In this episode of the My City My Health Podcast, host Maddie Kerr talks with Kellee Forkenbrock, Public Services Librarian at the North Liberty Community Library, about the Lighthouse in the Library series and the importance of digital access in the community. Kellee discusses how the Libraries Transforming Communities grant has allowed them to create a platform for community conversations and collaborations with other local organizations. She emphasizes the role of libraries in providing access to information and wellness resources, particularly in addressing the digital divide that exists in many communities.

About Kellee:
Kellee Forkenbrock is a passionate librarian who serves as the Public Services Librarian at the North Liberty Community Library. Kellee is a strong advocate for providing access to information and resources to all members of the community, with a particular focus on bridging the digital divide and promoting social justice. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at the library, where people of all backgrounds and identities feel valued and supported. Kellee is a true asset to the North Liberty community, and her work with the Lighthouse in the Library series is a testament to her commitment to creating positive change through education and community building.

Shownotes:
00:00 - Introduction
01:10 - Kellee Forkenbrock's background and role at the North Liberty Community Library
02:35 - Overview of the Lighthouse in the Library series and its impact on the community
04:10 - How the Libraries Transforming Communities grant has supported the series
05:40 - Examples of collaborations with other local organizations, including Better Way Forward and the North Liberty Community Food Pantry
07:25 - The upcoming collaboration with the African American Museum of Iowa
08:20 - The importance of dialogue and connection in promoting wellness and addressing community issues
09:35 - The role of libraries in providing access to information and wellness resources
11:15 - The digital divide and its impact on communities
12:25 - The North Liberty Community Library's efforts to provide digital access, including free wifi and iPads for use in-house
13:40 - Future goals for the Lighthouse in the Library series, including more collaborations with local organizations
14:50 - Kellee's excitement for attending the My City My Health conference and connecting with others in the healthcare industry
16:00 - The biggest takeaway from the conversation: support your local public library and the freedom to read
17:10 - Conclusion

About the host: Maddie Kerr is a Health and Human Physiology major, with a Health Promotion track and a minor in Communication Studies, graduating in 2023. Maddie is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health

In this episode of the My City My Health podcast, host Jillian Reedy speaks with Dr. Jodi Tate, MD, a psychiatrist and leader in the field of healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Tate discusses her work in promoting health equity for this unique population and shares insights on the importance of building rapport and trust with patients. She also shares a personal experience that led to the development of an inclusive hair and beard products program across her hospital. Dr. Tate emphasizes the need for continued education and advocacy in the pursuit of health equity for all.

Shownotes:
Introduction (0:00)
About Dr. Jodi Tate (1:00)
The importance of communication with individuals with intellectual disabilities (11:22)
The importance of building rapport with patients (13:12)
Promoting health equity in psychiatry (14:39)
Inclusive hair and beard products program (17:04)
How to get involved with Dr. Tate's work (20:57)
Final thoughts (21:53)

Quote from Dr. Tate: "Building rapport as a clinician is important for all patients. So, you know, I can speak for myself as a patient. If I go to a provider and they tell me to do X, Y, and Z, I may or may not do it. Right. So I think probably the most important thing as a clinician, as a clinic physician is developing rapport so that the person will trust you and that you can develop this relationship so that will help you know the individual better, will help you make better diagnoses, and work together to figure out a treatment plan moving forward." (13:43)

About Dr. Jodi Tate: 
Dr. Jodi Tate, MD, is a psychiatrist and the Associate Chief Medical Officer of Psychiatry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. She is also the Medical Director of the Iowa City Crisis Stabilization Center and a leader in the field of healthcare for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Tate is committed to promoting health equity and advocating for marginalized populations in healthcare.

About the host: Jillian Reedy is a student at the University of Iowa, getting her bachelor's in health studies and a minor in psychology. Jillian is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

"I think sometimes like you have to acknowledge where those privileges are so that you can kind of work on dismantling that because we can't put that work on folks who have been oppressed."

In this episode of the My City My Health podcast, host Alison interviews public health professional Danielle Pettit-Majewski, Director for Johnson County Public Health about the challenges and opportunities in the field of public health, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the impact of the pandemic on public health professionals, the barriers to making progress in public health, and ways that community members can get involved and support public health efforts.

Shownotes:
Introduction [00:00-01:00]
About the Guest: Danielle's Background in Public Health [01:00-02:15]
The Impact of the Pandemic on Public Health Professionals [02:15-07:30]
Barriers to Making Progress in Public Health [07:30-16:25]
Long-Term Impacts of the Pandemic [16:25-23:02]
Getting Involved and Supporting Public Health Efforts [23:02-25:22]
About the My City My Health Conference [25:22-26:30]
Conclusion [26:30-27:00]

About the host: Alison is a student at the University of Iowa studying Health and Human Physiology. Alison is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

Join Maya for a conversation with Corey Dion Lewis, founder of The Healthy Project, and My City My Health, a company that aims to improve health equity in communities. In this episode, Corey shares his journey and motivation behind starting My City My Health, his biggest takeaways from the Des Moines conference, and tangible ways for people to get involved with his work. Listen in to learn how you can take action toward health equity in your own community.

About the guest:
Corey Dion Lewis is a health coach and community advocate, dedicated to improving health equity in communities. As the founder of My City My Health, Corey works to create platforms and spaces for meaningful conversations and collaborations around health equity.

Show Notes:
[00:00] Introduction to My City My Health and guest Corey Dion Lewis
[01:12] What inspired Corey to start My City My Health
[03:05] The importance of having conversations around health equity
[05:10] How the Des Moines conference influenced Corey's work with My City My Health
[07:20] "My biggest takeaway is this conversation means more to people than I had expected." - Corey Dion Lewis
[08:25] Tangible ways for people to get involved with My City My Health's work
[10:30] "Whatever I can do just to help, you know, they can always reach out to me." - Corey Dion Lewis
[11:15] About the upcoming My City My Health conference in Iowa City
[12:45] What motivates and inspires Corey in his work for health equity
[15:00] "Dreamers are the saviors of the world." - Corey Dion Lewis
[16:25] Closing thoughts and how to learn more about My City My Health

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Corey Dion Lewis on taking action for health equity in communities. Don't forget to check out My City My Health's upcoming conference in Iowa City on April 28th. Visit MyCity.Health to learn more.

In this episode, Katherine speaks with Caleb Thomas, a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Thomas & Associates. Caleb shares his journey into holistic counseling and his passion for supporting at-risk youth in his community. He also discusses the importance of self-care for health professionals and shares valuable advice for those looking to improve their community's well-being.

About the Guest:
Caleb Thomas is a licensed mental health counselor and the founder of Thomas & Associates, a holistic counseling practice based in Iowa. Caleb is dedicated to supporting at-risk youth and helping individuals achieve their full potential through a mind-body-spirit approach to counseling. He believes that health professionals must prioritize their own well-being in order to provide the best care for their clients. Caleb is a frequent speaker and community leader, and he is committed to improving the well-being of his community through advocacy and education.

"I realized there was a missing component within the mental health field...We were just looking at the symptom and not the person as a whole." - Caleb Thomas

Shownotes:
Introduction (0:00-1:08)
(1:09-6:12) Caleb's journey into holistic counseling
(6:13-13:49) Supporting at-risk youth

(13:50-18:34) Self-care for health professionals 

(18:35-20:00)Conclusion

References:
Thomas & Associates: https://www.thomasacc.com/
Caleb Thomas on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/caleb-d-thomas-coralville-ia/477811

About the host: Katherine is a student at the University of Iowa studying Health and Human Physiology. Katherine is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

Against the odds and amidst inequalities, Fredrick Newell, a pastor, social worker, and executive director of a nonprofit, is determined to create a thriving, equitable community in Iowa City by advocating for father rights, providing access to arts, and promoting wellness.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the role of health equity in shaping education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
• Understand the importance of advocating for fathers' rights and providing support to families during crises.
• Recognize the impact of the pandemic on mental health and food security, and discover ways to address these issues.
• Get involved in Dream City's initiatives to foster community growth and development.
• Connect the university-campus environment with the local community for mutually beneficial progress.

My special guest is Fredrick Newell

Fredrick Newell, a dedicated community leader and advocate in My City, is the Executive Director of the local nonprofit My City, Inclusion and Outreach Coordinator at My City Community School District, and a pastor at The Purpose Place. With a strong foundation in social work, Fredrick focuses on bridging gaps, creating opportunities, and fostering equity within the community. His passion for change is evident in his work, particularly in promoting fatherhood advocacy and developing programs to support the holistic growth of young people. Fredrick's unique perspective and experience make him an ideal guest for a discussion on bridging university-campus and local community for shared growth.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit My City's website to learn more about its programs and initiatives.
• Volunteer with My City, whether through tutoring, mentoring, or providing hot meals.
• Attend My City's events to connect with the community and learn more about their work.
• Contribute financially to My City to support their programs and outreach efforts.
• Share information about My City with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness about their work.
• Attend The Healthy Project conference on April 28, 2023, to engage in discussions around community connections and health equity.
• Collaborate with The Healthy Project community to share resources and promote diversity.
• Work towards bridging the gap between the university and local communities for a more unified and resourceful environment.

Equity vs. Equality: Understanding the Difference and Its Importance
The distinction between equity and equality is crucial in fostering a socially just and inclusive environment. Equity refers to the practice of ensuring individuals receive what they need to achieve their full potential, accounting for their specific circumstances and background. In contrast, equality treats everyone the same regardless of individual needs, which can lead to disparities and a lack of fairness. Emphasizing equity over equality can create a more coherent sense of community where everyone can prosper together, breaking down barriers and fostering connections. During the podcast, Fredrick Newell outlined the importance of looking at the world through the lens of equity. By providing everyone with the necessary resources and opportunities in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment, we can create a fair and just society that benefits everyone. He encourages listeners to continue the conversation around equity and equality, highlighting how promoting equitable systems can ultimately lead to tangible, positive changes in our communities.

About the host: Olivia Ruby is a student at the University of Iowa studying Health Promotion. Olivia is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

In this episode of the My City My Health podcast, host Caroline Carlson speaks with Dr. Candyce Briggs, a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health advocate based in Iowa City, about the importance of prioritizing self-care and mental health in underserved communities. Dr. Briggs shares her experiences working with community organizations and non-profits to increase access to mental health services for Black and culturally diverse families, as well as her insights on the challenges faced by these communities in seeking care.

About the guest:
 Dr. Candice Briggs is a licensed clinical psychologist and mental health advocate based in Iowa City, Iowa. She is passionate about increasing access to mental health services for underserved communities and has worked with a variety of local organizations to improve mental health outcomes for Black and culturally diverse families.

Shownotes:
00:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest Dr. Candyce Briggs
01:42 - About Dr. Briggs and her work as a mental health advocate
03:30 - The importance of prioritizing self-care in mental health
05:12 - Challenges faced by underserved communities in seeking mental health services
07:28 - Dr. Briggs' experiences working with community organizations and non-profits to increase access to mental health services for Black and culturally diverse families
11:30 - The impact of COVID-19 on mental health in underserved communities
14:10 - Dr. Briggs' insights on the upcoming My City My Health Conference and the importance of community collaboration
16:20 - Dr. Briggs' affirmations for prioritizing self-care
18:10 - How to connect with Dr. Briggs and access her services

"I think the biggest thing I would like to take it or listeners to take is really just always prioritizing self-care. And I say radical self-care in the sense of making sure that you do something every day that brings you joy, that makes you feel good. And making sure that you have a sense of community." - Dr. Candyce Briggs

About the host: Caroline Carlson is a student at the University of Iowa studying Health and Human Physiology on the Health Studies track.  Caroline is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.

"It's really important that we try and engage folks again from different cultures, different identities, different backgrounds in order to make that rich workforce and learning environment for our learners and our employees."

Driven by her passion for health equity, Dr. Nicole Del Castillo embarks on a mission to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all at the Carver College of Medicine, only to discover an ironic twist - mistreatment of employees and learners in the clinical environment.

In this episode, you will be able to: 1. Discover the key to health equity by exploring diverse healthcare workforces and policies. 2. Uncover how addressing social determinants directly impacts individual health. 3. Unlock the power of mentorship and community connections in the quest for health equity. 4. Learn the secret to maintaining overall wellness through a balanced approach to physical and mental health. 5. Master the art of integrating healthy habits, stress reduction, and exercise into your everyday life.

Dr. Nicole Del Castillo

Dr. Nicole Del Castillo is a passionate healthcare professional committed to addressing health equity through a diverse healthcare workforce and policies. As the director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Carver College of Medicine, her work focuses on creating an inclusive environment for students, faculty, and patients. Dr. Del Castillo is also a clinical assistant professor at The Healthy Project, where she shares her knowledge and expertise in psychiatry and health policy. With a fellowship in The Healthy Project from Harvard, she has honed her skills to better understand and address social determinants of health and health disparities. Dr. Del Castillo is excited to connect with others working towards health equity and inspire healthcare professionals seeking innovative solutions.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:58 - Health Equity,

00:03:01 - Creating Inclusivity,

00:08:18 - Health Disparities,

00:13:00 - Addressing Health Disparities,

00:18:23 - Wrapping Up,

00:00:40 - Introduction,

00:02:30 - Overcoming Mental Health Stigma,

00:09:15 - Coping with Anxiety and Stress,

00:14:20 - Importance of Self-Care,

Join us on Friday, April 28, 2023, to hear from Dr. Nicole Del Castillo and share her insights and wisdom on how we can all work together to advance health equity.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow! Register now at www.mycity.health 💻