HealthCare UnTold

As a podcast host, I have had the profound honor of listening to and documenting the powerful stories of community members who have dedicated their lives to advocating for justice. Tina Cordova, the Co-Founder of the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium, is a tireless advocate who has brought attention to the long-ignored consequences of nuclear testing in New Mexico. Her work illuminates the untold experiences of multiple communities who, in the aftermath of the Trinity Bomb detonation and subsequent nuclear tests conducted in New Mexico between 1945 and 1962, were unknowingly exposed to radiation. This exposure, carried by the wind and lingering in the environment for generations, has inflicted devastating deaths and long-term health consequences on countless families. Despite the well-documented link between radiation exposure and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, the communities most affected—those who have suffered immeasurable loss and continue to endure the painful repercussions—have yet to receive the full recognition and justice they deserve. Their stories remain largely absent from mainstream historical narratives, making it all the more crucial to amplify their voices and demand accountability. We want to honor all who have lost their lives and those who keep their stories alive. Gracias Tina Cordova and the Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium. #Downwinders #JusticeForDownwinders #NuclearTestingImpact #RadiationExposure #TrinityTest #EnvironmentalJustice #HealthJustice #ForgottenVictims #TularosaBasin #RECAAmendment

Matthew Feltrop serves as the Executive Director of The Patachou Foundation, a visionary nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis dedicated to fighting childhood hunger through transformative food initiatives. The foundation is committed to not only providing nutritious, scratch-made meals to children impacted by food insecurity but also fostering a deeper connection to food by sparking excitement and awareness. Under Matthew's dynamic leadership, the foundation has experienced remarkable growth, delivering over 500,000 meals to children in need and spearheading impactful programs. These include PataSchool, which brings the art of scratch cooking into school cafeterias, and the Food Fellowship—a paid summer program designed to immerse teens in hands-on learning experiences with culinary, hospitality, and agriculture industry professionals. This initiative equips participants with invaluable skills and resume-building opportunities, paving the way for a promising future. HealthCare UnTold honors Matthew for his dedication to improving the public health status of the young people in his communities.#ChildhoodHunger#FoodAsEducation #ScratchCooking #FoodInsecuritySolutions#NourishingCommunities #EmpowerThroughFood #FutureChefs

Our guest today is, Dr. Ann López is the Executive Director of Center for Farmworker Families. The Center for Farmworker Families provides support to farmworker families in the central coast of California. The Center for Farmworker Families is a 501(c3)nonprofit at www.farmworkerfamily.org . The website is designed to provide updates on the status of binational farmworker families and provides ways in which those who are interestedcan become involved with the work of improving their life circumstances.She is an emerita professor and taught courses in biology, environmental science, ecology and botany in the biology department at San José City College for many years. She has a Ph.D. from UCSC in Environmental Studies where she studied the impact of the North American Free Trade Agreement on the farms of west central Mexico. Her book entitled The Farmworkers' Journey summarizes the results, arguments and conclusions of her research and was published by UC Press. She has been recognized for her work by The U.S. Congress and many organizations.

Our guest today is Elizabeth Bachman, CEO of Strategic Speaking for Results. Elizabeth is a renowned authority in advanced speaking, presentation skills, sales, and leadership training. With decades of expertise, she empowers high-level clients to craft impactful messages that secure funding, build alliances, and earn well-deserved recognition. As an internationally sought-after speaker and strategist, Elizabeth helps leaders present with confidence, relatability, and even a touch of humor—while maintaining credibility.Elizabeth hosts the acclaimed podcast Speakers Who Get Results, where she delves into topics like leadership, visibility, and cross-cultural communication with industry experts. Having directed opera legends like Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo in over 50 productions worldwide, she draws on an extraordinary breadth of experience. Fluent in five languages, Elizabeth works with women to elevate the ir confidence and professional goals.

Our podcast today features Jasmine Najera and Barbara Garcia, who provide us with statistics regarding the economic power of US Latino communities. In addition to exploring these vital statistics, they delve into the critical role of uplifting and supporting the dedicated staff of our Latino community organizations, especially during these challenging and uncertain times. Keep our Latino Organizations strong by donating and volunteering. Si Se Puede!#LatinoEconomicPower #StrengthInCommunity#SupportLatinoOrganizations #DonateAndVolunteer

Our guest today is Aaron Painter, the CEO of Nametag. Aaron shares his journey from a 14-year career at Microsoft, where he held various leadership roles across multiple countries, to founding Nametag. Driven by his personal experiences with online fraud and identity theft, Aaron has created cutting-edge technology that offers unprecedented protection from digital manipulation and impersonation fraud.Aaron discusses the evolution of fraud, from simple check scams to sophisticated digital impersonation using deepfakes, and highlights the surge in remote work-related security threats, especially in health care. He explains how Nametag's DeepFake Defense technology verifies authentic identities. Aaron also provides some practical ways to help protect your digital identity.HealthCare UnTold recognizes Aaron Painter and Name Tag for their dedication to identity safety.#DigitalSafety#ProtectYourData#SecureYourInformation#ThinkBeforeYouClick#ProtectYourDigitalIdentity

Our guest today is, Devon G. Peña the Founder and President of the Acequia Institute, a non-profit grant-making foundation dedicated to supporting environmental and food justice. The Institute is based on a 181-acre acequia farm in Viejo San Acacio, CO, situated on the ancestral lands and waters of the Nuchu, Dinè, Tewa, and Genizaro peoples.Established in 2006, the Acequia Institute focuses on the protection and preservation of acequia farming communities in the Upper Rio Grande region. Its key areas of focus include Water Democracy, Resilient Agriculture, and Environmental Justice.HealthCare UnTold celebrates Devon as a national treasure. As a farmer, seed-saver, plant-breeder, and philanthropist, he works tirelessly to conserve ancient foods and create Solidarity Economies with local creators. His efforts aim to improve his community health and wealth and to honor the beauty of ancestral food and growing practices. The work of the Acequia Institute is a gift to us all. Gracias to the Acequia Institute and Devon Pena!#acequiainstitute.org#devonpena#seedguardians#heritagecusine#deepfood#sanluismarket#solidarityeconomies#ancestraldiets#waterdemocracy#environmentaljustice

Las Fotos Project's mission is to elevate the voices of teenage girls & gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring, empowering them to channel their creativity for the benefit of themselves, their community, and future careers.Several of the Las Fotos Project members have been impacted by the LA Fires, in response they have begun documenting the stories of artists who lost their equipment and studios in the fires.They are calling on artists impacted by the fires to share their stories on their website: lasfotosproject.org. By reading these stories, you can connect with and support the artists directly. If a particular story moves you, contact Las Fotos Project, and they will facilitate a direct connection with the artist.Organizations like Las Fotos Project, which support Latina/o/x artists and creatives, need our help to continue their vital work. You can make direct donations at lasfotosproject.org.Gracias Las Fotos Project for your dedication to supporting our artists and young people impacted by the LA Fires.Sí, Se Puede!#supportlasphotoproject.com#supportLAfiresurvivors#supportlatinosimpactedbyLAFires#LAFireSupport

Our guest today is Dante King, M.ED, CHRMP, Dante is an incredible speaker, author and consultant known for his work in the fields of diversity and anti-racism. He is particularly focused on addressing systemic racism, bias, and discrimination within organizations and institutions. King leverages his expertise to help organizations understand and dismantle structural inequities, foster inclusive environments, and implement transformative change. As a consultant, he provides training, workshops, and strategic guidance to help leaders and teams recognize and address implicit biases and historical patterns of exclusion.#DanteKing.com quity#RacialEquity#StandAgainstRacism#UnityinDiversity#Diagnosing Whiteness & Anti-Blackness#400YearHolocaust

Our guest today is Vanessa Villaverde, the senior program investment officer at the CHCF Innovation Fund, which invests in technology and service companies with the potential to significantly lower the cost of care or to improve access to care for Californians with low incomes. Vanessa is an exceptional health leader with her eye on expanding the contributions of Latina/o/x innovators in health technologies,Before joining CHCF, Vanessa worked at health tech companies Caresyntax and Remedy Partners, where she developed value-based care programs and products. She worked at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for 10 years advising on innovative payment models, state Medicaid policy, and 1115 waivers. She has invested into health care companies through special purpose vehicles and Angel networks, created a nonprofit to further readiness for Black and Latino/x founders looking to fundraise, and served as a venture scout for Vamos Ventures, an LA-based and Latino/x-led VC fund providing capital to Latino/x and diverse teams in health care, wellness, workforce, fintech, and sustainability.HealthCare UnTold expresses its gratitude to Vanessa for her dedication and hard work in enhancing the health and prosperity for our communities.#VaneesaVillaverde#CAHealthCareFoundation#HealthCareInnovation#LatinoTechnologyStartups

Our guest today is Jacob Kendall, Jacob is a dedicated health advocate and a multifaceted expert. With a strong background in demographics, Jacob excels at analyzing health trends and identifying community needs. In this podcast he provides us with important insights about the roles and importance of immigrant health providers. His personal experiences as a patient within hospital and health systems as a patient, give him a unique perspective.Jacob is a speaker and educator and supports families who are in need of advocacy, you can contact him at:jacobevanskendall.com

We are honoring the Loma Prieta Earthquake which took place on October 17, 1989 in Watsonville, California, by recasting our original podcast. We want to honor those who lost their lives and to those who responded to save lives and servethose who were impacted.You will hear about the fundamentals of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery particularly for vulnerable communities.  Our podcast features Interviews with medical providers and Watsonville community leaders who responded immediately after the earthquake; these local heroes provide their first-hand oral histories of the creative steps they took to quickly outreach to and serve farmworkers and the Watsonville Community.Understanding the long-term impact of disasters/pandemics reminds us of the transformation that can happen when people work together to prepare for and respond to the needs of vulnerable groups. HealthCare UnTold dedicates this podcast to those who work tirelessly everyday to improve conditions in and empower their communities.

Our guest today is Mayukh Choudhury, the Co-founder of Milaap and GetCopayHelp. Milaap is one of India's leading crowdfunding platforms, connecting individuals and organizations with supporters to raise funds for medical emergencies and other critical causes. Through Milaap, thousands have received financial support for their medical needs.As a co-founder of GetCopayHelp, Mayukh has enabled US patients to access high-cost medications affordably. The platform simplifies the process by identifying medication assistance programs and managing the administrative tasks involved.Mayukh is deeply passionate about ensuring that financial barriers do not stand between life and death, hope and despair. At HealthCareUnTold, we honor Mayukh for his entrepreneurship and unwavering commitment to helping others around the world.

Our guest today is Itzel Maganda Chavez, the Civic Engagement Director for San Diego Alliance. Itzel shares her inspiring journey from growing up undocumented in San Diego to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. Her story, transitioning from undocumented to DACAmented, and finally to citizenship, highlights the resilience and strength of immigrant communities. As the Civic Engagement Director at Alliance San Diego, she is responsible for promoting civic participation, organizing community efforts, and enhancing voting literacy. Alliance San Diego is a community organization dedicated to building collective power and creating an inclusive democracy. HealthCare UnTold honors Itzel and the San Diego Alliance for hard work to ensure our Democracy!#civicengagement#voterrights#voterliteracy#communityorganizting#immigration#dacamentation

Our guests today are Carolyn Pritchard and Lorie Spence the Co-Founders of Bridge Medical Communications. Carolyn and Lorie have committed their work to bridge the gap between the health industry and the patient. They believe that specialized communications to healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in optimizing the potential impact of medical innovations on the healthcare landscape and—ultimately—on the patient. Their vision is to empower healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes through innovative communication tools, creativity, and strategic collaboration.#bridgemedcomms.com#patient voice#providerprofessionaldevelpment#medicalinovations#empowerhealthcareprofessionals#healthcareuntold@gmail.com

We are recasting our podcast on Smokey the Bear and our Indigenous firefighters. Help them by being safe and keeping your family safe with these safety precautions if you live in fire prone areas:*Create a fire escape planInstall and maintain smoke alarmsKeep important documents and essentials with multiple family members if you can't afford a fireproof safe:Pack an emergency kitHave a designated meeting point:Practice fire safety: Take precautions to prevent fires by keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, never leaving cooking unattended and being cautious with candles and other open flames.Our podcast for today presents the thrilling story of Hot Foot Teddy, popularly known as Smokey the Bear, who contributed immensely to our forest management practices. This marks the beginning of an enlightening mini-series on the invaluable contributions of Native Americans, Mestizo/Spanish/Latino firefighters, hot shots, and search and rescue teams to the forestry sector.In 1950, a massive fire broke out, and the Snowball Firefighter Crew from the Taos Pueblo in Northern New Mexico swiftly responded. During their heroic efforts to extinguish the fire, Adolf Samora, the crew leader, stumbled upon a little bear that was stranded in a tree. To their shock and dismay, they noticed that the bear's paws were severely burnt due to the raging fire. They immediately named the bear "Hot Foot Teddy" in honor of this harrowing ordeal and save.  Join us as we unravel the intriguing and Untold Story of the remarkable contributions made by our brave firefighters and traditional forest management practitioners. Let us pay tribute to generations of our communities who have put their lives on the line to safeguard our forests and help us appreciate the importance of conservation and sustainable forestry practices.

Our guest today is, Mario A. Guel who is a South Texas native with a background in nonprofit grant management, community economic development focusing on rural & underserved communities and higher education. At Build Healthy Places Network (BHPN) Mario serves as Senior Program Manager, providing oversight and coordination of community of practice and field building in alignment with BHPN's goals. He creates, develops, and sustains national, regional, and local (including indigenous nations) partnerships across sectors. Mario earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Jurisprudence in Business Law and Compliance from Texas A&M University.HealthCare UnTold Honors Mario A Gruel as our Public Health Hero!https://buildhealthyplaces.org/tools-resources/rural-resources/

On August 4th, 2024, we lost a remarkable community leader, Profe. Armando Vasquez Ramos. In his honor, I wanted to recast the podcast we recently recorded. I reconnected with Armando through John A. Taboada's photo exhibit at the Historical Society Center of Long Beach, which showcased the community work of El Centro de la Raza.Armando's podcast interview holds a special place in my heart. I first met him when I was fourteen, when he was the Director of El Centro de la Raza. I worked as a student worker at El Centro from fourteen until I was twenty-one, receiving training and mentorship in youth development and community organizing. I was one of over 400 youth who worked at the Centro every summer, providing us with employment, education, community service, and keeping us out of harm's way.Armando and the many other Chicana/o workers at the Centro became my second family, guiding me through college and giving me the skills and community experiences that helped me succeed in my many jobs and careers.Listen closely to Armando's final words and advice, you will undoubtedly find inspiration and commitment to keep fighting for justice and peace.Donate to his gofundme.com fund: Honor Profe. Armando Vazquez-Ramos Legacy.Rest in Peace, Armando.#california-mexicocenter.org

Our guest today is Rebecca Hernandez, PhD, who is the Community Archivist at the UC Santa Cruz University Library. With a rich background as the former director of the American Indian Resource Center, Rebecca brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her role. She is dedicated to ensuring that the diverse and untold histories of Santa Cruz County are not only preserved but also celebrated. Learn how to preserve your historical documents or gift your historical materials, by contacting Dr. Hernandez at: rhernandez@ucsc.edu

Today, we're joined by Janet Johns, Artistic Director, and Ruby Vasquez, Assistant Artistic Director from the Esperanza Del Valle Baile Folkorico in Santa Cruz County. They're excited to announce the First International Folklorico and Music Conference, taking place in Santa Cruz County from August 15th to 25th. During our conversation, we'll delve into the conference's history and the meaningful relationship they've built with the University of Veracruz.Esperanza del Valle and Cabrillo College are hosting the Ballet Folklórico del Puerto de Veracruz de la Universidad Veracruzana who will be teaching at the Folklorico Dance and Music Conference.CONFERENCE LOGISTICSThe conference will take place August 15-25, 2024. All interested youth, adult dancers and musicians are welcome.DANCE CLASSES: Beginning, intermediate and experienced level dance classes of Son Jarocho del Puerto de Veracruz and Boca del RioMASTER CLASSES: Classes in Son Jarocho of Tlacotalpan and Veracruz for professional dancers and folklorico directorsMUSIC CLASSES: Nematatlín musicians will offer classes in jarana and versada Jarocha (voice/lyrics)FANDANGO/TODOS BAILAN SU SON: An opportunity for all conference participants to perform dances learned for thecommunity.GALA THEATER PERFORMANCES: Ballet Folklórico del Puerto de Veracruz de la Universidad Veracruzana and Nematatlinwill present "ROSTROS DE MÉXICO" at the Mello Center and "RAÍCES DEL PUEBLO" at the Crocker Theater. For More Information and Registration: esperanzadelvalle.org

Our guest today is Gabriela Rodriguez-Gomez who is a Ph.D. candidate in Chicana/o Studies & Central American Studies at University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) with a specialization in the history of murals created during the Chicana/o art movement and the Mexican mural movement. She holds a B.A. in Art and History of Art and Visual Culture from the University of California Santa Cruz, an M.A. in Art History from the University of California Riverside, and an M.A. in Chicana/o Studies from UCLA. She received the Edward A. Dickson Fellowship in the History of Art at UCLA in 2021-2022 and is currently the UC President's Pre-Professoriate Fellow for 2023-2024. The dissertation “Murals Without Walls, Muralism Without Borders: Womxn Artists and Their Portable Murals of the Chicano Art Movement in Colorado and California” examines the history of Chicana/o and Mexican muralism and identifies womxn artists and their portable murals.HealthCare UnTold honors Gabriela for her scholastic achievementhttps://chavez.ucla.edu/person/gabriela-rodriguez-gomez/

Kateri Lopez serves as a Project Manager at Cornerstones in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cornerstones is committed to safeguarding the architectural heritage and cultural traditions of New Mexico. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, Cornerstones restores historic structures and cultural landscapes while promoting traditional building practices. Kateri's upbringing in a community and multigenerational family deeply rooted in land and farming in the South Valley of Albuquerque informs her dedication to this important work.HealthCare UnTold honors Kateri's commitment to place and tradition for the New Mexican communities.#Cornerstones.org#adobe structures#restorations#preservations

Armando Vazquez-Ramos, an advocate for Chicano/Mexican and Latino education, has been promoting educational opportunities for over 50 years. As a student leader at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) in 1969, he co-founded the Chicano and Latino Studies department. Armando also became the Director of El Centro de la Raza in Long Beach which was a community service agency that provided thousands of families and youth, employment, and community resources. For the last decade Armando has been leading the Dreamer Study Abroad Program which provides Dreamer's the opportunity to study in Mexico and this program allows the Dreamers to return to their country of origin with opportunities to change their undocumented status. Armando provides us his insights to the current political challenges that we are faced with the growing racial divides in our country. HealthCare UnTold honors Armando as one of our Chicano leaders in the fight for justice. Gracias Armando!

Jon is the Founder and Director of Migrant Media Productions. Jon is a visionary filmmaker, educator and advocate for social justice. John has been capturing and documenting the stories of Migrant Farmworkers for over three decades. He has committed his career to the struggles and the beauty of Migrant Farmworker lives. Jon's work captures the stories of musicians, strikers, educators and community advocates. His recent work, "Living in Exile", tells the untold story of Carlos Mejia Godoy a musician. poet of Nicaragua's Sandinista Revolution.HealthCare UnTold honors Jon Silver for his career and commitment to telling the untold stories of our communities! https://vimeo.com/user16066231/livinginexile#migrantmediaproductions#migrantfarmworkers#healthcareuntold

In 2013, Wes founded Rare Patient Voice to provide patients and their caregivers with the opportunity to voice their opinions through surveys and interviews to improve medical products and services. As with any new business, the initial days were challenging. Wes knew that he wanted to be able to share this resource with all clients, so he purposely did not accept investments from clients or other related sources. He spent time traveling across the country and meeting patients and caregivers at events such as awareness days, fundraising walks, meetings, and conferences. Eventually, the business grew and Wes was able to add staff to support projects and attend events.Wes has been amazed at the great reception Rare Patient Voice has received from both patients and the market research industry. To date, over $13 million dollars have been awarded to RPV participants. Working to meet the needs of advertising agencies, market research firms, pharmaceutical companies and other clients has been a labor of love for this longtime marketing professional. In addition to the United States, Rare Patient Voice now recruits patients and caregivers for studies in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and New Zealand.

"Joy Power and Pride"Brian Chavez, from the Historical Society of Long Beach, joins us today to share his thoughts and reflections on the new exhibit titled "Centro de la Raza: John A. Taboada's Photo Legacy 1970-1985." John's exhibit captures the Chicano Movement in Long Beach and the community work of Centro de la Raza through a beautiful collection of over 3,000 meticulously preserved photos. John's artistry will continue to have an impact on multiple generations to come.*This exhibit holds immense significance for me. As a teenager, I had the privilege of working at Centro de la Raza, where I was mentored by numerous Chicano students and leaders, including John Taboada.I want to personally thank all of the Chicanas and Chicanos during this time for their incredible efforts to provide services, art and programs for the Long Beach Community. Their efforts forever changed the trajectory of my life and career.HealthCare UnTold also thanks, the Chicano Six, a group of civil rights activists, who partnered with the Long Beach Historical Society to curate this exhibition. Ron and Phyllis Arias, Carmen Perez, Armando Vasques-Ramos, Margie Rodriguez, and Theresa Marino, they have worked tirelessly to honor the legacy of Centro de la Raza and John Taboada beautiful photos,Que Viva La Raza*Photo courtesy of the Historical Society of Long Beach#hslb.org#chicanomovement

Dr. Geeta Nayyar, a remarkable health and technology leader, has authored the book “DEAD WRONG: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare's Misinformation Illness”.In our podcast Dr. G emphasizes the importance of accurate information in empowering patients, providers, and policymakers. By embracing transparency, trust can be fostered, informed decision-making facilitated, and patient outcomes enhanced. Dr. Nayyar advocates for open data sharing, clear communication, and responsible handling of privacy concerns. Transparent practices pave the way for actionable insights, evidence-based care, and reduced inefficiencies.Remember, in our digital landscape, double-check your facts, verify sources, and be vigilant against the power of misinformation and disinformation.#checkyourfacts#DEAD WRONG#drgettanayyar#consumerempowerment#transperancy

Our guest today is Dr. Haghighian (Dr.Cyrus), Dr. Cyrus is deeply committed to patient care, aligning seamlessly with the mission of providing comprehensive and personalized healthcare. Specializing in Sleep Medicine, he strives to help patients achieve better sleep and overall well-being. He has experience working with both adults and children and his services address conditions such as Sleep Apnea, Narcolepsy, Insomnia, and Circadian Rhythm disorders. Today Dr. Cyrus share with us about Sleep Hygiene and ways to get a restful night sleep.  We thank Dr. Cyrus for sharing his advice and how to improve our sleep habits. Thank you, Dr. Cyrus!

Our guest today is Chris Thompson, the CEO of Sober Sidekick.  Chris developed his application for those seeking sobriety and support. Chris wants a world where no one is alone in their battle of sobriety and his app does just that, it is 24/7 and if you reach out, others will reach out to you and give you empathy and support. Chris believes that it only takes a few people to believe in you to find the strength to overcome your struggles and turn your setbacks into comebacks. His innovative app is  free and it provides an incredible opportunity to build your own community of support and to help you in your own health journey towards sobriety. At HealthCare UnTold we believe in Chris and his innovative work for others, and we honor him on his own journey. Gracias Chris!#sobersidekick#aa#communitysupport#empathy 

Our guest today is Luká Yancopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Grapevine. Under Luká's leadership, Grapevine is providing cost-effective and timely access to millions of healthcare supplies for our healthcare systems. Grapevine is dedicated to frontline workers, aiming to reduce waste by implementing effective supply management and ensuring equitable healthcare access. We commend Grapevine for its charitable initiatives during Covid-19, which ensured that vital supplies were distributed to nonprofits, preventing medical supplies from going to waste.Listen in to Luká Yancopoulos, CEO and co-founder of Grapevine our Innovator of the Month!#go-grapevine.com#elimantedmedicalwaste#reducehealthcarecosts

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC) is a group of activists who seek justice for the victims of the Trinity Test, the first atomic bomb detonation on July 16, 1945. The test exposed thousands of people living in nearby communities, largely Latino communities to harmful radiation, causing cancers and other diseases. The TBDC was founded in 2005 by Tina Cordova and Fred Tyler, along with other residents of Tularosa, to collect data and raise awareness about the health effects of the test.The Trinity Test was part of a series of 200 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by the United States between 1945 and 1962. These tests also affected thousands of uranium miners, mostly Native Americans, who provided the raw material for the bombs. The miners and the downwinders were not warned of the dangers of radiation exposure and were not compensated for their suffering.After decades of lawsuits and advocacy, Congress finally passed a bill in 2023 to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which provides compensation to individuals harmed by nuclear testing and uranium mining. The bill, which was signed into law by President Biden on August 8, 2023, expands the eligibility criteria to include the downwinders of New Mexico and the post-1971 uranium miners/workers. The bill also covers more states and territories affected by nuclear testing, such as Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Guam, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.The passage of the RECA amendments was a historic victory for the TBDC and the Native American communities who fought for their rights and recognition. HealthCare UnTold honors these groups and asks you to donate to: The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC).Please send checks directly to:TBDC c/o Tina Cordova7518 2nd St. NW​Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107​Sources: July 29,2023/The Washington Post 'No 'Oppenheimer' fanfare for those caught in first atomic bomb's falloutby Karen Brullard and Samuel Gilberttrinitydownwinders.comYouTube: Tina Cordova ExcerptsOppenheimer

Our guest today is Tracy Weaver, Executive Director of Saranam. Since 2004 SARANAM has served over 180 families offering them opportunities to break the cycles of generational poverty. Saranam's two-year, residential program, and integrated services – housing, education, and community – help families escape from homelessness and poverty permanently with a proven 88% success rate. Many programs addressing homelessness focus on immediate needs such as shelter, food, or addiction treatment. Saranam works holistically, tackling the causes of homelessness and poverty by working with the entire family over time. In 2022 Saranam broke ground for a new campus housing 20 more families and they are about ready to open this new housing in April of 2024!HealthCare UnTold honors Tracy Weaver and Saranam families1DONATE /Volunteer: saranamabq.org#familyempowerment#endingpoverty#treatmentworks

Our guest today is Tylor Taylor who is the Chief Executive Officer of Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC). SASCC is a nonprofit services provider and consultancy offering an integrated suite of programs for older adults and guiding local government and institutional efforts to build age-friendly communities. As CEO, Taylor leads a dynamic team of professionals to empower communities and elevate the standard of living for older adults.Taylor's passion and background in strategic planning, fundraising, partnership development, program management, and marketing communications have enabled him to create and deliver innovative solutions that address the needs and challenges of older adults and their communities.With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Taylor served as County Commissioner of Santa Clara for over seven years, as well as the Chairperson of the Santa Clara County Senior Care Commission. He is also the Executive Editor of The Outlook, an Age-Friendly community newspaper, and the founder and operator of RYDE, a multi-city transportation service that provides affordable rides for older adults. Most recently, he led a county-wide collaboration between SASCC and West Valley and Mission community colleges with the goal of increasing learning opportunities for older adults, such as certificate programs to improve employment opportunities for them.

The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC) is a group of activists who seek justice for the victims of the Trinity Test, the first atomic bomb detonation on July 16, 1945. The test exposed thousands of people living in nearby communities, largely Latino communities to harmful radiation, causing cancers and other diseases. The TBDC was founded in 2005 by Tina Cordova and Fred Tyler, along with other residents of Tularosa, to collect data and raise awareness about the health effects of the test.The Trinity Test was part of a series of 200 atmospheric nuclear tests conducted by the United States between 1945 and 1962. These tests also affected thousands of uranium miners, mostly Native Americans, who provided the raw material for the bombs. The miners and the downwinders were not warned of the dangers of radiation exposure and were not compensated for their suffering.After decades of lawsuits and advocacy, Congress finally passed a bill in 2023 to amend the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), which provides compensation to individuals harmed by nuclear testing and uranium mining. The bill, which was signed into law by President Biden on August 8, 2023, expands the eligibility criteria to include the downwinders of New Mexico and the post-1971 uranium miners/workers. The bill also covers more states and territories affected by nuclear testing, such as Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Guam, Nevada, Arizona and Utah.The passage of the RECA amendments was a historic victory for the TBDC and the Native American communities who fought for their rights and recognition. HealthCare UnTold honors these groups and asks you to donate to: The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium.The Tularosa Basin Downwinders Consortium (TBDC).Please send checks directly to:TBDC c/o Tina Cordova7518 2nd St. NW​Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107​Sources: July 29,2023/The Washington Post 'No 'Oppenheimer' fanfare for those caught in first atomic bomb's falloutby Karen Brullard and Samuel Gilberttrinitydownwinders.comYouTube: Tina Cordova ExcerptsOppenheimer

The Importance of Nonprofits During Disasters:In the wake of the recent San Diego floods, one nonprofit organization stands out for its unwavering commitment to the community. The Alpha Project, despite facing its own significant challenges—such as the flooding of a facility, vans, and employee vehicles—continues to work tirelessly on behalf of families and individuals affected by the natural disaster. In response to the City of San Diego's they are also responding to housed families whose homes were flooded.The Alpha Project has been serving the unhoused for over 37 years, their mission is to empower individuals, families, and communities. Through a range of programs, they provide essential services to those motivated to transform their lives and achieve self-sufficiency.Let's support the Alpha Project, donate to: https://alphaproject.org

In this episode, we have as our guest Tracy Rodden, the Executive Director of Feed New Mexico Kids. New Mexico Kids is a non-profit dedicated to combating childhood hunger in the state of New Mexico. Tracy shares her inspiring journey and the motivation behind leading this organization. Over 90,000 children in New Mexico are food insecure and Feed New Mexico Kids has been providing weekly snack packs to over 4,000 kids a month at New Mexico schools. Feed New Mexico Kids also depends on over 200 volunteers from local churches to help pack the snack packs for distribution. Additionally, partnerships and collaboration have been established by Feed New Mexico Kids with local schools, businesses, and other non-profits. These partnerships have been instrumental in expanding the reach of the organization and ensuring that no child in New Mexico goes hungry. As a new Executive Director, Tracy shares with us the importance of volunteers and donations to help with the challenges faced by Feed New Mexico Kids; she describes fundraising efforts, logistical considerations, and the ongoing battle against food insecurity. HealthCare UnTold honors Tracy Rodden and Feed New Mexico for their efforts to end food insecurity for children in New Mexico. Your donation to Feed New Mexico Kids can make a difference! Donate to: https://feednmkids.org.

Dr. Joshua Lee, MD is a highly accomplished clinician and researcher specializing in medication-assisted treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. Josh is passionate about making evidence-based treatment accessible to those seeking to drink less or achieve sobriety. His extensive experience includes conducting clinical trials on naltrexone and buprenorphine in primary care, criminal justice, and community settings. He also treats patients struggling with addiction as a primary care physician. Josh is a Professor of Population Health and Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, directs the ACGME-accredited Addiction Medicine Fellowship, and leads research initiatives focused on justice and community outcomes. He is also Chief Clinical Advisor at Oar Health, a telemedicine platform that makes medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder convenient and private.HealthCare UnTold thanks Dr. Joshua Lee for sharing his career journey with us and his commitment to helping those with substance use disorders to seek health care and effective medication.#oarhealth.com#drjosualee#NYUgrossmanschoolofmedicine#aa#treatmentworks#healthcareuntold@gmail.com

Our guest today is Danielle Parker, the Associate Director of the community-based, non-profit organization United Voicesfor Newcomer Rights (UVNR). UVNR cultivates educational, economic, cultural, social and physical andmental health resources in partnership with newcomers to empower them to achieve system changethat supports their well-being and integration in their new communities. UVNR uses the inclusive, non-stigmatized term “newcomers” to include anyone who has migrated to the U.S., including refugees,immigrants, and asylum seekers, and to build solidary among the groups – recognizing the sharedexperiences of migration and resettlement challenges.Ms. Parker began her career journey when she was an undergraduate student at the University of NewMexico and participated in the Refugee and Immigrant Well-being Project - a collaborative program runbetween UVNR and UNM that trains undergraduate and graduate students as paraprofessionaladvocates and then pairs them with newcomer families to engage in 6 months of mutual learning,mobilization of resources, and advocacy efforts.On behalf of HealthCare UnTold we honor Danielle Parker and Unite Voices for Newcomer Rights for their incredible work on behalf of newcomers in the New Mexico.

Our guest is Dr. Laura Clapper, the Medical Director of Commonwealth Care Alliance California (CCA). Dr. Clapper has focused her health career on making health care more equitable and aligned with the needs of our communities. She believes that by focusing on the ecosystems of our community care systems and the social determinates of health that we can address health equity gaps. As the CCA California Medical Director -- a position she chose because of CCA's mission she works diligently to ensure that the health plan responds and innovates health care for their members.HealthCare UnTold honors Dr. Clapper's success and her lifetime commitment to community health.

Our guest today is Dr. Eric Fethke, one of the country's top pediatric cardiologists. Dr. Fethke is known for successfully treating the most difficult heart conditions in babies, children, and adults. He is also the medical director of one of the nation's premier cardiac screening programs for children: Heart Screen New York.Dr. Fethke is the author of a new book called, "The Privilege of Caring: A Doctor's Call to Heal the U.S. Health System."His book was inspired by one of his heart patients who continued to remind Dr. Fethke over decades of treatment that they were partners and collaborators on his health journey.Dr. Fetheke is also the host of "The of Pursuit of Health Podcast" which addresses a wide spectrum of ways to improve our health systems. HealthCare UnTold celebrates Dr. Eric Fethke for his lifetime work as a healer and health advocate.

Our guest today is Molly Ellenberg Friedland who is the Group Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at InStride where she leads InStride's healthcare and financial services practices. InStride is a groundbreaking company at the forefront of education and workforce development. With partnerships between leading universities and health care organizations, InStride is strengthening and supporting the retention of the health care workforce by providing essential certifications and educational opportunities. Listen in to hear about Molly's career journey and her commitment to ensure educational opportunities for our diverse healthcare labor force.

Listen in as Gerardo and Barbara review some of our most exciting podcasts of 2023. HealthCare UnTold is dedicated to telling the UnTold stories of community advocates, scientists, and leaders who are helping our communities to be stronger and healthier.We want to thank our listening audience and especially our guests who have shared their incredible stories with us at HealthCare UnTold.If you want to be a guest on podcast email us at: healthcareuntold@gmail.com

Today's podcast highlights new research on the impact of bilingualism on cognitive processes by Grace deMeurisse and Edith Kaan from the University of Florida. Over half of the world speaks multiple languages, including the majority of first-generation immigrants to the United States. This exciting new research highlights the continuum of mental capacities expressed in bilingualism and how factors like age and proficiency levels further impact cognitive processes. Although politically our country has never embraced and promoted bilingualism, this timely research provides us with new insights on the positive impacts of bilingualism on cognition including improved attentional control and sophisticated information filtering. Given the influx of immigrant children into our school systems, HealthCare Untold applauds researchers Grace deMeurisse and Edith Kaan for their important contributions to understanding the intellectual value of being able to speak more than one language.

In today's podcast, Gerardo and Barbara discuss two inspiring stories that highlight the positive impact of masking and the incredible contributions of the Latino community to the US Gross Domestic Product.The first story delves into the effectiveness of masking as a preventive measure against the spread of infectious diseases, as revealed by a study conducted by Yale University's Public Health School. This research sheds light on the significance of wearing masks and the scientific evidence supporting the use of masks as a crucial tool in safeguarding our health.The second story focuses on the remarkable contributions of the Latino community to the US Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Through entrepreneurship, labor force participation, and cultural richness, Latinos have played a pivotal role in driving economic growth in the United States. Gerardo and Barbara explore the specific sectors where Latinos have made significant strides, such as small business ownership, innovation, and job creation. This story not only highlights the invaluable economic impact of our community but also serves as a celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the US. #latinogdp.us#public health#healthcareuntold@gmail.com

Dr. Betsy Guerra is a bilingual psychotherapist, international speaker, and author of Hurt 2 Hope: Heal the pain of loss, grief, and adversity. She is also the Founder and CEO of of Better with Betsy, a group practice with innovative programs and services aimed to elevate our communities by helping it become better. It is the only platform dedicated to elevating humanity by training service leaders and supporting individuals through a powerful psycho-spiritual approach.You can access a free video series with Betsy at: faithbasedcoachingacacademy.com. You can access her website at, betterwithbetsy.com.HealthCare Untold is proud to have Dr. Betsy Guerra as a guest and we honor her faith-based work for the healing our community and providers.#faithbasehealing#psycho-spiritualhealing#lifecoachin#betterwithbetsy#mentalhealth

Our Podcast today is with Bill Bunting the COO of Avendelle Assisted Living. Assisted living or assisted living facility (ALF) is a housing facility for people with disabilities or adults who cannot or who choose not to live independently. The support staff at these housing sites provide services and bring services directly to the seniors.By 2040, over a million new assisted living beds will be needed to meet the growing senior population in the United States. Avendelle Assisted Living is a franchise business model, this type of business models could play an important role to meet the growing demand for assisted living beds. With an aging population and increasing requirements for specialized care, the need for innovative solutions has never been greater. Bunting sheds light on how franchise models, provide the required oversite for licensing and services and have the potential to scale the availability of assisted living beds to meet the future needs of our Senior populations.  #assisted living#senior care#avendelle assisted living#healthcareuntold@gmail.com#franchises

The Esparza family, led by Ofelia Esparza, has  continued to bring  Dia De Los Muertos Altars  and activities  to the community during the Covid19  restrictions by going virtual in association with Self Help Graphic in Los Angeles, California.Ofelia Esparza shares her rich history of Altar making and her mother's influence on her artistic development.Honoring our Ancestors is so important to our wellbeing and health, remembering how their lives  contributed to  our family histories.The Esparza Family also provides  health and wellness activities through their Tonalli Studio  to the greater communities and women who are incarcerated.  

Our podcast today is with Dane Wanniarchige  a Physician Resident from Bangor Maine, who has allowed us to share his audio documentary on serving the homeless in Bangor Maine. In his documentary he interviews clients and providers who share their experiences with health care systems. Dane recognizes that the Social Determinants of Health have a greater impact on health outcomes, and he advocates for our health systems to improve their care models to better serve our most vulnerable populations. On behalf of HealthCare UnTold we thank Dane for his excellent documentary and honor his work to improve health care for all.

Our podcast today is with Gary Toranzos a microbiologist from the University of Puerto Rico. Gary's Paleobiology research has uncovered how ancient human poop, known as coprolites, can reveal intriguing insights about ancient diets, migration and trade among ancient people of the Caribbean, South America and Mesoamerica.Gary and his research colleagues from Puerto Rico, Minnesota, and California discovered something unexpected when examining a 1500-year-old coprolite sample from Vieques, Puerto Rico. The samples contained remnants of monkey meat, tomato, cotton and tobacco. These discoveries raised questions about the trade and dietary habits of the Huecoid and Saladoid cultures, who inhabited Puerto Rico before Columbus's arrival. Through the analysis of the microbiology of caprolites researchers aim to reconstruct the migration and diets of these ancient cultures. Listen in to HealthCare UnTold as we explore with Gary about the wealth of knowledge that can be gleaned from ancient coprolites and how this knowledge provides a scientific history of our ancestors' lives on a whole new level.  

Our guest Dr. Alberto Rodriguez-Navarro is the President and CEO of Levita Magnetics. Dr. Navarro has dedicated his career to improving and advancing surgical practice and patient outcomes. Dr. Navarro's company, Levita Magnetics, has developed a new technology of using magnets to expand the surgical field for surgeries. This new technology reduces the number of incisions and scars, as well as pain and recovery time. Dr. Navarro's company is creating a new and improved surgical system that will be beneficial to patients and ensure that surgeons can meet the growing demands for surgeries. HealthCare UnTold recognizes Dr. Alberto Rodriguez-Navarro for his ingenious surgical innovation using magnets to improve health care.

Dr. Gilberto Lopez is an Assistant Professor in the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University.  Gilberto has committed his research to identifying the social determinants and political frameworks needed to understand the health and wellbeing of (im)migrant, rural, and racialized minority populations.When Covid-19 hit, Gilberto wanted to respond to the differences in information that he was receiving as a public health researcher and the dangerous and life-threatening misinformation that was on social media and news outlets about the virus and vaccines.  Gilberto organized a collaboration with artists, public health leaders, and social scientists to develop open-source resources and materials targeting Latinx and Latino communities. Gilberto reached out to local artists and Lalo Alcarez, the Pulitzer-winning cartoonist known for his political cartoon strip "La Cucaracha" and his collaboration on the movie "CoCo", to help develop educational cartoons and videos.  These videos and materials are culturally tailored to the diverse Latinx and Latino communities, including Mayan communities, and can be found on https://covidlatino.org.  HealthCare UnTold applauds Dr. Gilberto Lopez for applying his research skills and ingenuity to promote the health and wellness of the Latinx and Latino communities.#GilbertoLopez#covidlatino.org#laloalcarez#beatcovid-19#gentecare#healthcareuntold#transborderstudies#arizonastateuniversity