your team to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. If you're curious about improving patient care, building confidence in communication, or earning up to 14 free CME/CE credits, this episode is for you. The second cycle of the Palliative Care Training is open for registration and offers a flexible, virtual learning experience.

We're joined by Robin Henry, COO of Solvera Health, as she shares her journey and the innovative strides Solvera is making in population health. Robin goes behind the scenes of Solvera's unique “one-stop-shop” care model and stories about making a real impact in patients' lives. From expanding clinic locations and building transformative community partnerships to celebrating moments that fuel her team's passion, Robin's perspective is fresh, engaging, and full of purpose. Plus, get a sneak peek at Solvera's exciting future projects and advice to stay motivated and inspired.

Veronica Clarke, CEO of TCA Health, returns to share more insights into TCA's programs that are transforming health and wellness in Chicago. Veronica dives into the impactful nutrition and fitness classes offered at TCA, designed to educate and empower community members to embrace healthier lifestyles. From cooking demonstrations to nutrition coaching, these programs aim to address real barriers to wellness, making healthy choices more accessible and exciting for everyone involved. We also explore how TCA's community gardens are growing in popularity even in urban spaces like Chicago. Veronica shares the story behind these gardens, the inspiration for creating them, and the community's overwhelmingly positive response. These green spaces aren't just about growing food. They're also about cultivating community, connection, and resilience. 

We chat with Adrian Cardenas from Loft at 8 Corners, a first-of-its-kind teen-focused mental health center in Chicago's western suburbs. In partnership with NAMI Metro Suburban and Pillars Community Health, The Loft offers free, year-round support for teens and families. Adrian shares heartwarming stories of how the program has touched lives through group support, family services, and one-on-one care, helping teens find the services they need. We also hear about the most memorable success stories, and imagine what the program would be like as a heartwarming Netflix documentary. As our chat unfolds, it's clear that this program is creating lasting change, offering hope, empowerment, and a brighter future for young people navigating their mental health journeys.Resources Mentioned:https://loft8corners.org/

This is part two of our VOICES miniseries with the American Cancer Society, and we're joined by Shanita Akintonde. She's an enthusiastic participant of the VOICES study and daughter of a cancer survivor. Shanita shares why she joined VOICES, weaving her experiences into a tapestry of positive change that improves cancer research and awareness. She discusses the disproportionate health impacts of cancer on Black women and the universal connections that bind us, emphasizing the significance of the study not just for Black women but for everyone. Shanita reflects on her journey as a VOICES ambassador and provides heartfelt stories and a powerful message for women considering participation.Resources Mentioned: https://voices.cancer.org/

In today's episode, we're excited to have Dr. Lauren McCullough and Dr. Alpa Patel from the American Cancer Society as our special guests. They'll be discussing VOICES of Black Women, a transformative long-term study, which aims to enroll at least 100,000 Black women across the U.S. over the coming years. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to gain a deeper understanding of health conditions like cancer and improve overall health outcomes among Black women. We explore the significance of VOICES of Black Women, inspiring stories, and why it's vital that the study's launching now. Dr. McCullough and Dr. Patel will also share who can participate and the powerful message they want all eligible women to hear. In our next episode, we'll chat with a study participant about what inspired her to join the VOICES study. Resources Mentioned: https://voices.cancer.org/

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 recreationThe 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.

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!

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.ResourcesThe Lt. Governor Championing Birth Equity: https://bit.ly/3XZ8MTzNews Release: https://bit.ly/461jfjm Birth Equity Funding Breakdown: https://bit.ly/4eYPKCQ

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. ResourcesSAMHSA - https://www.samhsa.gov/  Buprenorphine quick-start guide for new prescribers https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/quick-start-guide.pdf Addiction Medicine Podcast – The Curbsiders - https://thecurbsiders.com/addictionBridge to Treatment - https://nida.nih.gov/  

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. ResourcesIllinois Oral Health Conference: https://bit.ly/4cF1HeOPHDH Video: https://bit.ly/45XUmoIDental Assistant Training: https://www.iphca.org/oral-health/

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.ResourcesSAMHSA - https://www.samhsa.gov/  Buprenorphine quick-start guide for new prescribers https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/quick-start-guide.pdf Addiction Medicine Podcast – The Curbsiders - https://thecurbsiders.com/addictionBridge to Treatment - https://nida.nih.gov/  

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.

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.

Happy Pride Month! It's part 2 of our Pride series, and David Sgarbossa and Maria De los Santos from Esperanza Health Centers are back to chat about HIV prevention services and their center's injectable PrEP workflow. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medicine that can prevent HIV infection in people who may be exposed to it through sex or injection drug use. Hear about the seamless coordination between different members of the healthcare team, ensuring a smooth PrEP administration process. Then we wrap up with real-life success stories showcasing the positive impact of a well-executed PrEP medication distribution process. Whether you're a healthcare professional or simply curious, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspirational patient stories.ResourcesHIV Prevention & Treatment: https://www.esperanzachicago.org/page/hiv-prevention-treatment

We spoke with Tyra Jones from the SIU School of Medicine about the importance of community health workers (CHWs). Tyra shares uplifting, poignant, and sometimes funny stories about working with patients and educating with empathy. Then we get into the ways health centers can improve CHW training programs, and how CHWs provide one-on-one help for patients who get a new diagnosis and have a lot of questions. We end with a detour into wellness, personality tests, and even how tv show's like “Friends” all tie into winning strategies to improve community health care.1:00-24:59 - Stories from the field25:00-31:00 - "Friends" and personality tests31:30-37:00 - Strategies to improve community health trainingResourcesCHW Training Program - https://www.siumed.edu/cpd/community-health-worker-echoOffice of Community Care - https://www.siumed.edu/communitycare

We explore pharmacy expansion and equitable health services access with our guests, Tina Plett-Kalainoff and Sarah Brondyke from Community Health Care, Inc. Discover how their collaborative efforts streamline pharmaceutical needs within healthcare systems to improve patient outcomes. We also chat about the vital role of vaccine and medication inventory management, and discuss strategies that enhance operations. Our conversation also touches on stories from the field and how current community health center expansion is combating pharmacy deserts to ensure equitable healthcare access for all.

Happy Pride Month! In this three part special, we're joined by David Sgarbossa and Maria De los Santos from Esperanza Health Centers to discuss their outreach efforts with the LGBTQ+ community. We interview David and Maria about the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and how these are met through inclusive and affirming services. Discover how Esperanza collaborates with local LGBTQ+ organizations to address specific health concerns. David and Maria share inspirational stories from working with the community, outreach during Chicago's June Pride festivals, and year round healthcare services. They also give advice on how organizations and individuals can improve support for the LGBTQ+ community and stories about real-world successes.    Resources MentionedCommunity Health Advocate Team at (773) 916-4436HIV Prevention & Treatment: https://www.esperanzachicago.org/page/hiv-prevention-treatment

Ann Gillespie, the Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance, and Ollie Idowu, CEO of IPHCA discuss the important world of mental health parity laws, which require that coverage for mental health conditions be no more restrictive than coverage for physical health conditions. Director Ann Gillespie, recently appointed by Governor JB Pritzker, is a former Illinois State Senator, bringing her extensive experience in managed health care and insurance reforms to the table. We discover how the Department's latest mental health parity campaign for May's Mental Health Awareness Month, featuring a new animated character, Yarney, is designed to help consumers understand their rights. Then we get into Illinois' ban on “junk insurance” policies and the ban on prior authorization for mental health care services. You'll also discover new resources available to consumers, and how mental health parity laws help fix the broken mental health system, and the impact of social factors like poverty, education, and culture on mental health care. We end with inspirational stories about Director Gillespie's efforts and initiatives that bring hope for better mental health insurance coverage.Resources Mentioned Mental Health Parity Campaign with Yarney: https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity-videos.html Mental Health Parity: https://getcovered.illinois.gov/resources/mental-health-parity.html

In part 2 of our “Mental Health Parity” series, we sit down with inspiring health care advocates Jen McGowan from NAMI Chicago and Cheri Hoots from IPHCA. They explore the importance of mental health parity in Illinois, ensuring vulnerable populations have access to mental health care. Jen and Cheri share stories about how their organizations improve mental health services, discuss the impact of social factors like poverty and education, and highlight hopeful initiatives for the future of mental health insurance coverage. Tune in for a conversation filled with hope, inspiration, and practical insights for improving mental health care in Illinois.

In part 1 of our “Mental Health Parity” series, we spoke with Lisa M. Gomez, the Assistant Secretary of the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), appointed by President Joe Biden, to discuss mental health parity, which is the equal treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders in insurance plans. Lisa champions mental health parity in the United States. She shares her passion for mental health advocacy and dives into how EBSA is working to improve access to mental health parity for over 130 million Americans. Lisa also discusses the critical role of social factors like education, poverty, and culture in shaping access to mental health care services.Later in the episode, we chat about the projects that give Lisa hope, including the landmark Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and EBSA's ongoing campaigns to educate the public about their insurance rights. Whether you're a mental health advocate or someone seeking to understand more about access to mental health care in the U.S., this episode offers valuable insights. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from a leading voice in the fight for mental health parity. This is part 1 of a 3 part mini-series focused on improving access to mental health care services in the U.S.Resources Mentioned:Call 866-444-3272 to contact EBSA for help with your mental health insurance coverage benefits.

Can only one minute of mindfulness transform your whole day? Today, Raj Savalia sat down with providers from Tapestry 360 Health center in Chicago to discuss the importance of mindfulness and mental health care. Discover how the health center uses mindfulness, shares resources, and educates teams to improve community health. We also dive into integrative medicine, holistic care, inspirational stories, and practical tips for integrating mindfulness into daily life. The episode winds down with a short, guided meditation that's shows how simple it is to integrate mindfulness practices into your everyday routine.Resources:5 Minute Guided Mindfulness Meditation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXNECaIJPDI

How does fresh produce improve patient care? Our guests Nana Tsuladze and Rihanna Cheek joined us last week to discuss their health center's community garden. We explore how that garden transforms the way patients in recovery eat and think about food. Then you'll hear fun stories about patients getting creative with zucchini bread recipes and pesto made with fresh produce. We hope the community garden inspires conversations about nutrition and nudges folks to rethink produce and patient care!

We're back! Today, we're joined by two fantastic guests from Tapestry 360 Health to talk about their community garden program. Providers Nana Tsuladze and Rhianna Cheek started working with patients on their Medication Assisted Treatment group last Spring, and it was a huge success. We also discuss inspirational stories about how the garden helps patients in recovery start healthier diets and maintain recovery.Resources Mentioned:https://tap360health.org/medical-specialties/behavioral-health/

Dr. Sean Boynes talks about the different trainings, the different resources out there, and why it's important and how to make patients with Intellectual Development Disabilities more comfortable while seeing the dentist.

We're joined by Dr. Lisa Green, who has been recognized nationally for her efforts to address the Black maternal mortality crisis. Dr. Green is CEO of Family Christian Health Center in Harvey, IL and has been a physician there since it opened its doors in 2000. We dive into the riveting story of how a meeting on a snowy day in 2020 led to the development of the health center's Maternal Child Health & Wellness Center. We also discuss strategies to overcome barriers facing maternal health patients. More recently, Dr. Green was invited to the State of the Union address for her vital efforts.

When we think about health professions training we often think of physicians. However, the health professions field encompasses so many more professionals, many of whom are in high-demand at FQHCs. In this episode, we will hear from Erie Family Health Centers, Inc. on their unique training programs for Medical Assistants, such as an medical assistant externship program and a relationship with the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement. We also discuss Erie's summer internship program and hear about their work with behavioral health, nursing, and public health students. 

Teaching can be an effective tool for health centers in their recruitment and retention efforts. Setting up new programs or establishing relationships with existing programs can seem like a daunting task, however, many FQHCs have been able to create training programs to assist in developing the next generation of health care professionals. In this podcast we will hear from Erie Family Health Centers, Inc. on their experience with residency programs and an advanced practice registered nurse fellowship.

Get ready to dive deep into the world of health equity as we chat with experts from Altura Health and Neighborhood Healthcare about a game-changing research grant. We're talking about a nationwide survey with leaders, providers, and medical staff from 40 community health centers, bringing in the important stuff – research, resources, and a dedication to kick value-based care up a notch. Tune in for expert advice on launching your own research projects, free resources, and uncover how community-based research is ushering in a new era of value-based care.

Today, Shannon Goold and Dr. Jennifer Swoyer discuss launching a much needed medical respite program that provides healthcare services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Pillars Community Health and BEDS Plus partnered to launch the program within BEDS Plus in Summit, Illinois. The program addresses the needs of individuals who had a recent hospitalization, but lack a safe and caring place for recovery.

Today, we're joined by Patsy Jensen as she reflects on her time as Executive Director of Shawnee Health Care. Patsy is retiring after decades of improving public health and the quality of healthcare in Southern Illinois. She shares why stayed at Shawnee, fun memories, and stories that made her proud of the work Shawnee does.

I'm joined by Kandis Draw from the Hospice and Palliative (HAP) Care Research foundation. We have an insightful chat about community health worker programs, education for grief and loss, and some stories from the front lines of community health care.

I'm joined by Emma Kelley, who's our manager of workforce development, as well as my occasional co-host. We chat about how her work supports Illinois' health centers, and she shares memorable stories from her time at IPHCA.

On today's episode, we spoke with Jon-Michial Carter, CEO and founder of ChartSpan about their proactive, full-service Chronic Care Management (CCM) program. They handle patient enrollment, education, care plans, and prescription refills, allowing healthcare staff to focus more on in-person care. We also discussed how ChartSpan supports community health centers' unique needs, especially for social determinants of health screenings and care gap assists.

In this episode, podcast host Raj Savalia talks about the social determinants of health (SDOH). He discusses how SDOH impacts community healthcare, online resources to improve SDOH, and previews a new podcast series that aims to drastically improve SDOH.

We spoke with Dr. Arif Kamal from the American Cancer Society and discussed the evolution of cancer care, and how improving the social determinants of health are key to better outcomes.

Today's episode is the third of four in the peer recovery series. Our guests, Dr. Thomas Huggett and Dan Weigman from Lawndale Christian Health Center along with a patient who is currently in recovery share the impact of peer recovery support. We would like to personally thank the patient for their journey of recovery and how they are now paying it forward to others as peer in recovery in the community.Resources Mentioned:https://helplineil.org/app/homehttps://www.rethinkrecoveryil.com/

Today's episode is the fourth and final episode in the peer recovery services. Our guest, Michelle Kavouras, is a Peer Doula at PCC Community Wellness. In this episode, Michelle shares the role of a peer doula and how they can help pregnant and postpartum patients who have experienced substance use disorder.Resources Mentioned:HB 1468 Summary - Creates the Family Care Plans for Infants and Families Act:https://legiscan.com/IL/bill/HB1468/2023Never Use Alone hot-line/Website - https://neverusealone.comIf you have any other questions, or need any clarification please feel free to contact Michelle Kavouras at 815-388-7051.

Today's episode focuses on increasing harm reduction services in primary care. Our guests, Joan Liautaud and Colleen Ryan from Heartland Alliance Health, share how their health center has implemented harm reduction services for substance use disorder treatments. They also touch on ways to reduce stigma around harm reduction, while increasing Nacran education among staff and patients.

Today's episode is one of two on Harm Reduction and Narcan Education for FQHCs. Our guest, Kathleen Monahan is the State Opioid Response Project Director for IDHS/SUPR, and shared information on the Drug Over Dose Prevention Program (DOPP). Ms. Monahan spoke about how FQHCs can enroll in the DOPP and receive free Narcan to distribute to health center patients, as well as the communities they serve.To learn more about DOPP, please click on the link below. Please note that FQHCs should then click on the Hospital and Clinics button to fill out the form to enroll. https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=58142.

Today, Sarah Miller and Jennifer Schindl from Shawnee Health Services join us to talk about community health worker training program. We discuss how CHWs address social determinants of health and the importance making heart-to-heart connections with people to improve outcomes.

We're joined by Emily Higgins and Sabrina Wilson from Eagle View Community Health System, Inc. in rural Illinois. Learn about how this health center's community health workers (CHW) program improves community healthcare. We discuss the social determinants of health, making heart-to-heart connection's with people, and integrating CHWs into each department of a healthcare organization.

Today we spoke with Tyra Jones, the lead community health worker trainer at the SIU School of Medicine. Listen as we discuss their health center's ECHO program for training community health workers. We also discussed how simulations and shadowing during training improve community healthcare.

We're joined by Mia Webster Cross, Chief Community Program's & Outreach Officer at Family Christian Health Center. Learn about how this health center improves community care by leveraging their innovative community health worker program, hosting pop-up community events, and scaled up outreach.

Today's episode is the second of four in the peer recovery series. Our guest, Nathan Zeller from Chestnut Health Systems shares the steps Chestnut has taken to create a peer recovery friendly work place for their employees. We talk about the importance of supporting employees in recovery as well as organizations hiring peer support specialists in the mental health and substance use disorder space.