How does fresh produce improve patient care? Our guests Nana Tsuladze and Rihanna Cheek joined us last week to discuss their health center’s community garden. We explore how that garden transforms the way patients in recovery eat and think about food. Then you’ll hear fun stories about patients getting creative with zucchini bread recipes and pesto made with fresh produce. We hope the community garden inspires conversations about nutrition and nudges folks to rethink produce and patient care!

We’re back! Today, we’re joined by two fantastic guests from Tapestry 360 Health to talk about their community garden program. Providers Nana Tsuladze and Rhianna Cheek started working with patients on their Medication Assisted Treatment group last Spring, and it was a huge success. We also discuss inspirational stories about how the garden helps patients in recovery start healthier diets and maintain recovery.

Resources Mentioned:
https://tap360health.org/medical-specialties/behavioral-health/

Dr. Sean Boynes talks about the different trainings, the different resources out there, and why it's important and how to make patients with Intellectual Development Disabilities more comfortable while seeing the dentist.

We’re joined by Dr. Lisa Green, who has been recognized nationally for her efforts to address the Black maternal mortality crisis. Dr. Green is CEO of Family Christian Health Center in Harvey, IL and has been a physician there since it opened its doors in 2000. We dive into the riveting story of how a meeting on a snowy day in 2020 led to the development of the health center’s Maternal Child Health & Wellness Center. We also discuss strategies to overcome barriers facing maternal health patients. More recently, Dr. Green was invited to the State of the Union address for her vital efforts.

When we think about health professions training we often think of physicians. However, the health professions field encompasses so many more professionals, many of whom are in high-demand at FQHCs. In this episode, we will hear from Erie Family Health Centers, Inc. on their unique training programs for Medical Assistants, such as an medical assistant externship program and a relationship with the National Institute for Medical Assistant Advancement. We also discuss Erie's summer internship program and hear about their work with behavioral health, nursing, and public health students.

Teaching can be an effective tool for health centers in their recruitment and retention efforts. Setting up new programs or establishing relationships with existing programs can seem like a daunting task, however, many FQHCs have been able to create training programs to assist in developing the next generation of health care professionals. In this podcast we will hear from Erie Family Health Centers, Inc. on their experience with residency programs and an advanced practice registered nurse fellowship.

We chat with experts from Altura Health and Neighborhood Healthcare about a game-changing research grant. We're talking about a nationwide survey with leaders, providers, and medical staff from 40 community health centers, bringing in the important stuff – research, resources, and a dedication to kick value-based care up a notch. Tune in for expert advice on launching your own research projects, free resources, and uncover how community-based research is ushering in a new era of value-based care.

Today, Shannon Goold and Dr. Jennifer Swoyer discuss launching a much needed medical respite program that provides healthcare services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Pillars Community Health and BEDS Plus partnered to launch the program within BEDS Plus in Summit, Illinois. The program addresses the needs of individuals who had a recent hospitalization, but lack a safe and caring place for recovery.

Today, we’re joined by Patsy Jensen as she reflects on her time as Executive Director of Shawnee Health Care. Patsy is retiring after decades of improving public health and the quality of healthcare in Southern Illinois. She shares why stayed at Shawnee, fun memories, and stories that made her proud of the work Shawnee does.

I’m joined by Kandis Draw from the Hospice and Palliative (HAP) Care Research foundation. We have an insightful chat about community health worker programs, education for grief and loss, and some stories from the front lines of community health care.