EquiTEA

In this episode of EquiTEA, Greg delves into an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Sean Milanovich, the Native American Cultural Competency Liaison at Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health and tribal member of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Band of Indians. Together, they explore the unique health disparities faced by Indigenous communities, focusing on the importance of trust, collaboration, and understanding cultural history in creating effective healthcare approaches. 

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg sits down with Dr. Jon Paul Higgins (They/Them) and Gustavo Hurtado (She/They) of Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA), a vital non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ youth and allies in the Inland Empire. This conversation is centered around their personal journeys, critical challenges faced by trans individuals- including access to gender- affirming care and mental health support- and resources and services offered by the organization.  

To find out more about Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and learn ways you can get involved, please visit:  

https://rainbowprideyouthalliance.org 

On this episode of EquiTEA, Dorothy and Lupita had a chance to connect with breast cancer survivor, Kara Adams and Pink Ribbon Place Health Educator, Davi Wilson. This conversation explores how breast cancer disproportionately affects communities of color and highlights the importance of early detection and preventative measures, including self-exams, mammograms and regular check ups. Listen as Kara shares her personal journey with breast cancer and Davi shares available resources and support Pink Ribbon Place offers to those impacted by cancer and their families.  

To find out more about Pink Ribbon Place and how to get involved, please visit: 

https://pink.rchf.org/ 

In this episode of EquiTEA, host Greg is joined by special guest co-host Wendy Hetherington, Branch Chief of the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Public Health department. Together, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey and Edif, representatives from Inland Empire Harm Reduction (IEHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals affected by drug use in the Inland Empire. The conversation revolves around the core principles of harm reduction, IEHR's efforts to combat stigma, support marginalized communities, and adapt their services amidst the pandemic and beyond. 

To find out more about IEHR’s services and how to get involved, please visit: 

Overview – Inland Empire Harm Reduction (ieharmreduction.org) 

To receive free Narcan, visit one of our facilities or reach out directly to RODA at [email protected].

Riverside Overdose Data to Action | Riverside University Health System (ruhealth.org)

On this episode of EquiTEA, Lupita engaged in an insightful conversation with the CEO of Feeding

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg and Peter had the chance to talk to Javier Baños and Ivan Serrano, Peer Support Specialists at Starting Over, Inc. This nonprofit organization provides transitional housing, re-entry services, policy advocacy and civic engagement for individuals experiencing homelessness, incarceration and/or substance abuse. Both individuals share their firsthand experience with the judicial system and how incarceration impacts one’s mental health.  

To find out more about Starting Over, Inc. please visit:  

https://www.startingoverinc.org 

Resources: 

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): BEAM is dedicated to removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing. 

Website: beam.community 

California Black Health Network (CBHN): CBHN advocates for health equity for Black Californians and offers resources and support for mental health. 

Website: cbhn.org 

The Safe Black Space: This organization provides culturally specific support, education, and resources to African Americans dealing with racial trauma. 

Website: safeblackspace.org 

NAMI California: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) California chapter offers support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for mental health in minority communities. 

Website: namica.org 

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg had the chance to talk to Larry Butler, a previous participant turned Program Facilitator and Outreach Specialist of the Fatherhood Services Program with Sigma Beta Xi (SBX) Youth and Family Services. Eric Willis, a program participant program, joined the discussion to share his own experience. Both highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and community support systems. The fatherhood program was established to support the Perinatal Equity Initiative which aims to reduce Black infant mortality rates and improve health outcomes for Black mothers.  

To find out more about the SBX Black Fatherhood Program please visit:  

https://www.sigmabetaxi.com/black-fatherhood 

For The Nurturing Fathers Program, open to all fathers, please visit:  

https://www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/parent-support-training-program. 

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg and Lupita had the opportunity to have an engaging conversation with Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, the Riverside County Supervisor for District 5. He shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings, extensive background in education and challenges he faced as a young, elected official. Dr. Gutierrez emphasizes how crucial it is to have community voices heard and shares ways to become more involved in local politics.

Home | Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, District 5 (rivcodistrict5.org)

https://rivcodistrict5.org/volunteer

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg sits down with Dr. Donna Hunter, founder of Allie’s Allys, for an insightful conversation about Autism in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month. Allie’s Allys is an organization dedicated to supporting families in underserved communities who have children with autism. Dr. Hunter sheds light on the disparity gap in the age of diagnosis for Black and Latino children while emphasizing the importance of showing empathy towards those with autism. 

Resources:

On this episode of EquiTEA, we are celebrating Women's History Month and highlighting women in leadership. The team had the opportunity to meet with leaders of Riverside University Health System - Public Health to discuss the importance of women empowerment, mentorship, and inspiration.