Let's Talk About It w/Frederick Knuckles

In this special episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles is joined by Pastor Heidi Barham, Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hospice of the Western Reserve, to discuss the significance of National Healthcare Decisions Day, observed annually on April 16. Pastor Barham brings her extensive experience in hospice care and her commitment to community engagement to shed light on the importance of advance care planning.

Together, they explore how proactive conversations about healthcare preferences can empower individuals and families, reduce stress during critical moments, and ensure that care aligns with personal values. Pastor Barham emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches to end-of-life discussions, particularly within diverse communities, and shares resources to facilitate these essential conversations.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Erica McBee, a dedicated registered nurse and leader based in Cleveland. As the Chair of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s Health and Fitness Committee, Erica is passionate about bridging the gap between healthcare and the community.

Together, they discuss the critical role of community partnerships in addressing health disparities, especially in underserved populations. Erica shares her insights on the importance of outreach, education, and providing accessible resources to those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. Discover how collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change and support for caregivers and families navigating these challenging conditions.

Host Frederick Knuckles welcomes Siobhan Aaron, nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, for an important conversation about Alzheimer’s, dementia, and the realities families face during serious illness and end-of-life care. Drawing from her extensive experience in palliative and hospice care, Siobhan shares how she witnessed the urgent need for better support for caregivers, particularly in communities impacted by health disparities.

Together, they explore the intersection of chronic disease, health equity, and caregiving — and offer practical advice for families navigating some of the most difficult moments of the Alzheimer’s journey. A powerful episode about compassion, advocacy, and meeting families where they are.

On this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles is joined by Gina Davis, President and CEO of Fairhill Partners, along with team members Wendy Chaney and Carla Lanier, for a discussion on aging with dignity, support for caregivers, and the importance of community-based solutions.

In this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles sits down with Beverly Berry, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Alzheimer’s Association, for an important conversation about health disparities, representation, and why communities of color are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.

Together, they discuss the unique challenges faced by African American and Hispanic families, barriers to care and diagnosis, and the critical work being done to make resources more accessible and culturally responsive.

On this episode of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles takes time to break down the staggering impact of Alzheimer’s disease right here in Ohio — and why understanding the numbers matters for all of us.

Did you know nearly 1 million Ohioans are directly affected by Alzheimer’s? That includes over 220,000 people living with the disease — and the 2 to 3 caregivers who support each of them every single day. The numbers are even more alarming for communities of color, with African Americans being twice as likely, and Hispanic Americans 1.5 times more likely, to develop Alzheimer’s compared to white counterparts.

Frederick also shares helpful resources from the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland, including support groups, education programs, their 24/7 Helpline, and upcoming events designed to help families get the information and support they need.
Knowledge is power — and no one has to face Alzheimer’s alone.

On this special call-in edition of Let’s Talk About It, host Frederick Knuckles opens up the phone lines to hear directly from you — our listeners. Caregivers, family members, and those impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia called in with their most pressing questions — and we brought in expert guidance and resources to help answer them.