Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Avenel Joseph
Vice President, Policy for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest health philanthropy,  discussed a recent op-ed she co-authored, that emphasizes the need for immediate congressional action during the post-election session to expand care for mothers and babies, including an expansion of Medicaid and passage of the  Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act. 
We discussed the fact that the United States is one of the most dangerous high-income countries in the world in which to give birth, with more than 1,200 dying from complications associated with pregnancy or childbirth in 2021.  She notes that these deaths are across all ethnicities and income levels, but they are increasing and this crisis disproportionately affects people of color, which accounted for nearly 60% of those deaths, along with undocumented and incarcerated women, people experiencing intimate partner violence, and LGBTQ+ individuals.  Dr Joseph tells us an inequitable health system, inherent and structural racism and discrimination in healthcare settings, and the lack of investment in maternal and child care are all root causes of this crisis that dates back generations and has worsened during the pandemic.  The numbers have been rising since the ‘90s and she points out that, added to COVID,  the recent Dobbs decision which allowed states to restrict therapeutic abortion will drive the numbers even higher.   She explained the policies advocated by the foundation that can protect maternal and child health long after pregnancy, including jobs that provide a living wage; health insurance and paid family and medical leave; access to quality and affordable child care; and safe housing and nutritious food.

For more information about the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and its data on maternal health go to RWJF.org.

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Dan Lombardo, President and CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley returned to discuss their history, mission and services AND their ongoing holiday Adopt a Family campaign.   

Mr Lombardi spoke about unique programming for those experiencing chronic homelessness, looking to find life solutions that can lead to permanent housing.  With the city, they also deliver services for people with traumatic brain injury and they work with people with intellectual or physical disabilities.

Volunteers of America relies on donations, money, hours and in-kind; he described the need for the basics, clothing and toiletries to allow someone to go back to work, clothing and supplies for children who are displaced.  They host drives throughout the year to help families at back-to-school time and at the holidays.  Beasley Media Group Station 97.5 BEN FM will host a VOA Radiothon for this year’s holiday campaign on December 7th. 

To Adopt A Family – the deadline is December 9 - go to Roonga.com and select a family.  The deadline for gift delivered or sent by Amazon is December 14.  Donations for gifts for other families can always be made at VOADV.org.  

For more information on how to volunteer, donate or to receive aid go to VOADV.org

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Jessica Casale, Development Specialist, and Kevin O’Brien discussed St Jude Childrens Resaerch Hospital, the first hospital to research and treat childhood cancer.  They told the story of its funding by actor/producer Danny Thomas and the ongoing commitment by volunteers and donors to fund the institution. We began with a reminder of why St Jude was founded in Memphis, a Black child died there after being refused treatment at two different hospitals.  To emphasis his commitment that NO child would be turned away for race, religion or ability to pay, the hospital was placed in Memphis.     Research is open and shared and treatment is free, no parent ever gets a bill, including lodging and transportation.   With eight regional facilities and shared research available at local hospitals, St Jude welcomes the 'sickest of the sick' kids to Memphis.   Kevin discussed his family’s experiences at the hospital when his daughter was diagnosed with a rare tumor and how they welcomed her and her mother, allowing her to stay a ‘kid’ despite her medical care.  While she was not able to beat her disease, Kevin has seen examples of her ground-breaking treatment today and remains a part of their staff and family.  We discussed the ‘Country Cares for Kids’ campaign and the upcoming 92.5 XTU Radiothon, December 8th and 9th.   

For more information about St Jude visit STJude.org

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Dr. Albert Rizzo, Chief Medical Officer, American Lung Association, and Deb Brown, Chief Mission Officer, American Lung Association, discussed the ALA’s annual report on lung cancer.   Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in America, but both expressed hope thanks to their aggressive anti-smoking advocacy and scans for people at high risk.  Screening is used to detect lung cancer early, if  caught before it spreads, the likelihood of surviving 5 years or more improves to 60 percent.   We discussed the causes, while smoking is accountable for many cases, second hand smoke, particle pollution and radon can also cause it. For former smokers, however, a screening program can help discover cancer while still in its earliest stages.  We also discussed the outcome disparities for men – and women – of colour, in scanning and treatment.   

For more information call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit Lung.org.  For the risk factor questionnaire go to SavedByTheScan.

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Amy Needle, President, CEO and Founder of Historic Philadelphia, and Lisa Acker Moulder, Director of the Betsy Ross House, discussed ‘historic’ options for family fun during the holidays.  Amy spoke about Franklin Square, a seven-acre park, one of William Penn’s original Squares, located behind the National Constitution center and a few blocks from Independence Hall.  She described its resurrection from abandoned and overgrown, into one of the city’s most active family destinations throughout the year.   

Highlights for the 2022 holiday season include Chilly Philly Mini Golf both daytime and evening, seasonal music on the Parx Liberty Carousel, in addition to the Electrical Spectacle Light Show at night. The Ben’s Sweets and Treats heated tent will be open with food and drink, surrounded by fire pits in the Winter Beer Garden. Special events bring visits with Santa, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah celebrations, and the renowned family 6pm New Year’s Eve Square Drop to add to the festive fun.   Winter in Franklin Square is running through January 8, 2023

Lisa discussed Historic Philadelphia’s other site, the Betsy Ross House and the holiday activities planned for it.   She described the shift in programming, from retelling the story of the first flag, to presenting a look at Betsy’s unlikely career as an upholsterer and woman business owner, as well as the jobs and work of the other women who lived there.   At the Betsy Ross House festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 pm on Wednesday, November 30 featuring Betsy Ross, seasonal entertainment, and a musical performance. The Old City Menorah lighting will take place at 4:30 pm on Sunday, December 18, when the Betsy Ross House joins the Old City Jewish Arts Center to host a community menorah lighting celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, complete with traditional foods like latke and doughnuts and menorahs for the younger guests.

For more information, visit www.historicphiladelphia.org.

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Betty Long, RN, MHA, President and CEO of Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates, and Dr Lisa Gill, CRNP. Nurse Practitioner and Chief Clinical Officer for Primary HomeCare, discussed nursing in today’s healthcare systems.  Far from their original support role in a hospital or private practice, today nurses are an integral part of health care delivery.  They discussed the types of nursing and specialties, from recent RN graduates who pad the acute care hospital positions, to nurse practitioners who can diagnose and prescribe, to obstetrical and psychiatric, oncology, surgical and more, and the training required.  We spoke on how, by default, they are often the unofficial medial navigator for many patients, they spend more concentrated time with patients.   Both admitted that even as medical professionals the amount of paperwork and requirements are too involved, well above a layman.   

They discussed the gender diversity, today men make up an almost equal share of students, but they gravitate to emergency and high-energy, critical jobs.   We also discussed home health care and caregivers, with the need growing, LPNs and other certificates are in demand.   Often an entry level to nursing,  Ms Long noted that they are a vital part of healthcare, allowing people to stay at home longer and more cost effectively.  But while it’s an attractive job to parents who need flexible hours, the low pay keeps many – mostly men - from applying.   

Despite the rapidly growing need for more nurses, there are barriers: an RN degree is expensive, and there are too few nursing schools and educators to meet the demand.  We also discussed the salary, while US nurses make more than their counterparts in other countries, they are often paid on a service basis, not outcome.  For someone who is interested in the profession they suggested the American Nursing Association.

Visit Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates or Primary HomeCare

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Richona McKnight, Director of Development, and Anna Donahoe, Director of Women’s and Neighborhood Programs, od City Team Chester discussed the support they offer families and individuals throughout the Delaware Valley.  They discussed the widening gap between low-income wages and cost of living, and how more people than ever before are living in poverty in our community. CityTeam programs meet immediate needs while providing a path to lasting solutions.  City Team Chester is part of a national organization, the only east coast chapter.  They began as a soup kitchen, offering meals and expanded their services to now include programs for all ages and living conditions.  For men they offer 
the Men’s Renew Program with long term shelter and program for men in recovery from addiction, the Turning Point for Men and Connect Shelter with overnight shelter and long-term shelter for homeless men and Forward Housing, transitional housing for men who complete our programs.  They also have Turning Point for Women (transitional housing for young women age 18-24 and young women age 18-24 with children.  They continue to offer emergency relief, food, clothing even diapers and baby supplies.  To help cut the transportation barrier they now have a mobile food pantry to help reach local residents trapped within the Chester ‘food desert.’  Their holistic approach includes medical services, job coaching and parenting classes.  They are proud of their Hope Café, a twice monthly meal serving families restaurant style with menu choices and volunteer hosting staff.  They use these events and services as ways to establish trust and confidence in their agency.  We discussed individual and business volunteering and donations, both cash and in-kind supplies are needed.  

Finally, we spoke of the upcoming holidays, the line to apply for assistance began hours before they opened. City Team Chester will have nearly twice as many families requesting meals and holiday clothing and toys this year.  You or your company can adopt a family this year to provide the gifts and food needed. Another way to help is the annual Turkey Drop, November 22 at local participating Acme Markets.  Lead by John DeBella, the staff of WMGK and Beasley Media Group will be collecting turkeys, turkey coupons and other items, as well as cash, for the families served by City Team Chester.  

For more information on Turkey Drop, volunteering, donating or applying for help, visit CITYTEAM.ORG/CHESTER

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