On this episode of Health Talks, IPHCA's Behavioral Health/SUD Consultant, Stacy Agosto is joined by Maria Rahmandar, MD, Attending Physician Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Stacy and Maria discuss the strategies for working with Adolescents with SUD.

Maria Rahmandar will be presenting "Pills, Powders and Other Problems: Addressing Substance Use in Adolescents" on April 24, 2026. Details for this live webinar can be found on member.iphca.org

Today’s episode is part two of our two-part black history month special. We’re listening in on a conversation between Ollie Idowu, CEO of IPHCA, Reverand Pastor Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, and Ken Burnett, CEO of Christian Community Health Center. In part one of our Black History Month series we heard them share their journeys, their challenges, and what gives them hope for the future of health care. In part two, we’ll continue exploring how these stories point toward meaningful change.

Today’s episode is part one of a two-part black history month special. We have Ollie Idowu, the CEO of IPHCA, Reverand Pastor Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, and Ken Burnett, CEO of Christian Community Health Center. And they’ll be sharing their journeys as black leaders – both the challenges they face, and what gives them hope for the future of health care.

In the Season 4 finale hosts Raj and Alex lace up for a conversation about the power of movement—mind, body, and playlist. We get into how running or even just walking more can be a powerful tool for both mental and physical wellness. From pandemic-era habits and sunset jogs to run clubs, 10Ks, and impromptu stair workouts at breweries, Raj and Alex explore how movement fits into their lives and how listeners can carve out time for it too.

“Movement doesn’t have to be perfect,” Raj says, “it just has to feel good and fit your life.” Expect candid tips, favorite playlist jams (hello Dua Lipa, Chappell Roan, and Wicked), and creative ways to sneak in steps. Whether you're pacing through Zoom calls or using a walking pad under your desk. “Sometimes a run can be the best way to clear your head, even more than a nap,” Alex shares. Tune in for the laughs, insights, and a reminder that wellness isn’t all-or-nothing. It’s about doing what works for you. 

We’ll be back in 2026 with fresh episodes, bold stories, and even more ways to support your health and wellness journey. Stay tuned!

What does it really mean to hold space for yourself? Hosts Raj Savalia and Alexandra Kozar unpack the idea of self-compassion and the importance of making time to check in with your needs, especially in a world that rarely slows down. It’s not just about rest and routines. It’s about recognizing when you're being pulled in every direction and choosing, instead, to rise above the noise and tune in to what your mind and body truly need.

As Alex shares, “It’s giving yourself permission to care about yourself and make sure that you’re OK. That has to be your first priority.” Whether that means starting a fitness routine, reevaluating your relationship with rest, or letting go of perfectionism, this episode offers relatable strategies for building sustainable habits that keep you grounded and present. Raj adds, “If your roots aren’t strong, it’s hard to support the growth of others.” From lists and planners to evening walks and quiet routines, Raj and Alex explore how grounding yourself can help you lift off in other areas of life.

Tune in next week as we how we're "defying gravity one step at a time."

Food is more than fuel—it’s medicine. In this episode of Health Talks, we sit down with Janna Simon, Chief Program and Policy Officer at the Illinois Public Health Institute, to explore how food and nutrition programs are transforming healthcare across the state. From produce prescriptions to innovative community partnerships, Janna shares how IPHI’s Food is Medicine initiatives are improving health outcomes, addressing food insecurity, and bringing care beyond the clinic walls.

We also get into real examples of successful collaborations with Community Health Centers, tips for getting started with your own food and nutrition program, and how CHCs can play a leading role in connecting patients to healthy, nourishing food. Whether you're new to the concept or ready to expand your impact, this episode is packed with practical advice, hope, and a vision for what’s possible when healthcare and food systems come together.

Contact/Connect:
Join the Alliance for Health Equity: https://www.allhealthequity.org/contact
Join the Illinois Alliance to Promote Opportunities for Health: https://bit.ly/IAPOHform
Contact IPHI: [email protected] 

Produce Prescription Resources:

• Produce Prescription Project Readiness Checklist, created for the Michigan Farmers Market Association via the Nutrition Incentive Hub: https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/media/e3tnbckg/produce-prescription-project-readiness-checklist_final.pdf
• The Prescription for Health Program Implementation Guide from the Washtenaw County, MI Health Department: https://www.nutritionincentivehub.org/media/lxubhj45/prescription-for-health-implementation-guide.pdf

 Learn more about Food is Medicine: https://aspenfood.org/fim/

In this episode of Health Talks, we’re joined by Donisha Reed from TCA Health Inc. in Chicago to learn how her team is turning food into a powerful tool for healing. Donisha shares how TCA Health’s Food is Medicine program started, what it looks like today, and how it’s helping patients eat well, live well, and feel seen.

We also chat about other nutrition and healthy eating initiatives at the center, how they screen for food insecurity, and why this kind of work is essential in the communities they serve. Donisha wraps up with a beautiful reflection on what keeps her inspired to serve. If you're looking for real-world examples of how health centers can address food insecurity with dignity and purpose, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Health Talks, we’re joined by Dr. Ben Preyss, Family Physician and Program Director, Dr. Elizabeth Redican, and resident Edward Akinyemi from Lawndale Christian Health Center. Together, they walk us through the journey of launching a new family medicine residency program while sharing firsthand what it takes to go from vision to recruitment. 

Listeners will hear about the essential groundwork, including aligning with community partners, securing resources, and staying mission-driven. The team also reflects on what makes Lawndale’s program unique, the timeline from planning to implementation, and the long-term benefits residency programs can bring to FQHCs, including stronger recruitment, improved retention, and a culture of teaching. Whether you're exploring a residency program or already in the process, this conversation is packed with real-world insights and advice.

In this episode of Health Talks, we spotlight a groundbreaking initiative from PrimeCare Health Center—one of the first community health centers in the country to launch an Administrative Fellowship program. Our guests include CEO Lynn Hopkins, along with Elizabeth Brewington and Kelsey Kesler, who share how this 12-month fellowship gives recent master’s graduates an immersive leadership experience in community health. 

From working directly with executive leaders to leading strategic projects and presenting capstones, fellows gain firsthand exposure to operations, healthcare delivery, and systems innovation. The conversation explores why this kind of training is so vital for the future of health centers, especially in underserved communities. Our guests reflect on powerful moments of impact, the importance of cultivating talent in FQHCs, and what’s next for PrimeCare’s fellowship program. Whether you're a recent grad, a healthcare leader, or a community advocate, this episode offers inspiration—and a roadmap—for building the next generation of health center leadership.

Resources:
https://www.primecarehealth.org/training-programs

It’s never too early to start an honest conversation with teens about substance use. In this episode of Health Talks, we sit down with Dr. Maria Rahmandar, an attending physician in Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Lurie Children's Hospital and the founding medical director of their Substance Use and Prevention Program. Dr. Rahmandar shares her personal and professional journey into adolescent substance use treatment, including how a family tragedy shaped her commitment to this work. 

We dive into timely and complex issues from the evolving potency of cannabis and the rise of nicotine vapes to the intersection of mental health and substance use among teens. Dr. Rahmandar offers practical insights for providers, emphasizing empathy, harm reduction, and the importance of building trust. She also discusses how social media plays a dual role in both connection and risk, and shares strategies for engaging youth in meaningful, nonjudgmental conversations about their health. Whether you're a provider, caregiver, or advocate, this episode is a powerful guide to supporting young people with compassion and clarity.

As Dr. Rahmandar reminds us: “It is really important to celebrate those successes, live in the moment, and be proud of people for the hard work they’ve done.”