Welcome back to Impact Unfiltered, the show where bold ideas and honest dialogue fuel real change in healthcare, business, and our communities. In this episode, host Philippe sits down with Keahana Lambert—an Eastern Band Cherokee leader with nearly three decades of experience in public health and law enforcement. Keahana shares her passion for healing generational trauma, nurturing resilience, and prioritizing holistic wellness rooted in Cherokee culture. From the revitalization of language and legacy, to innovative healthcare programs serving both tribal and non-tribal community members, Kiana gives us an inside look at how her team empowers people to move from surviving to truly thriving. Plus, hear about the powerful community initiatives uplifting mental health, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to the next generation of leaders. This is a conversation about impact—unfiltered, inspiring, and deeply moving.

1. Introduction and Background

• Keahana’s background:

• Eastern Band Cherokee heritage

• Role as mother, grandmother, and public servant

• 27 years in public health and law enforcement with the tribe

2. Community Context and Current Issues

• Importance of healing from trauma in tribal communities

• Emphasis on resilience and moving towards thriving, not just surviving

3. The Meaning and Impact of “Impact”

• Definition of impact: influence and change, both negative and positive

• Historical negative impacts: colonization, assimilation, Indian Removal Act

• Positive impacts: revitalization of language and culture

• Example: Tribal language academy and cultural education for children

4. Organizational and Healthcare Alignment

• The tribe’s Health Improvement Plan (SIPP)

• Community-driven program development (e.g., Cherokee Choices)

• Responsive programming based on community needs (yoga, mental health, substance abuse, dietary health)

• Holistic, patient-centered healthcare approach

5. The Tribal Health System Structure

• Sovereignty and self-governance in healthcare:

• Departed from IHS (Indian Health Service) model

• Custom-designed health services to meet local needs

• Range of services offered:

• Minor surgical procedures, inpatient & outpatient care

• Mental health and substance abuse treatment (inpatient and outpatient)

• Residential treatment center (Kanvwotiyi)

6. Cultural Integration in Healthcare

• Incorporation of Cherokee language, values, and beliefs into all health programs
• Historical cultural practices (shared wealth, communal care for children)
• Contrast with modern challenges (homelessness, foster care)

7. Expansion and Community Inclusion

• Open access to health programs for all local residents, not just tribal members

• Rationale: Ensuring overall community health benefits everyone

8. Leadership, Legacy, and Advice for Future Generations

• Encouragement for emerging leaders:

• Emphasizing the value and purpose of every individual

• Advocating for standing up and finding one's voice

• Obstacles faced by Indigenous communities in broader society

9. Effective Support and Collaboration in Tribal Leadership

• Importance of leadership buy-in and understanding

• Trauma education programs:

• Teaching about brain function, nervous system regulation, and trauma recovery (moving from survival mode to thinking mode)

• Programs delivered in workshops, aiming for personal and community balance (tohi)

10. Outreach and Invitation for Collaboration

• Contact information for support, training, and collaborative opportunities

• Willingness to provide workshops and resources to other communities

11. Message to Other Tribal Professionals and Leaders

• Reminder: "We're still here" – resilience and survival

• Advocacy for understanding trauma, shifting the lens from blaming to understanding

12. Community Events and Upcoming Initiatives

• Announcement of the “From Darkness Into Hope” suicide awareness event

• Purpose: honor lost community members, raise awareness around mental health resources

• Highlights: cultural ceremonies, service information booths, food, and community gathering

Welcome to Impact Unfiltered! In this episode, hosts Philippe and Gabe sit down with Cassandra Stouder, an Indigenous wellness consultant whose story is one of resilience, service, and authentic leadership. Cass shares her background as Navajo and Seminole, her experiences overcoming childhood adversity, and how those challenges now fuel her mission to support wellness in Indigenous communities nationwide. Through candid conversation, Cass highlights the importance of vulnerability, cultural wisdom, and using personal history as medicine for others. Tune in for a powerful, honest discussion about healing, empowerment, and what it means to make a real impact.

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

• Introduction of guest Cassandra Stouder ("Cass"), including clarification of her name’s pronunciation.

2. Cassandra Stouder’s Background and Heritage

• Cass shares details about her tribal affiliations: Dine (Navajo) on her mother’s side and Seminole on her father’s.
• Her upbringing in Teso, Arizona, and current residence in Prescott Valley.
• Her work as an independent consultant specializing in Indigenous wellness across the nation.

3. The Nature of Indigenous Wellness Work

• Description of what wellness in Indigenous communities looks like—tailored to individuals, families, and larger groups.

• Reflection on gratitude for the relationships and lessons learned from working with diverse demographics and needs.

4. Personal Journey and Connection to Purpose

• Cass explains the story behind her Indigenous name ("the woman who joined them in a war") and its evolving meaning.

• How her life experiences led her to wellness and fitness as ways to help herself and others.

• The metaphor of "joining in the war" as a method of confronting real community issues side by side with others.

5. Overcoming Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

• Cass shares her history of trauma: exposure to alcohol at a young age, various forms of abuse, and near-death experience as a teen.

• The impact of these adversities on her perspective and drive to help others heal.

• The importance of vulnerability and honest storytelling in breaking stigma and encouraging others to reach out.

6. Reframing Stigma and Building Self-Worth

• Discussion on the labels and stigmas often placed on Indigenous women and how Cass actively chooses to forge her own path instead.

• Emphasis on creating positive change despite personal and systemic obstacles, and inspiring the same in her family and community.

7. Family Influences and Life Lessons

• The formative influence of her mother—a hard-working, single parent—and her older sister, who had a brain injury leading to cerebral palsy.

• Life lessons learned from her sister’s presence and experience, particularly around empathy, communication, and being of service.

8. Healing, Spirituality, and Indigenous Teachings

• The role of cultural teachings, ceremonies, and connections to the Earth in Cass’s healing and wellness journey.

• Continued search for purpose and service in connection with ancestral prayers and the concept of the "next seven generations."

9. Encouragement for Others in Healing and Expression

• Cass urges listeners to honor their experiences and speak their truths for self and community healing.

• She gives practical examples of expressing struggle and finding medicine in Indigenous practices, movement, and storytelling.

10. Closing Reflections and Inspirational Message

• Recap of Cass’s philosophy: embracing gratitude, personal power, and purpose despite adversity.

Welcome to another episode of Impact Unfiltered! In this conversation, host Philippe sits down with Robert Coffey, the clinic director for the Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma and an enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation. Robert shares powerful stories about his deep family roots, the importance of honoring elders and preserving Native language and culture, and his journey from healthcare IT to leading positive change in tribal healthcare. He opens up about the transformation of the Iowa Perkins Family Clinic, building community partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic and exciting plans for a new, expanded facility. This episode is packed with insights on tribal leadership, innovation in Indigenous healthcare, and the legacy of wisdom handed down across generations. Tune in for a heartfelt look at how impact and community go hand in hand.
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1. Introduction of Robert Coffey

• Self-introduction in native language and identity as an enrolled citizen of the Comanche Nation and current role.

2. Background and Personal History

• Half Comanche, half Creek
• Influence of grandparents and upbringing on both sides of his family
• Involvement in native churches and preservation of traditions and languages
• Family history and the origin of the surname “Coffey”
• Discussion of forced adoption of English names in Native American history

3. Path into Tribal Health Leadership

• Early career in healthcare IT
• First job in claims processing software and technology migrations
• Reflections on changing technology (from modems to cloud computing)

• Transition to working in tribal health

4. Innovations and Improvements in Tribal Healthcare

• Streamlining patient care processes (e.g., introduction of express care clinics)
• Positive impact of process changes from the patient perspective
• The importance and value of backend IT roles in healthcare delivery

5. Growth and Expansion at Iowa Perkins Family Clinic

• Initial conditions: Small size, limited staff, few services
• Expansion to over 50 staff and growth in services
• Plans and rationale for building a new, much larger clinic facility

6. Current and Future State of Tribal Healthcare at Iowa Tribe

• Present clinic size and anticipated expansion
• Addition of new services: physical therapy, pediatrics, more providers
• The role of the clinic as the primary healthcare provider in the local area
• Broader trend: other tribes in Oklahoma also expanding facilities due to population growth
• Discussion of outdated technology (RPMS system) and anticipated upgrades

7. Community Impact During COVID-19

• Strategic planning and visions for the clinic’s future
• Active role in COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for both tribal and non-tribal community members
• The Idaho Tribe’s principle: “Community for all”
• Broader vision for community impact, including infrastructure projects (e.g., new water tower)

8. Legacy, Leadership, and Advice for Future Generations

• Reflections on legacy and knowledge transmission
• The irreplaceable value of elders’ stories, language, and cultural knowledge
• The impact of losing fluent native speakers
• Encouragement for youth to record and preserve their heritage
• Personal example: Iowa name “Black Medicine” and its significance

9. Staying Connected and Supporting the Next Generation

• Robert’s approachability and openness to mentoring
• Encouragement for young leaders to take on tribal governance roles
• Technological evolution witnessed in healthcare (from pagers to smartphones to AI)
• The importance of staying ahead of technological trends in healthcare

10. Conclusion and Final Words

• Philippe’s appreciation for Robert’s insights and contributions
• Emphasis on the lasting impact of cultural heritage, mentorship, and adaptability for the future
  

Welcome back to Impact Unfiltered, the podcast where we dive deep into the stories of leaders who are making real waves in healthcare, business, and community. In this special episode, part of our Tribal Impact Series recorded live from Self Governance 2025, host Phillippe sits down with Dr. Joseph Nicholas Heinen and Daniel Boudreaux of Vestra Tribal Care. Together, they unpack the unique challenges and opportunities facing Indigenous communities when it comes to healthcare access and quality.

Dr. Heinen, a family practice physician with nearly 15 years' experience working alongside tribal nations, shares how Vestra Tribal Care helps tribes open and expand on-site clinics—whether for casinos, tribal clinics, or community centers—tailoring solutions to each community’s unique needs. Daniel Boudreaux, CEO and co-owner, highlights the importance of continuity and holistic support for both tribal members and employees, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the power of tribes becoming healthcare leaders in their communities.

Tune in for candid conversations on the impact of deploying customized healthcare solutions for Indigenous populations, the joy and fulfillment that comes from service, and the long-term returns that resonate well beyond the clinic’s walls. Whether you’re working in Native health or just curious about innovative care models, this episode is packed with bold ideas and honest dialogue—unfiltered.

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Series

• Introduction to the special “Tribal Impact Series Live from Self Governance in 2025.”

• Emphasis on elevating Indigenous voices and sources of impact.

2. Guest Introduction: Dr. Joseph Nicholas Heinen

• Overview of Vestra Tribal Care as a native-owned company.

• Purpose: Opening and expanding on-site clinics for casinos and tribal 638 clinics.

3. Importance of Conferences and Events (Self Governance 2025)

• Dr. Heinen’s motivation for attending the event: sharing knowledge about starting and expanding clinics.

• Role of presentations in educating tribes about potential healthcare benefits.

4. Defining Impact – Personal and Professional Perspectives

• Dr. Heinen’s view: Impact as improving healthcare quality in rural tribal areas.

• Benefits of quality improvement: lowering costs, enhancing family and community health.

• Personal reward of helping those in need.

5. Vestra Tribal Care’s Approach and Offerings

• Meeting tribes where they are: flexible consulting and support options.

• Assisting with new clinic startups, expansion, and securing funding or grants.

• Helping tribes add new service lines or start clinics from scratch.

6. Guest Introduction: Daniel Boudreaux

• Introduction to Daniel Boudreaux, CEO and co-owner of Vestra Tribal Care.

• His role: Overseeing operations for on-site and tribal clinics, consulting, and healthcare operations.

7. Operational Connections with Tribes and Indigenous Care

• Working exclusively with tribes: 638 clinics, casino employee clinics, self-funded plans.

• Integrating healthcare operations for continuity and maximizing tribal health benefits.

8. Event Purpose and Advocacy

• Daniel’s role as a speaker: Educating on differences between employee clinics and tribal clinics.

• Addressing common misconceptions around tribal and employee clinic offerings.

• Goal: Helping tribes improve access for employees, members, and surrounding communities.

9. Impact According to Daniel Boudreaux

• Leveraging resources to improve care quality for underserved communities.

• Aspiration for tribes to become healthcare leaders within their communities.

10. Vestra Tribal Care’s Value Proposition

• Distinction from other consultants: Ability to execute on strategic roadmaps.

• Emphasis on customized solutions tailored to individual tribal needs.

• Full-spectrum partnership: From consultation to launch and ongoing support.

11. Closing Remarks and Calls to Action

• Reinforcement of Vestra’s commitment to being comprehensive and personalized in supporting tribal healthcare growth.

Welcome back to Impact Unfiltered—the podcast highlighting bold leaders transforming healthcare, business, and their communities.

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Marty Lofgren, Medical Director of the Absentee Shawnee Health System. From his roots on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe reservation to leading a Native health system in Oklahoma, Dr. Lofgren shares his journey and the impact of community-focused care.

We talk about expanding pharmacy access, promoting wellness through small initiatives like “100 miles in 100 days,” and the challenges facing Native healthcare today. Dr. Lofgren also reflects on leadership, legacy, and building systems rooted in connection.

If you’re passionate about making a difference in healthcare or interested in the ways tribal health leaders are paving new paths, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let's jump into our conversation with Dr. Marty Lofgren.

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

• Setting the tone: Emphasis on honest dialogue and authentic stories of impact.

• Introduction of Dr. Marty Lofgren, Medical Director of Absentee Shawnee Health System.

2. Dr. Marty Lofgren’s Background and Role

• Career progression: Work experience in private clinics, the VA, Air Force Base, and eventually joining the Absentee Shawnee Health System in Oklahoma.

• Scope of current role: Overseeing a medical clinic with about 100 providers and over 400 staff, managing multiple healthcare departments.

3. Motivation for Entering Tribal Leadership and Community Health

• Influence of rural and Native American healthcare disparities.

• Personal mission to provide higher quality healthcare to tribal members.

• Commitment to making the tribal health system superior to external systems.

4. Defining and Embodying “Impact” in Healthcare

• The importance of both small and large interventions in healthcare.

• Emphasis on comprehensive care (physical, mental, and support).

5. Ongoing Initiatives and Examples of Impact

• 100 Mile Challenge: Encouraging increased physical activity among staff and patients, leading to tangible health benefits (weight loss, cholesterol, diabetes markers, mental health).

• Becoming a 340B pharmacy: Expanding pharmacy services to all patients and employees, increasing healthcare access, and reinvesting savings into system improvements.

6. Community Outreach and Alignment with Patient Needs

• Commitment to community outreach.

• Efforts to snowball positive outcomes from programs like the 100 Mile Challenge.

7. Lessons for Other Tribal Health Leaders

• Dr. Lofgren’s humility: Preference for learning from peers rather than viewing himself as a model.

• The importance of networking, learning, and developing new programs from shared experiences.

8. Opportunities for Improvement and Future Outlook

• Advances in healthcare and the ongoing basics of care.

• Need for increased federal funding for Native American health.

9. Reflections on Leadership and Legacy

• Advice for emerging tribal health leaders: Act on leadership opportunities sooner; fulfillment in helping others through leadership.

• Value of creating programs that meet community needs.

10. Defining the Pillars of Health System Success

• Health system as a multi-faceted pillar: Patient care, community, and tribal support.

• The importance of a “many pillars” approach—holistic and integrated system support.

11. Holistic and Accessible Healthcare Model

• Striving for a “one stop shop” healthcare system by providing a full suite of services (specialty care, behavioral health, pediatric/adolescent clinics).

• Continuous expansion to meet evolving patient needs.

• Emphasis on saying “yes” and being solutions-oriented.

12. Invitation to Support and Get Involved

• Encouragement for listeners to get involved by taking actionable steps in their own communities.

• Reinforcing the importance of daily commitment, expanding services, and community involvement.

13. Closing Remarks

• Invitation to reflect on and carry forward the episode’s key themes of impact, leadership, and community-focused healthcare.

On this episode of Impact Unfiltered, we shine a spotlight on impactful leadership and legacy in Native American communities. Recorded live from the Self Governance 2025 conference—the 50-year celebration of tribal self-determination—host Phillippe welcomes Wallace Apland, Chief Financial Officer of the Ho Chunk Nation Department of Health. Wally shares how his unique role stretches far beyond managing budgets, as he helps tribal members access vital healthcare benefits and supports holistic community wellness. With engaging personal stories and insights from years of experience, Wally reflects on the power of self-governance, the importance of mentorship for future leaders, and the life-changing impact of giving tribal members access to quality healthcare. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, perseverance, and the enduring ripple effect of positive change in tribal country.

1. Podcast and Series Introduction

• Focus on real conversations with leaders in healthcare, business, and community

• Introduction of the special series on leadership and legacy in Native American/Tribal communities

2. Guest Introduction

• Introduction of Wallace Apland (Wally)

• Current role: Chief Financial Officer, Ho Chunk Nation Department of Health

• Responsibilities: Overseeing all health operations, departments (pharmacy, medical, optical, dental), budgets, cash flow, financial software

3. Wallace Apland’s Role in Community

• Clarification of dynamic CFO duties

• Oversight of third-party revenue streams and primary payers

• Collaboration with benefits coordinators (Medicaid, ACA, unique tribal programs)

• Connection to tribal members through information sharing about benefits

• Impact on tribal members, such as informing about available benefits for individuals and families

4. Multifaceted Nature of the Role

• Wearing multiple hats beyond the CFO position

• Long tenure (13 years) and transition from consultant to permanent role

• Growth and expansion of healthcare services:

• Increased number of clinics, staff (doctors, nurses), and specialty services (pediatrics, pharmacies, complexity lab)

• Over 22,000 encounters per year

• Pride in tribe’s trust and health program’s sustainability

5. Reflections on the Self Governance Conference

• Motivations: Education about Title 5 tribe status and networking

• Importance of attending for hands-on connections, learning concepts, and accessing insider expertise

• Benefits of presenters and networking:

• Technical experts, free legal advice, access to federal officials

• Value in gaining actionable insights, small steps leading to innovation and project growth

6. Surprises at the Conference

• Observations on participation:

• Continued strong presence of federal agency representatives despite current media/politics

• Specific mention of federal officials and their accessibility

7. The Meaning of Impact and Legacy

• Wallace’s definition of impact: Taking away influence or learning, especially from expert panels

• Importance of understanding federal statutes (such as 340B pharmacies)

• Leadership and succession:

• Need to bring younger/new individuals to these conferences for exposure and networking

• Example: Bringing new executive director and controller to the event

• Diverse opportunities at the conference (industry vendors, new security/data solutions)

8. Personal Story: Work’s Impact on Tribal Members

• Fulfillment from seeing tribal members access health insurance

• Wallace’s role in maximizing tribal members’ access to health benefits

9. Discussion on "Return on Healthcare"

• Emphasis on measuring impact by health outcomes of the tribal nation/community

• Broader vision: health improvement leading to stronger, healthier communities

10. Tribal Sponsorship Initiatives

• Focus on tribal sponsorship for health insurance for members lacking means

• Efforts to connect members with Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA coverage

• Goal: Empowered tribal members, long-term health improvement

11. Closing Remarks

• Wallace’s willingness to share more in the future

Welcome to another episode of Impact Unfiltered! In today’s show, Philippe sits down with Morgan Honea, a seasoned healthcare leader based in Denver, Colorado. Morgan brings over 25 years of experience spanning nonprofit public health, rural healthcare, data and technology, and health systems innovation. Together, they dive into why our current fee-for-service healthcare system just isn’t working, especially for underserved and rural communities, and explore new models centered around direct pay and patient-first care.

Morgan shares stories from his early days on a rural mission trip, experiences running health centers and health information exchanges, and what drives him and his team to rethink what healthcare could look like—where the community’s needs set the priorities, and cost and transparency aren’t barriers to care.

Whether you’re a disruptor, a provider, or just someone who’s tired of the status quo, you’ll find inspiration and practical tips here about impacting your community, navigating the industry, and never being afraid to break the mold. Strap in for an honest, hopeful conversation about changing healthcare from the ground up!

1. Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

• Brief preamble highlighting the show’s theme: real conversations with leaders driving change in healthcare, business, and community

2. Morgan Honea Professional Journey in Healthcare

• 25 years in the healthcare industry, primarily in the nonprofit sector

• Experience in public health, federally qualified health centers, and healthcare technology

• Leadership roles, including running a health information exchange in Colorado

• Unique perspective from multiple roles: employer, provider, payer, and patient

3. Defining Impact in Healthcare & Medical Suite’s Mission

• The team’s focus on the impact for individuals and communities

• Special emphasis on rural and underserved communities

• Challenges in healthcare delivery outside major metropolitan areas

• Importance of localizing healthcare and using team expertise to show communities

4. Community Engagement and Needs Alignment

• Commitment to listening first: every community has unique priorities

• Collaboration with stakeholders like school districts, municipal governments, and local employers

• Avoiding assumptions; starting with community-led goals

• Ensuring solutions are genuinely driven by local needs

5. Innovation and Service Delivery Outside the Fee-for-Service Model

• Skepticism about the word "innovation" within fee-for-service

• Advocating for direct pay models to remove constraints on providers

• Advantages of direct pay: longer provider-patient interactions, appropriate use of data, tailored care

• Emphasizing primary care as critical to 80% of healthcare outcomes

• Addressing social determinants of health and the importance of zip code in outcomes

6. Practical Examples and Partnerships

• Use of data-driven approaches for aligning services to patient/community needs

• Partnerships and tools for direct pay care, including virtual and telehealth services

• Mention of various companies and initiatives (e.g., Nexus Health Connect, Actuate Care, Smith Medical ambulatory surgery center)

• Highlight: transparent pricing on procedures, e.g., appendectomy at Smith Medical

7. Advice for Emerging Leaders in Healthcare

• Importance of being ambitious and mission-driven

• The value of questioning traditional paths and methods in healthcare

• Encouragement to take risks and innovate outside the system when necessary

8. How to Get Involved & Access Resources

• Information on organizations and websites for further learning (Nexus Health Connect, Actuate Care, Smith Medical)

• Solutions for direct primary care, virtual care, and direct-pay procedures

• Plans for a new general agency to educate brokers and empower more individuals and employers

9. Closing Remarks and Appreciation

• Encouragement and optimism for the future of healthcare reform

Welcome to another episode of Impact Unfiltered, where we're diving deep into real stories of leadership and impact in healthcare and community development. In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Chase, the health director for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana. Cameron shares his journey from global health work to tribal leadership, highlighting the unique challenges and triumphs of building resilient healthcare systems in rural and Native communities.

1. Introduction to the Podcast and Episode

• Introduction of guest: Cameron Chase, Health Director, Tunica Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.

2. Cameron Chase’s Role and Daily Responsibilities

• Overview of Cameron’s position as Health Director.

• Description of proactive vs. reactive approaches in healthcare.

• The public health approach beyond clinical care.

• Emphasis on prevention, education, and enabling the community to actualize their goals.

3. Background of the Tunica Biloxi Tribe

• History and federal recognition of the Tunica Biloxi Tribe.

• Discussion of fragmentation and merging of multiple bands/tribes.

• Historical context: forced removal and the impact of colonization.

• Gaining federal recognition through the “Tunica Treasure” artifacts.

• Commitment to nation-building and serving the broader Central Louisiana community.

4. Cameron Chase’s Background and Pathway into Tribal Health Leadership

• Personal background: non-Native, broad international and healthcare experience.

• Inspiration from working with indigenous communities in Guatemala.

• Experience at the tribal epidemiology center and transition to Tunica Biloxi.

• Building new health services and clinics for the tribe.

• Focus on services beyond healthcare: social services, justice, housing, and reentry programs.

• Leadership style rooted in collaboration and teamwork.

5. Understanding and Defining Impact in Tribal Healthcare

• Broader definition of impact—extending beyond the present and considering legacy.

• The concept of “seventh generation” thinking and planning for future generations.

• Importance of creating resilient systems rooted in public health approaches.

• The unique resilience of Native American communities.

6. Community-Driven Initiatives and Long-Term Projects

• Emphasis on resilience within both the tribe and the state of Louisiana.

• Inclusive services for both tribal citizens and the wider local community.

• Addressing chronic diseases, diabetes, and access to expensive medications (GLP-1s).

• Use of federal programs (340B) to increase access for the uninsured and underinsured.

• Development of programs: homeless shelter, juvenile healing, wellness, domestic violence, and substance abuse initiatives.

• Evaluation of impact through community health needs assessments and ongoing measurement.

7. Current State of Tribal Healthcare & Vision for the Future

• Acknowledgement of challenges due to historical and systemic oppression.

• Impacts of federal and state budget cuts and the importance of resilience and strategic planning.

• Rural healthcare challenges and disparities in access.

• Collaboration with the state to serve underserved populations, especially Medicaid recipients.

• Commitment to not reducing services for Native citizens while expanding access to non-citizens.

• Innovative partnerships and leveraging state resources.

8. Legacy Leadership and Advice for Emerging Leaders

• The power of collaboration and teamwork in leadership.

• Importance of patience and understanding that meaningful change takes time.

• Personal anecdotes about the slow pace of progress in healthcare and research.

• Encouragement to young leaders to view their work as a long-term quest.

9. Ways to Get Involved and Learn More

• Recommendation to look for local opportunities to support change.

• The importance of self-education about Native American history and the ongoing impact of colonization.

• Information on how to contact and support the Tunica Biloxi Tribe, including visiting their website and engaging with local initiatives.

Welcome to another episode of Impact Unfiltered, where we spotlight voices making real change. In this special “Tribal Impact” series, host Philippe sits down with Dr. Setu Vora, Chief Medical Officer for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in Connecticut. Dr. Vora shines a light on the tribe’s innovative, holistic approach to healthcare a journey that spans over three decades. He walks us through the evolution of Pequot Healthcare, a tribally owned system that not only serves its own community with independent health plans and in-house pharmacy services, but also extends support to other small businesses and tribal nations. Together, Philippe and Dr. Vora discuss the impact of accessible, quality care, the power of self-governance, and what it means to create lasting value in healthcare, both for the tribe and beyond. Whether you’re interested in health innovation, tribal self-determination, or building systems that put people first, this episode delivers inspiring insights on making an impact where it matters most.

1-Introduction and Podcast Overview
  - Dr. Setu Vora's professional role as Chief Medical Officer of Mashantucket Pequot Healthcare.
2. Background on the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Its Healthcare System
  - The tribe as innovators in both gaming and non-gaming enterprises.
  - The tribe’s strategic objective: prioritizing health for tribal families and communities.
  - Establishment and evolution of Pequot Healthcare over 30+ years.
      - Independent, tribally-owned third-party administration for self-funded health plans.
3. Dr. Setu Vora’s Role and Mission
  - Responsibilities as Chief Medical Officer: steward and resource for the tribal council’s health objectives.
  - Focus on delivering better value health and applying this mission to both tribal and non-tribal clients.
  - Emphasis on delivering quality, safety, and a better experience at a lower total cost.
4. Pharmacy Services and Pandemic Response
  - Explanation of PBM Solutions' offerings (by Phillippe) related to pharmacy programs, assistance programs, TPA setup, and pharmacy buildouts.
  - Mashantucket Pequot’s large in-house pharmacy team (10+ pharmacists).
  - Key role of the clinical pharmacy team during the COVID-19 pandemic:
      - Leading vaccination programs across the tribal nation.
      - Establishment and operation of one of Connecticut’s largest mass vaccination sites in partnership with state and local healthcare systems.
5. Engagement at the Tribal Self-Governance Conference
  - Explanation of the tribe becoming a Title V tribal nation and transition from Title I contracting.
  - Self-governance compact with the Indian Health Service achieved in October 2022.
  - Greater engagement at the national level, including sponsorship and leadership at the conference.
  - Councilor Michelle Scott’s role in health and human services and her contribution as an opening speaker.
  - Importance of legal counsel in unlocking self-governance advantages.
6. Conference Takeaways and Reflections
  - Value of networking and meeting other innovators at the conference.
  - Recognition of entrenched healthcare systems and the challenge of delivering value in those systems.
7. Meaning of Impact in Tribal Health Context
  - Dr. Vora’s vision for impact: improving tribal community access to care, empowerment, and leadership in health solutions.
  - Extending services and solutions to other tribal nations and self-funded American businesses.
8. Measuring Success: Return on Health (RoH) vs. Return on Investment (ROI)
  - First focus is on RoH: patient well-being, outcomes, and experience.
  - Designing systems to achieve RoH typically brings ROI, achieving better care at lower cost.
9. Closing and Final Thoughts
  - Dr. Vora’s call to action: Find and collaborate with likeminded individuals to tackle healthcare cost drivers and barriers to care.
  - Emphasis on partnerships and alliances for sustained progress.