Gale R. Burstein MD MPH, Commissioner, Erie County Health Department, speaks with host Rita Hubbard-Robinson about the role the Erie County Health Department is playing during the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as some of the everyday functions it provides. She also reviews the latest statistics in terms of cases, demographics, and geographic distribution (as of July 2020). The department provides free testing and is conducting contact tracing.

John E. Tomaszewski, MD MASCP, speaks with Rita Hubbard-Robinson about Coronavirus testing: types of tests available, turnaround times, and more. Dr. Tomaszewski is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and holds the Peter A. Nickerson PhD Professor and Chair in the Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. He is also the Clinical Chief of Service for Kaleida Health Laboratories in the Center for Laboratory Medicine.

Bethany Ortquist (Farm to Table Coordinator, Massachusetts Avenue Project) and Gail Wells (Founder, Grassroots Gardens) speak with host Rita Hubbard-Robinson about community gardens, urban farming, and other initiatives that address food insecurity in Western New York.

Rachel Laster, RDN (Real Life Dietetics and Consulting) and Alexa Wajed (Chef and artist, founder, Alexa Joan), join host Rita Hubbard-Robinson to talk about maintaining a healthy diet during a pandemic. "Soul food is food for the soul!"

Neurosurgeon Elad I. Levy, MD, MBA, joins host Rita Hubbard-Robinson to discuss strokes during the pandemic. COVID creates inflammation and affects blood vessels throughout the body, which can contribute to a higher likelihood of clots and strokes. People shouldn't delay calling 911 or going to the ER when experiencing stroke symptoms--immediate treatment can be vital. Dr. Levy holds the L Nelson Hopkins Chair of Neurological Surgery and is a SUNY Distinguished Professor as well as the Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at UB. He's also the Director of Stroke Services for Kaleida Health.

Lauren Ashburn, LMSW, Director of Education and Training at the Alzheimer's Association of Western New York, joins host Rita Hubbard-Robinson to talk about the Black/African American Dementia Conference, September 3-October 1, 2020. The Alzheimer's Association will host a discussion with national and community leaders about caregiving in the black community, the importance of healthy living and diversity in research. The Facing Dementia in the black/African American Community Series will take place every Thursday evening from September 3 through October 1 (6-8PM). Sponsored by Dent Neurologic Institute and BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York.