CommonHealth: Recent Episodes
Virginia Community Healthcare Association
At CommonHealth, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association brings you stories and conversations from the frontlines of community health. Our podcast amplifies the voices of community health – both those who give care – and those who need it.
All doctors have an impact on their patients. How many doctors have an impact on every patient in their state? Delegate Mark Downey is the only physician in the Virginia House of Delegates. A practicing pediatrician, Del. Downey joins CommonHealth to discuss why he ran for office and the value of his unique perspective on legislative issues. Hear more from behind the scenes of Virginia's legislature on addressing the challenges families face in accessing affordable healthcare and the importance of evidence-based decision-making in shaping policies that benefit the community - all in the latest episode of CommonHealth!
With special guest: Dr. Mark Downey, Delegate, 69th District Hosted by: Phillip Noel
Physician, attorney, leader. These are just a few of the ways to describe Virginia's newest State Health Commissioner, Dr. B. Cameron Webb. This week, Dr. Webb joins Phillip on CommonHealth to share his journey from medicine to law to public health. He discusses the current state of wellness in Virginia as well as his vision and goals for the next three and a half years, from the critical role of local leadership to the importance of building institutional trust. Get to know our Commissioner - listen now!
With special guest: B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD, State Health Commissioner, Virginia Department of Health Hosted by: Phillip Noel
What do you really know about vaping? In this episode of CommonHealth, Dr. Michelle Peace, an expert in forensic toxicology, explains what the science really says about electronic cigarettes and their impact on health and public safety. From the hidden dangers of vaping to the misconceptions many consumers hold, Dr. Peace sheds light on the evolving landscape of these products. For consumers, parents, and policymakers, this is a must-listen to understand the science behind vaping to empower informed choices. With special guest: Dr. Michelle Peace, Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University Hosted by: Phillip Noel
Over the next decade, experts are predicting healthcare provider shortages in the tens of thousands, from primary care and nursing to behavioral health and dentistry. Through the Community Health Scholarship, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association is doing something about it. In this episode of CommonHealth, Kate speaks with Eve Gilles and April Thomas, Community Health Scholarship recipients pursuing advanced degrees in social work and nursing. Their insights on the barriers faced by students and the impact of scholarships and funding are essential in understanding how we can best support the next generation of healthcare professionals and close the care gap that lies ahead. With special guests: Eve Gilles, Masters Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and April Thomas, PhD Student, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing
Hosted by: Kate McCarthy
This week's guest is especially close to host Tracy's heart: her mother, Susan Douglas. In the mid-sixties, Susan left the comfort and familiarity of her hometown to go to Alabama during a time of enormous racial tension to help Black residents register to vote. That decision would change her life. It's where she met Tracy's father, a man from Montgomery, doing the same courageous work. Her journey is a story about risk, conviction and following a moral compass, even when it points you to the hardest places.
With special guest: Susan Douglas Hosted by: Tracy Douglas, CEO, Virginia Community Healthcare Association
In the final episode of the limited audio series Maternal Matters, host Phillip Noel speaks to two leaders at a rural Virginia health center on how maternal healthcare fits into the larger health system. CEO Marsha Mendenhall and Obstetrics Department Operations Manager Tammy Osborne of Piedmont Access to Health Services dive deep on the realities of providing and sustaining an obstetrics department and quality patient care, giving listeners a look behind the curtain on how maternal healthcare comes to be. As rural hospital maternity ward closures persist, the work of health centers like PATHS have become essential in bridging care gaps and ensuring the safe deliveries of the next generation. With special guests: Marsha Mendenhall, CEO, Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS) and Tammy Osborne, Obstetrics Operations Manager, Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS)
Hosted by: Phillip Noel, Founder & CEO, McCoy Bennett Marketing
The second episode of Maternal Matters is here! Guest host Phillip Noel speaks with Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) on her role as a policymaker in Virginia and her legislative work to advance and improve maternal health. Congresswoman McClellan shares powerful personal stories about her own experiences as a maternal healthcare patient and outlines detailed policy insights on improving access and outcomes for mothers. This is an important conversation with one of our leading voices on maternal health - listen now!
With special guest: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, VA-04 Hosted by: Phillip Noel, Founder & CEO, McCoy Bennett Marketing
What is the state of maternal healthcare in Virginia? Maternal Matters has the answers. In the first episode of this new limited series from the Virginia Community Healthcare Association, guest host Phillip Noel speaks with the CEO of HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and OB-GYN Dr. Tonya Adkins about the current maternal healthcare landscape. From her perspective as a provider, as a community health center CEO, and once having been a maternal healthcare patient herself, Dr. Adkins sheds light on how policy, funding, and compassion can drive real change.
With special guest: Dr. Tonya Adkins, CEO, HealthWorks for Northern Virginia Hosted by: Phillip Noel, Founder & CEO, McCoy Bennett Marketing
When most people think of farming, they think about growing crops outside. When Gus Brennan, Head Grower at Greenswell Growers, thinks about farming, he thinks about growing inside, through an innovative agricultural process called hydroponics. Learn everything you need to know about this sustainable system of farming - and its potential impact on food insecurity - in this week's episode of CommonHealth.
With special guest: Gus Brennan, Head Grower, Greenswell Growers Hosted by: Adrienne Harden, RDN
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, Federation of Virginia Food Banks
Hosted by:
Adrienne Harden
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
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
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
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
- Shelley Riser, CEO, Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers
Hosted by:
Tracy Douglas
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
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
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
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
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 and Health Insurance Navigator with ENROLL Virginia!, Virginia Poverty Law Center
Hosted by:
Kyle Elliott, VCHA, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer
A genetic mutation that helped people survive malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa now affects 100,000 Americans, causing debilitating pain. Host Tracy returns with renowned sickle cell disease expert Dr. Wally Smith and her husband, Damian Jackson, who shares his powerful personal journey. Hear honest insights on pain management, incorrect assumptions about those who suffer, and hope for a cure. Don’t miss this compelling, real conversation that challenges stigma and inspires change.
Listener resources:
Dr. Smith's new book for providers and caregivers
With special guests:
Wally Smith, MD, Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Disease at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Damian Jackson, Partner, Reilly McDevitt, Henrich and Sickle Cell Disease Sufferer
Hosted by:
Tracy Douglas
How can a simple book transform a child’s future? In this episode of Common Health, guest host Adrienne Harden speaks with Callee Boulware, Regional Director of Reach Out and Read, about the powerful connection between early literacy and lifelong health. Learn how pediatricians integrate books into well visits, equipping families with the tools to support child development while strengthening provider-patient relationships. Tune in to discover how this evidence-based program is changing lives!
Health centers interested in adding a Reach Out and Read program can visit https://reachoutandread.org/affiliate/virginia/
With special guest:
Callee Boulware, Regional Director, Reach Out And Read
Hosted by:
Adrienne Harden
What does it take to change your life? In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Kyle Elliott, VCHA’s Chief Administrative Officer, speaks with James Orr, a clinical social work resident at Community Access Network about his battle with addiction and how he turned his life around through mindfulness and empathy. Listen to this inspiring conversation today!
With special guest:
James Orr, MSW, Clinical Social Work Resident, Community Access Network
Hosted by:
Kyle Elliott, VCHA, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer
In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Rae Carkhuff welcomes professional staff from Eastern Shore Rural Health (ESRH), a VCHA member health center, including Juan Gomez, MPH, Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Bonniwell, Chief Quality Officer, and Amy Bull, Director of Communications and Development.
During this episode, Juan shares his story about how living in the Eastern Shore led him to work in community health and Jessica and Amy dive into day-to-day health center operations, stressing the importance of patient-centric care and how healthcare isn't just physician visits.
Tune in now to 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
In this episode of CommonHealth, Dr. Angela Taylor, Director of Health Center Control Network – Center for Data, Analytics, and Quality (CDAQ) at VCHA, hosts a conversation with Korey Cobb, Chief Operations Officer of HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, and participant in CHCU's Class of 2024.
Find out how Cobb leveraged his CHCU participation to enhance HealthWorks' healthcare services delivery and community engagement. Get his insights on the time commitment, impressive content of the courses, and immensely beneficial leadership training the program offers. And learn some exciting possibilities for CHCU's future! You won't want to miss this awesome episode.
Learn more about CHCU here!
With special guests:
Korey Cobb, Chief Operations Officer, HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Dr. Angela Taylor, Director of Health Center Control Network – Center for Data, Analytics, and Quality (CDAQ)
In our latest episode of CommonHealth, guest host Adrienne Harden, VCHA's Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, discusses the important topic of food insecurity in Virginia with Meaghan Butler, from the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and Maria Bowman, with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Together, they unearth the differences between food banks and food pantries, explore how food banking in Virginia has evolved over the years, discuss the importance of Virginians having access to whole, healthful foods and how it lowers chronic disease rates, and dissect how different localities require different solutions to food insecurity. You absolutely will not want to miss this episode! Download and listen today!
With special guests:
Meaghan Butler MPH, RD, Senior Director of Health Equity, Federation of Virginia Food Banks and Maria Bowman, MPH, Director of Health Initiatives, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
Guest host:
Adrienne Harden, RDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Virginia Community Healthcare Association
SNAP and Food Assistance Resources:
- SNAP application assistor request form
- Food Bank and Food Pantry locator
- Free or Reduced Cost resource locator (including food, housing etc.)
- Emergency Food Hotline and services
- Call 211 to find agencies to assist with finding food in an emergency
- Call USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (1-877-842-6273)
On this episode of CommonHealth, host Tracy Douglas talks about coal worker's pneumoconiosis, or “black lung disease,” with three folks impacted by black lung in different ways: Dr. Drew Harris, medical director of the Black Lung Program at Stone Mountain Health Services, and Mr. John and Mrs. Vonda Robinson, a husband and wife duo who have advocated for miners affected by black lung since Mr. John’s diagnosis at 47 years old after working almost three decades in the mines of southwestern Virginia.
Together, Tracy, Dr. Drew, and the Robinsons give intimate insight into black lung disease: Its misconception as one disease, what it’s like living with black lung, and how difficult it is for miners and their families who are impacted by black lung to get a disability stipend and insurance coverage for their care. You won’t want to miss this incredible and important conversation.
With special guests:
Dr. Drew Harris, Medical Director, Black Lung Program at Stone Mountain Health Services, Vonda Robinson, Vice President, National Black Lung Association, and John Robinson, Retired Coal Miner and Coal Miner Advocate
In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Rae Carkhuff talks with three wonderful guests about the Check It Out program at Petersburg Public Libraries. Join Rae along with Robin Gahan from the American Heart Association, Tabitha Goode of Molina Healthcare of Virginia, and Tera James of Central Virginia Health Services, Inc., as they discuss heart health statistics in Petersburg, VA, dive into the ins and outs of the program, and share their firsthand experiences with the community members who utilize the program. You won't want to miss this one!
With special guests:
Robin Gahan, Vice President of Community Impact for Central Virginia, American Heart Association; Tabitha Goode, Manager of Growth and Community Engagement, Molina Healthcare of Virginia; and Tera James, Community Health Worker, Central Virginia Health Services, Inc.
Join host Tracy Douglas as she talks with Travis LeFever and Brad Watson of Mission Mobile Medical. This organization creates mobile healthcare units at a fraction of the typical cost. Listen as Travis and Brad discuss their “why” and their passion for providing healthcare to all communities, especially the ones who might not have access to the care they need. Learn with Tracy about the nurse in North Carolina who inspired the inception of Mission Mobile Medical, and the leap of faith that Travis took to begin this important work. Most importantly, hear the gratitude from patients and providers and the impact mobile units have on the communities they serve.
With special guests:
Travis LeFever, CEO, Mission Mobile Medical and Brad Watson, CRO, Mission Mobile Medical
On this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy along with her guests, Dr. Theresa Burriss (Emory & Henry College), Jane Sage, FNP, and Dr. Paige Billman (Tri-Area Community Health), shed light on the diverse and dynamic nature of Appalachia. Together, they dispute the monolithic stereotype of Appalachian culture and delve into the intricacies of Appalachian life and the triumphs and challenges of rural healthcare in such a tight-knit and targeted area. As natives of Appalachian cultures, these guest experts teach how to build trust with patients and deeply listen to them to best collaborate on their care. You won't want to miss this crucial conversation!
With special guests:
Dr. Theresa Burriss, Jane Sage, FNP, and Dr. Paige Billman
On this enlightening episode of CommonHealth, host Tracy Douglas chats with VCHA's Nutritionist and Registered Dietician, Adrienne Harden. Adrienne shares her knowledge and hacks on how to have a balanced, nutritious diet, and myth-busts what we think we know about eating well. She also teaches listeners how to stop feeling guilt or shame after eating. Tune in to discover more about maintaining a healthy relationship with food with Adrienne!
With special guest:
Adrienne Harden, RDN, Virginia Community Healthcare Association
In this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy talks with Melina Davis, CEO of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV), about the SafeHaven Program, which supports the needs of clinicians struggling with stress, burnout, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen as Melina discusses why this program is necessary, and the wonders it's working for medical practitioners around the commonwealth.
With special guest:
Melina Davis, CEO of the Medical Society of Virginia
In this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy talks with Dr. Mark Fleming, a board-certified medical oncologist, about the importance of getting screened and tested for prostate cancer. Dr. Fleming offers insight into his personal connection to the disease, emphasizing his mission to provide state-of-the-art care for the vulnerable communities served by community health centers. This enlightening dialogue particularly underscores the higher risks faced by Black men and what is important to know for individuals who are transitioning - but may have a prostate. You'll want to check this one out!
With special guest:
Dr. Mark Fleming
In our latest episode, Tracy Douglas, VCHA's CEO, welcomes WAVY-TV (Channel 10) morning and midday news anchor, Katie Collett, who shares her journey from being a small-town girl with dreams of journalism to a prominent news reporter - an inspiring story about overcoming obstacles, connecting with and reporting on a diverse, rural community, and the power of resilience in the broadcasting industry.
With special guest:
Katie Collett
On this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy Douglas sits down with her son, Alec, a student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Alec talks with Tracy about his decision to pursue a degree in medicine at a "non-traditional" age, the sacrifices a medical student has to make, and his passions in the field. Tracy and Alec also candidly chat about what new doctors look for in employers.
With special guest:
Alec Wheeler
Climate change impacts our health in serious ways. On this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy interviews Ben Money, Senior Vice President of Population Health at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), who begins an ongoing conversation about what impacts climate has on our health and what changes we can make to turn some damages around. Ben explains how some populations are more vulnerable than others and that big shifts in the Earth’s climate, like extreme heat or poor air quality, increase the threat to human health and safety. Ben's expertise and unique perspective make this episode a must-listen.
With special guest:
Ben Money, Senior Vice President of Population Health at the National Association of Community Health Centers
Birth is beautiful, but it also has a dark side. Both mothers and babies are at risk during the birth process, and for some races and ethnicities, those risks are higher than others. On this episode of CommonHealth, we introduce Dr. Michael Smith, an OB/GYN and director of the women's program at the Greater Prince William Community Health Center. Dr. Smith speaks to us about maternal and infant health statistics and why we see certain disparities in the numbers.
With special guests:
Dr. Michael Q. Smith, MD
Have you ever wondered what medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder is? This week, guest host Kyle Elliott, VCHA's General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, invites Whitney Chase Petrie, Substance Use Program Manager, and Dr. David Roberts, Chief Medical Officer of the Community Health Center of the New River Valley to discuss this important topic. Discover what substances are most commonly abused, the shift in substance use disorder terminology, and the medications used to treat these disorders. Learn how medication-assisted treatment differs from Alcoholics Anonymous and other attempts to quit substances without assistance. Tune in to uncover the truths about substance use disorder treatment!
With special guests:
Whitney Chase Petrie, Substance Use Program Manager, Community Health Center of the New River Valley and Dr. David Roberts, Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Center of the New River Valley
Hosted by:
Kyle Elliot, General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer at VCHA
What's the difference between rural health and urban health? Join CommonHealth for a chat with Beth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association, to explore this question and the uniqueness of rural healthcare. Hear about the disparities and advantages of working in rural healthcare, from knowing generations of patients to a lower cost of living, and discover what misconceptions we have about rural healthcare.
With special guest:
Beth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association
What should men in their 20s consider when it comes to their health? How about in their 30s? Their 40s and beyond? June is Men’s Health Month and in this CommonHealth episode, Tracy speaks with Dr. Vladimir Markovic, Chief Medical Officer of the Hampton Roads Community Health Center, about crucial considerations for men’s health and why Community Oriented Primary Care is important to our Commonwealth.
With special guest:
Dr. Vladimir Markovic
Dr. Betty Bibbins serves as President of the Board of Directors for Eastern Shore Rural Health Systems, one of VCHA's member health centers. In this episode she shares her rich history, from growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia, her decades-long career in healthcare and the importance of not only being a part of a community, but also why community health centers matter.
With special guest:
Dr. Betty Bibbins, Board President, Eastern Shore Rural Health Systems, Inc.
Listen and learn about our newest partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which aims to help open doors to individuals who want to invest in a career in public health. In this episode, Tracy talks with Dana Brown, from UNCF, about VCHA's Scholarship Program.
With special guest:
Dana Brown, Area Development Director, United Negro College Fund (UNCF) of Virginia
The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program allows qualifying providers - also known as covered entities - specialty clinics and their associated facilities to purchase outpatient drugs from manufacturers at at significantly reduced prices. In this episode, listen as Colleen Meiman, National Policy Advisor for 52 regional associations of community health centers, discusses how the 340B program is such an important aspect of how safety net providers fund their mission-oriented work.
With special guest:
Colleen Meiman, National Policy Advisor, State and Regional Associations of Community Health Centers
As the first black cancer director at Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center, Dr. Robert Winn has made it his mission, job and duty to be able to figure out how to make communities, like the one he grew up in and those throughout Virginia, healthier. In this episode, Dr. Winn discusses his rich history in healthcare and how he advocates for the continued success of Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state and country.
With special guest:
Dr. Robert Winn, Director, Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center
As a father, pharmacist and experienced business owner, Otto Wachsmann fights for rural Virginia. Listen as he talks about how - by introducing and passing House Bill 1162 - he is helping VCHA’s member health centers work to protect their ability to provide affordable medicine to their patients.
With special guest:
Otto Wachsmann, Virginia House of Delegates
VCHA's member health center, Community Health Center of the New River Valley, is expanding their partnership with the University of Virginia's Cancer Center to boost colorectal cancer screening rates. Listen as Dr. Meagan Arthur and Dr. Jamie Zoellner unpack the "why" when it comes to the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer.
With special guests:
Dr. Meagan Arthur, Director of Nursing, Quality Improvement & Patient Safety, Community Health Center of the New River Valley and Dr. Jamie Zoellner, Associate Professor & Registered Dietitian, University of Virginia
Medicaid beneficiaries depend heavily on safety-net providers for care, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The end of Medicaid continuous enrollment could cause major disruptions in care, but states like Virginia can take steps to mitigate the impact. Listen as Sara Cariano, from the Virginia Poverty Law Center, discusses her thoughts and predictions about Medicaid unwinding, if and when the Public Health Emergency ends.
With special guest:
Sara Cariano, Policy Specialist and Lead Navigator at Enroll Virginia, Virginia Poverty Law Center
With locations in small towns across southern Virginia, including Martinsville, Danville and South Boston, Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS) faces some of the same challenges as health centers in larger cities, including connecting underserved children, adolescents and their families to quality, affordable healthcare. Listen as Marsha Mendenhall, CEO of PATHS, discusses her health center's mission: to provide exceptional healthcare, vision: to be a catalyst for change, and goal: to ensure a healthy life is possible for everyone.
With special guest:
Marsha Mendenhall, CEO of Piedmont Access to Health Services
Water is the healthiest drink for children and adults, and it is also one of the simplest and least expensive ways to maintain and promote health. Drinking fluoridated tap water keeps our body functioning efficiently, leads us to consume fewer empty calories, prevents dental cavities and preserves the environment. Listen as Sarah Bedard Holland, Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Health Catalyst, talks about the many benefits of fluoridated tap water and explores the challenges she faces in promoting tap water consumption.
With special guest:
Sarah Bedard Holland, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Health Catalyst
For the residents of rural Brunswick County, VA, it's common for patients to not have a full understanding of their health situation. For some, this could be life-threatening, which is why the staff at Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), is partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and working to fill this health education gap. Listen as Paula Tomko, CVHS' CEO, and Dr. Kathy Tossas, from VCU, are working to make it possible for the Brunswick community to better understand their health risks, factors, and learn best practices for living healthier lives.
With special guests:
Paula Tomko, Chief Executive Officer, Central Virginia Health Services and Dr. Kathy Tossas, Assistant Professor & Harrison Endowed Scholar in Cancer Research, Department of Health Behavior & Policy School, of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University
Health literacy is a common issue among community health centers (CHCs) across the country. A large portion of the people who utilize CHCs are poor and medically underserved. They need help understanding and navigating the ever-changing and complex healthcare system. Listen as Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer at WebMD, discusses how health care professionals can identify patients' specific health literacy levels and make simple communication adjustments.
With special guest:
John Whyte, MD Chief Medical Officer at WebMD
Tam Nguyen, a first-generation immigrant from Vietnam, grew up in rural Virginia. Listen as he discusses his struggles with finding quality dental care as a child, his decision to pursue a career in dentistry and how critical Virginia's Medicaid program is to the overall health and well-being to the population of the Commonwealth.
With special guest:
Tam Nguyen, VCU School of Dentistry
In this episode, Eastern Shore Rural Health's Chief Executive Officer Matt Clay shares his journey from his position as Director of IT for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indian Nation to its Executive Director of Health Services to his current position as CEO of Eastern Shore Rural Health. He shares his appreciation for the work of the health center and the tranquil magic of Virginia's Eastern Shore.
With special guest:
Matt Clay, CEO, Eastern Shore Rural Health
Edna Ekuban-Gordon, M.D., practices in the rural area of Martinsville, Virginia. With a population of just over 12,000, many of her patients travel an hour or more to see her, lack health insurance, food, transportation, running water and electricity. Listen as she talks about the challenges, successes - and everything in between - while addressing the health needs of the members of her small-town community.
With special guest:
Dr. Edna Ekuban-Gordon, Martinsville Henry County Coalition for Health and Wellness
The Daily Planet Health Services is a true gem in Richmond Virginia. The majority of its patients are experiencing homelessness, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for the providers and patients who serve them. VCHA CEO Tracy Douglas-Wheeler interviews Executive Director Anita Bennett and Chief Medical Officer Patricia Cook, MD and discusses the unique challenges of providing care to the homeless population, how they keep from burning out, and how the organization received its name.
With special guests:
Anita Bennett, Executive Director, The Daily Planet Health Services and Patricia Cook, MD, Chief Medical Officer, The Daily Planet Health Services
At CommonHealth, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association brings you stories and conversations from the frontlines of community health. Our podcast amplifies the voices of community health – both those who give care – and those who need it.