#14 A Wonderful Thing To Invest In: The Future of Public Health in 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