In the Season 6 finale of Health Calls, host Brian Reardon and executive producer Josh Matejka reflect on the theme “United for Change” through a clip show featuring top voices in Catholic healthcare. 

Drawing from insights shared at the Catholic Health Association Assembly, Brian and Josh highlight how unity, collaboration and Catholic social teaching are transforming care delivery across the United States. Clips from six different episodes underscore the importance of listening deeply, valuing lived experience and addressing social determinants of health such as housing, food insecurity and mental health. From parish nurse programs to community partnerships and immigrant advocacy, these conversations illustrate how Catholic healthcare can elevate human flourishing by working collaboratively, building trust and centering the dignity of every person.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

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Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 17 explores how health systems across the United States can improve outcomes by connecting health care, nature, and community partnerships. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Dr. Sheetal Rao, Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Chicago, to examine the growing evidence linking green space access to better physical, mental, and community health. 

Dr. Rao shares how the COVID‑19 pandemic revealed stark inequities in access to nature, introducing concepts like tree equity and “nature deficit” in underserved communities. The conversation highlights how hospitals, acting as anchor institutions, can partner with local organizations to expand tree canopy, support biodiversity, and reduce environmental risks like heat, flooding, and air pollution. With U.S. health care contributing significantly to climate impacts, Dr. Rao underscores how nature‑based solutions, from native plantings to urban forestry, can strengthen resilience, improve health outcomes, and advance more equitable, sustainable care nationwide.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

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Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 16 highlights how health systems across the United States are expanding medication access through the nonprofit Dispensary of Hope. 

Host Brian Reardon speaks with Mike Wascovich, Vice President of Medication Management and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Ascension, about addressing one of the nation’s most urgent challenges—prescription affordability. With as many as half of U.S. prescriptions going unfilled due to cost, the Dispensary of Hope connects donated medications from pharmaceutical partners to clinics and pharmacies serving vulnerable populations. Wascovich explains how the program has grown into a national network of more than 300 sites, helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. By improving adherence, reducing hospitalizations, and cutting unnecessary waste, this collaborative model demonstrates how U.S. health care organizations can work together to lower costs, improve outcomes, and ensure patients receive the medications they need to heal.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

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YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 15 continues the United for Change season with a global perspective on collaboration in health. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Monsignor Robert J. Vitillo, newly appointed Chief Officer for Innovation and Programs at Catholic Charities USA, to reflect on the state of global health amid shifting U.S. priorities. 

Drawing on decades of experience with the Holy See at the United Nations in Geneva, Vitillo explains how reduced funding, rising conflict, chronic disease, and mental health challenges are straining health systems worldwide. He highlights the importance of international cooperation, warning that isolationist approaches weaken vaccination efforts, emergency preparedness, and workforce stability, even within the United States. Through real‑world examples, including Ebola response efforts in West Africa, the conversation underscores why Catholic health care’s commitment to human dignity, partnership, and solidarity remains vital at home and abroad. The episode calls listeners to see global health as a shared responsibility that directly shapes local care.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

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YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 14 examines how health systems across the United States are collaborating to lower medication costs through the groundbreaking nonprofit manufacturer Civica Rx. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka speak with Dr. Daniel Roth, Executive Vice President and COO of Trinity Health, about how Civica was founded to address persistent generic drug shortages, supply chain disruptions, and affordability issues affecting hospitals nationwide. 

Dr. Roth explains how Civica brings together Catholic health systems, nonprofit providers, for‑profit partners, and philanthropic organizations to create a health‑utility model that prioritizes stable supply over profit. He details how Civica now supports more than 1,400 hospitals with affordable generic medications and is expanding its portfolio based on national clinical need. This episode highlights why cross‑sector collaboration is essential for U.S. patients, clinicians, and caregivers—and how collective action can reduce costs, strengthen supply chains, and advance whole‑person care across the country

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 13 explores how interfaith engagement strengthens whole‑person care and human flourishing across the United States. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Suzanne Watts Henderson, PhD, Senior Director of Faith & Health at Interfaith America to discuss religious diversity as a civic asset and a practical lever for community trust in health care.

The conversation traces Interfaith America’s move from higher‑ed leadership development into health care settings, accelerated during the pandemic as faith leaders partnered with clinicians to bridge trust and boost vaccine confidence—including stories from Charlotte and other local communities. Henderson unpacks a simple framework—respect, relate, cooperate—for Catholic and non‑Catholic partners to deliver spiritual care that honors human dignity for everyone, not only Catholics. 

Resources

Read Suzanne Watts Henderson and Eboo Patel's 2024 article in Health Progress

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

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Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 12 explores how Catholic ministries across the United States are responding to the growing immigration crisis. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Bill Canny, Executive Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat of Migration, to discuss the national You Are Not Alone campaign. 

Rooted in Catholic social teaching and launched in response to heightened fear among immigrant communities, the initiative offers support to families facing deportation threats, lack of legal protection, and barriers to accessing health care, schools, and parish life. Canny explains how dioceses nationwide are mobilizing volunteers, parish groups, and Catholic health care to provide accompaniment, resources, and reassurance. With fear driving declines in clinic visits and school attendance across many states, this conversation highlights how the Church is uniting for change, standing with vulnerable immigrants, and affirming their dignity during an especially challenging moment.

Resources

Watch the USCCB's Special Pastoral Message on Immigration

Learn more about the You Are Not Alone campaign

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 11 delivers an important Washington health policy update, as host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Paulo Pontemayor, CHA’s Senior Director for Government Relations. Paulo breaks down the latest federal health care policy developments impacting Catholic health care, including the expiration of ACA premium tax credits, rising insurance costs, and ongoing coalition advocacy through Keep Americans Covered. 

The conversation also highlights key wins in recent appropriations bills, such as extensions for essential Medicare and Medicaid provisions, telehealth flexibilities, and delayed Medicaid DSH cuts. Looking ahead, Paulo previews 2026 priorities—Medicaid work requirements, maternal health initiatives, and immigration policies rooted in human dignity. As a pivotal election year shapes congressional action, listeners learn how CHA members and community partners can stay engaged through advocacy alerts, local outreach, and collaborative efforts that strengthen access to care and support whole‑person health across the country.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 10 highlights Healthspan Nevada County, an innovative community‑based wellness model redefining whole‑person care. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka talk with Dr. Scott Neeley, president and CEO of Dignity Health’s Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, about how this collaborative approach strengthens community health beyond traditional clinical care.

Rooted in four pillars—movement, food, connection, and youth development—the Healthspan model brings together nonprofits, arts organizations, schools, and health leaders to prevent chronic disease and promote long‑term wellness. Dr. Neeley explains why community connection, healthy environments, and shared purpose play a critical role in improving health outcomes.

Read more about the HealthSpan Nevada County initiative in Health Progress.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 9 explores how Catholic health care extends beyond hospital walls through parish nurse programs. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Megan Timm, Regional Director of Community Health for SSM Health in Wisconsin, to discuss a model that has flourished in SSM Health's local communities.

Timm explains how parish nurses serve as trusted health resources within parishes and neighborhoods, blending clinical expertise with community connection. These nurses provide screenings, education, and navigation support while addressing social needs and offering spiritual care, embodying the whole-person care that Catholic health systems strive to provide. Megan also shares insights on program impact, recruitment strategies, and the importance of adapting to evolving community needs. This episode underscores collaboration as a cornerstone for improving health outcomes and strengthening ties between faith and care.

Health Calls is available on the following podcast streaming platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube

Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.