Recorded live in Chicago before an audience of HC3 members and partners, this third installment of Season 3 of the HC3 Podcast brings listeners inside the Q3 Summit: Transforming Health Through Data and Analytics. Hosted in-person at MATTER, the event united leaders from public health, informatics, investment, and provider organizations to explore how data can power smarter, more equitable care. 

The episode opens with The Future of Public Health Data panel, moderated by Ashley DeGarmo (Third Horizon), featuring Roy Ahn (NORC), Heather Blonsky (Metopio), Dr. Alfreda Holloway (Cook County Department of Public Health), and Shelly Sital (AllianceChicago). Together, they highlight how collaboration and “trust in the math” can turn public health data into action. 

In a Fireside Chat on Clinical Data Sharing, David Smith (Third Horizon) and Michael Barbouche (Forward Health Group) discuss the progress and pitfalls of interoperability, the role of AI, and the path toward a patient-centered data ecosystem. 

David Smith's Keynote Price Transparency and the Future of Health Care, reveals how new regulations and open data are reshaping markets and accelerating value-based care. 

The episode closes with Bright Ideas in Data-Driven Innovation, hosted by Steven Collens of MATTER, featuring entrepreneurs from Joystik Life, Care Vitality, ION Stewards Energy, and MindMetrix—each reimagining healthcare through bold, data-powered innovation. 

This live edition captures how collaboration and analytics are transforming the future of health care. 

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This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.thirdhorizon.co  

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For more information about events and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

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Recorded live in Chicago before an audience of HC3 members and partners, this episode marks the second installment of Season 3 and features highlights from HC3’s Q2 Summit: Strengthening the Front Lines of Behavioral Health. As mental health continues to take center stage in national and local discourse, this timely convening brought together leaders across health care, government, and social services to address a critical challenge: building and sustaining a strong behavioral health workforce.

The conversation explores how targeted investments in people, policy, and practice can address persistent workforce shortages and dismantle systemic barriers to care. A major moment in the episode is the debut of the Illinois Mental Health Parity Index (MHPI)—a groundbreaking tool developed by The Kennedy Forum and Third Horizon with support from the American Medical Association. By leveraging new health plan transparency data, the MHPI reveals disparities in commercial insurance reimbursement and network adequacy, offering an unprecedented opportunity for transparency, accountability, and reform.

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE

Full Event Recap and Video available here

Mental Health Parity Index: https://www.parityindex.org/

Mental Health Parity Index Press Release here

Sista Afya Community Care (SACC) (www.sistaafya.org)

Open Roads Behavioral Health (www.asafehaven.org)

Chicago Integrated Health (www.chicagointegratedhealth.com)

Collaborative Bridges (www.collaborativebridgeschicago.org)

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HC3 Playlist via Third Horizon YouTube Here

www.thirdhorizon.co

Follow Third Horizon on Socials

LinkedIn Here

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YouTube Here

For more information about events and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

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In this first episode of the HC3 podcast in 2025, listeners are drawn into one of Chicago’s most urgent health care conversations. Meghan Phillipp, Executive Director of HC3 and VP of Community Impact at Third Horizon, shares opening remarks and welcomes Illinois State Representative Lindsey LaPointe. Representative LaPointe vividly depicts the crisis, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting safety net providers while warning of the threats to equitable healthcare access.

The heart of the episode is the keynote address from David Smith, Founder and CEO of Third Horizon and Co-Founder of HC3. In "Navigating the Challenging Future of Chicago’s Medical Safety Net," he merges data-driven insights with a bold vision, outlining collaborative strategies for resilience and a sustainable health care future.

The conversation intensifies with a robust panel discussion, "Building Resilience and Driving Change for Chicago's Medical Safety Net," where Brenda Battle of UChicago Medicine, Dr. James Brooks of Lawndale Christian Health Center, Rushil Desai of Aetna Better Health of Illinois, and Mark Ishaug of Thresholds engage in a thought-provoking exchange. Moderated by David Smith, the dialogue delves into solutions to systemic barriers and pathways to equitable, sustainable care.

The episode concludes with a resounding call to action, urging listeners to join the movement. Securing the future of Chicago’s medical safety net is not a solitary endeavor—it is a shared mission that demands collective commitment and urgency.

Beyond a "Call To Action": A digital copy of the 1-pager distributed at the summit and referenced during the keynote is available here.

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This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.thirdhorizon.co

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For more information about events and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

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Part 2: Fireside Chat on "The Coming Healthcare Revolution"

David Smith engages in an insightful conversation with author David Johnson about his new book, The Coming Healthcare Revolution. Johnson explores how market pressures and technological advancements are driving unprecedented transformation in health care. The discussion draws historical parallels to current challenges, highlights recent events signaling public frustration, and examines the roles of government, markets, and innovation in shaping a more sustainable, patient-centered future. Johnson's vision offers both a critical analysis of the industry's state and an optimistic roadmap for meaningful reform.

This two-part conversation, recorded live in Chicago on December 10, delivers a comprehensive exploration of health care's present and future, featuring diverse perspectives and actionable insights tailored for health care professionals, policymakers, and innovators.

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Part 1: Panel Discussion on Healthcare's Critical Challenges and Opportunities

Health News Illinois reporter Ryan Voyles moderates a dynamic panel featuring health care leaders Dave Gomel (CEO, Rosecrance Network), Carolyn Metnick (Partner, Sheppard Mullin), Esther Macchione (Co-founder, Prestige Health), and Jordan Powell (Senior VP, Illinois Health and Hospital Association). The panel dives into key topics shaping health care in 2024, including evolving payment models, workforce strategies, AI technology integration, and advancing health equity. Together, they address systemic challenges and share innovative solutions for sustainable health care delivery, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and equity.

This two-part conversation, recorded live in Chicago on December 10, delivers a comprehensive exploration of health care's present and future, featuring diverse perspectives and actionable insights tailored for health care professionals, policymakers, and innovators.

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In this episode of the HC3 podcast, Dr. Thomas Nutter, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Cook County Health, discusses the organization's ambitious efforts to transform behavioral health care access across Cook County. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at Hines VA, Dr. Nutter shares how Cook County Health is addressing critical challenges in mental health and substance use treatment through innovative programs and community partnerships. 

The conversation explores Cook County Health's new Office of Behavioral Health and its dual mission of improving internal services while strengthening the county's entire behavioral health ecosystem. Dr. Nutter details significant initiatives, including the distribution of $44 million in community grants, the investment in lifesaving Narcan vending machines, and the development of a county-wide behavioral health strategic plan. He emphasizes how recent community summits brought together hundreds of local stakeholders and highlighted key priorities around workforce development, access to care, and reducing stigma. 

Dr. Nutter shares insights on addressing the behavioral health workforce crisis, including plans for a "learn and earn" fund to support new professionals entering the field. He also discusses the critical role of community partnerships and the importance of meeting people where they are, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to life-saving interventions. 

Dr. Thomas Nutter joined Cook County Health as Chief Behavioral Health Officer in August 2023. Prior to this role, he served as Chief of Mental Health at Hines VA for seven years, where he gained extensive experience in administrative psychiatry and health care system transformation. A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Nutter has dedicated his career to improving behavioral health services and expanding access to care. 

Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3 

This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. thirdhorizon.co 

Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/3rdhorizon 

For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

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In this episode of the HC3 podcast, Andrea Sáenz, President and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, and Andraya Yousfi, Chief of Partnerships and Development at By the Hand Club for Kids, discuss innovative partnerships reshaping Chicago's communities and addressing the racial wealth gap. 

The Chicago Community Trust, drawing on its century-long history of community support, shares insights from their recent "Color of Wealth in Chicago" study and discusses how initiatives like We Rise Together support community-led development projects across Chicago. While By the Hand Club for Kids outlines their holistic approach to youth development, combining education, nutrition, health care, and family support services. 

The pair also detail the inspiring story of the North Austin Center, a 10-acre sports campus that has transformed a long-vacant brownfield into a vibrant community hub and how 

 their personal journeys have shaped their commitment to community development. Andrea Sáenz's immigrant background informs her approach to addressing wealth disparities, while Andraya Yousfi's two-decade journey from volunteer to leadership at By the Hand Club for Kids demonstrates the power of sustained community engagement. 

Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3 

This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizon.co  

Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/3rdhorizon 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxRuhTIL2IIB5XxdaQ6AT8g  

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For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

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In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we are proud to feature Dr. Elaine Morrato, the Founding Dean of the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago. Since taking on this role in 2019, Dr. Morrato has been instrumental in shaping a new model of public health education that emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and innovation.

Dr. Morrato's diverse background in academia, industry, and public health provides unique insights into the field's evolving challenges. She reflects on the Parkinson School's first five years, highlighting its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to advance health equity through programs like the Loyola Health Equity Quest. Her experience in consumer-focused industries has shaped her approach to public health communication, trust-building, and addressing issues like climate change and pharmaceutical safety, while her work in implementation science has contributed to improvements in drug safety and regulation.

Looking ahead, Dr. Morrato shares her vision for the Parkinson School, focusing on workforce development, social mobility, and creating partnerships to meet the health care sector's changing demands. She offers guidance to aspiring public health professionals and reflects on key leadership lessons from her career in higher education.

Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3

This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizon.co

Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/3rdhorizon

For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

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To mark National Health Center Week, which took place during the first week of August, In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we explore the vital role that Community Health Centers play in providing high-quality, whole-person care to medically underserved areas across Illinois we’re thrilled to have Ollie Idowu, the President and CEO of the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA), join us for a deep dive into the exceptional work of Illinois' Community Health Centers. We explore the vital role that Community Health Centers play in providing high-quality, whole-person care to medically underserved areas across Illinois. These centers serve as reliable medical homes for 1.5 million residents in the state, welcoming all patients regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status. 

Ollie Idowu’s Bio: Ollie joined IPHCA as President + CEO in May 2021, following more than 10 years of continuous leadership as a health care business leader and development strategist. 

Ollie led growth at a broad range of organizations, from two Fortune 500 managed care companies to a start-up data analytics company. He previously served as the Director of State Governmental Affairs at IPHCA. He is excited to be back at IPHCA and hopes to put into practice many of the lessons learned from the last decade of innovation in health care. 

Chicago-born Ollie grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and lives in Geneva, Illinois, with his family. He received his bachelor’s degree from Eureka College, his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and a juris doctor from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School. 

Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3  

This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com  

Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategies 

For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

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In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we are proud to feature A.J. Wilhelmi, the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). Since taking on this role in 2016, A.J. has been instrumental in representing hospitals and health systems across the state of Illinois. With a strong background in both government relations and law, he has supported and championed significant legislative achievements, including the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. 

In addition to discussing some of A.J.’s personal contributions to the health care landscape, we explore how IHA has tackled major challenges and achieved substantial progress in areas such as COVID-19 response, health equity, and improving health care quality and access statewide. A.J. also shares insights into the legislative impacts on hospitals and health systems and previews IHA's future advocacy efforts to continue enhancing health services and outcomes across Illinois. 

A.J. Wilhelmi became the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) on January 1, 2016. IHA, with offices in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, and Washington D.C., represents over 200 hospitals and health systems, advocating for a sustainable, patient-focused healthcare system.

Previously, Wilhelmi served as IHA's Chief Government Relations Officer from 2012 to 2015, directing IHA's state and federal advocacy and policy agendas. During that time, IHA achieved major advocacy accomplishments, including landmark legislation on hospital tax exemption, Medicaid expansion, and securing ACA access payments.

Wilhelmi is enhancing IHA's ability to meet the needs of its members, collaborating with state leaders and stakeholders to support patients and the state's healthcare system.

Wilhelmi graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago in 1990 with a BA in English, and from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993. He practiced law with the McKeown Law Firm, specializing in real estate and business law, before joining Murer Consultants, Inc. as a senior consultant and later Vice President.

In January 2005, Wilhelmi was appointed to the Illinois Senate, representing the 43rd Senate District. He was re-elected in 2006 and 2010. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee, among other roles.

Wilhelmi has been involved in community service in Will County, co-sponsoring the 13th Will County Habitat for Humanity home and serving in various roles for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.

Born and raised in Joliet, IL, Wilhelmi resides there with his wife, Michelle, and their three daughters.

Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3  

This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com  

Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategies 

For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

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