In this episode of Let’s Talk Wilco, recorded in March 2025, we talk with Valerie Zapien, former coordinator of Healthy Williamson County, about the newly released 2025Community Health Assessment (CHA) and how it sets the stage for future health planning. (Note: Valerie has since moved on, but the work continues under new leadership.)

Valerie explains how the CHA identifies key community healthpriorities — including ALICE households (learn more), transportation barriers, housing affordability, and insurance access — and how these insights will inform the next Community Health Improvement Plan(CHIP).

We also reflect on the current 2023–2025 CHIP and explore how residents can get involved in shaping the next one through focus groups, advisory councils, and events like the Community Health Symposium at Texas A&M Round Rock.

🎧 Tune in to learn how you can take part in building a healthier, more connected Williamson County.

Trailer for season 2 of Let's Talk Wilco brought to you by My Community Catalyst. This podcast is here to highlight the work of social service organizations in Williamson County. Hosted by attorney Liz Wiggins, this season features a new co-host, Fatimah Sajid, a student leader and founder of "Every Mind Matters". Together, they discuss the complexities of nonprofit and community-based work, and Fatimah shares her experience introducing legislation at the Texas State Capitol and other initiatives. This promises to be a special season, so stay tuned!

Guest speaker Eric Mejia joins the show to share how Jail to Jobs is helping young adults, ages 17-24, in Williamson and Travis Counties. Jail to Jobs uses a holistic approach, meeting the physical needs, helping with character development, workforce development, and emotional and spiritual development of the individual.

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Join Liz and her guest, Roger DeLeon, as they discuss how WellPoint takes strategic steps to partner with local organizations to improve the health of the community.

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TRIGGER WARNING: Please listen very closely. You will hear a lot of laughter and hopefully feel the positivity in the air from this episode because I have some amazing guests with me today. However, this episode of our podcast discusses themes related to sexual assault, including personal accounts and discussions that may be distressing to some listeners. Please take care of yourself and consider your emotional well-being before listening. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are available. You can find links to some of these resources in our show notes or you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

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SEXUAL ASSAULT RESOURCES

Let's Talk Wilco continues the talk about East Wilco programs with Leigh Richter, the Community Healthcare Worker with the Pathways program, along with her work with the Step Up Texas project and her connection with Impact Counseling. Join us to learn more about programs specifically designed to impact the children and families in the community, including restorative practices that bridge differences and transform school culture with the use of circles. Yes, CIRCLES! Listen in to learn how and why they work.

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