Health Calls

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.

Health Calls Season 6, Episode 8 centers a conversation about mission integration and the formation of the next generation of health care workers. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka are joined by Chip Chipman, Manager of Pastoral Care and Mission Integration at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, who reflects on the role of spiritual care as a core element of whole‑person care and how it extends beyond chaplaincy to every member of the care team. 

The episode explores how students and new clinicians are introduced to Catholic mission, ethics, and values through relationship‑building, case studies, and real‑world engagement. Chip also discusses how technology, including e‑chaplaincy, can expand access to spiritual care while reinforcing the importance of presence and human connection. Together, the conversation highlights how Catholic health care can prepare future caregivers to lead with compassion, courage, and integrity.

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 7 explores how CommonSpirit Health partners with those who have lived experience of homelessness to shape solutions and fund grants. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Nicole Wilson, Community Health and Housing System Manager at CommonSpirit Health, to discuss the Research and Equity Advisory Council for Housing Insecurities (REACHI).

Wilson explains how REACHI elevates voices of the formerly unhoused in decision-making, from grant allocation to program design, ensuring initiatives reflect real-world needs. The conversation highlights innovative approaches like safe parking programs for women living in vehicles and the importance of trauma-informed care and low-barrier housing options. Nicole shares how authentic power-sharing and feedback loops transform strategies across diverse communities, from Los Angeles to Washington State. This episode underscores Catholic health care’s commitment to collaboration and equity in addressing homelessness and housing insecurity.

Resources

Read recent Catholic Health World articles on REACHI and one of the programs it helped fund, Safe Parking LA

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 6 focuses on addressing food insecurity in rural communities. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Lindsey Meyers, MBA, Vice President of Communications, PR, and Community Engagement at Avera Health. 

Lindsey shares how Avera’s community health needs assessments revealed rising food insecurity across its largely rural footprint, prompting the creation of wellness pantries within clinics. These pantries provide emergency food supplies and connect patients to sustainable resources, complementing mobile food pantries and partnerships with Feeding South Dakota. Lindsey explains why food access is essential to whole-person care and how collaboration among clinicians, volunteers, and community partners drives success. The conversation highlights the program’s rapid growth, its impact on patients, and underscores Catholic health care’s commitment to meeting social determinants of health and evolving to serve community needs.

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 5 explores the power of storytelling and social media in sharing the mission of Catholic health care. Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka welcome Stephanie Hampton, a St. Louis-based content creator known for her Instagram account @explorestlparks. Stephanie shares her family's experience with Mercy Hospital’s NICU and how that inspired her to highlight the healing presence of Catholic health care online. Stephanie’s reflections on vulnerability, faith, and positivity offer a compelling reminder of the impact Catholic health care has on families—and how sharing those stories can inspire and connect communities.

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 4 explores the transformative power of Whole Person Care in the context of palliative care, with guest Lori Dangberg, Executive Vice President of the Alliance of Catholic Health Care in California. 

Lori shares the origins and impact of a statewide initiative that brings together dioceses, parishes, and health systems to support patients and families through serious illness and end-of-life care. The episode highlights how collaborative education—through a five-module curriculum—empowers parish leaders and clinicians to engage in meaningful conversations around palliative care, Catholic moral teaching, and advanced care planning. With resources available in multiple languages and formats, the initiative fosters dignity, compassion, and informed decision-making. Hosts Brian Reardon and Josh Matejka reflect on the importance of this work as the population ages and the need for holistic care grows.

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 3 features a conversation with author, speaker, and former chaplain John O’Leary, whose life story inspired the new film Soul on Fire. 

Host Brian Reardon and Executive Producer Josh Matejka speak with John about his journey from surviving a devastating childhood burn injury to becoming a voice for hope and healing. The episode highlights the unsung heroes of Catholic health care—nurses, CNAs, environmental services staff—whose compassion and presence helped John recover and thrive. Through reflections on faith, mission, and the dignity of every role in health care, John reminds listeners that true caregiving is rooted in love and purpose. His message is clear: every life is a precious gift, and every person has the power to make a difference.

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.