In this episode of Root of the Issue, we explore the powerful intersection of food, health, and equity with Pamela Schwartz, the Executive Director of Community Health for Kaiser Permanente. Pamela shares her journey and the motivations behind her work in advancing health equity. She discusses her role in leading initiatives that address critical needs such as food, housing, and financial security within Kaiser Permanente's communities. A highlight of the conversation is the groundbreaking Kaiser Permanente Food is Medicine Center of Excellence, which Pam helped establish to integrate food and nutrition into healthcare on a national scale. Join us as we delve into Pamela’s inspiring efforts to drive the uptake of food as medicine programs and her vision for a healthier future for all.

Welcome to Root of the Issue, the podcast of the Root Cause Coalition. Our program explores the motivations and stories behind the individuals who have dedicated their lives to achieving health equity for all. In this episode, we speak with Ipyana Spencer, the Chief Health Officer of Meals on Wheels America (MOWA). Ipyana leads the newly created Meals on Wheels Health division, partnering with healthcare payers and health systems to expand services for seniors and vulnerable adults managing chronic conditions or recovering from hospitalizations. With over 20 years of experience in legislative public policy, healthcare, and data analytics, Ipyana brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Join us as we delve into her journey and the impactful work she is spearheading at MOWA.

Welcome to Root of the Issue, the podcast of the Root Cause Coalition where we delve into the motivations and stories behind those dedicated to achieving health equity for all. In this week's episode, we are joined by Kim Prendergast, Vice President of Policy for Community Care Cooperative (C3), a federally qualified health center-led accountable care organization serving health centers in seven states. Kim shares her insights on leading policy initiatives to support federally qualified health centers, leveraging value-based payments, and addressing social drivers of health. Since joining C3 in 2019, Kim has been instrumental in building partnerships across healthcare and social services sectors. Tune in to hear how Kim's work is transforming health care and driving health equity forward.

 In this episode of the Root of the Issue, host Barb Petee speaks with Stacy Wathen, Secretary of the Board of Trustees at the Root Cause Coalition and Manager of Community and Child Health at the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). CHA advances child health through innovation and quality cost and delivery of care with its 220 member children's hospitals and health systems.

Many CHA member hospitals were founded by women in their community who saw an unmet need for children's health and children's healthcare 100 years ago

Today, CHA members are expanding their services beyond the walls of their hospitals to more fully engage with their communities and provide better outcomes for their constituents

Welcome to "Root of the Issue," the podcast of the Root Cause Coalition. This week, we are joined by Jeffrey Smythe, the Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement (ARCHI) in Atlanta, Georgia. Tune in as we discuss Jeff’s journey, the impactful work of ARCHI, and the ongoing efforts to create a healthier, more equitable community.

In this episode of Root of the Issue, we delve into the inspiring journey of Tracy Douglas, Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Community Health Care Association. Tracy shares her insights, challenges, and triumphs as she champions health equity for all in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Join us as we uncover the motivations and stories behind Tracy's relentless advocacy for improved access to primary care for underserved communities. From navigating policy landscapes to driving impactful program development, Tracy's dedication serves as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable future.

In this episode of Root of the Issue, we are honored to be joined by two remarkable individuals: Marcie Mir, the Chief Executive Officer of El Centro de Corazón, and Simone Simon Gardner, Lead Director of Senior Community Affairs at Aetna, a CVS Health Company.

Sponsored by Aetna, El Centro de Corazón has been a cornerstone of Houston's East End community since 1994. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), El Centro provides a comprehensive range of health care services for the underserved, uninsured, and underinsured. From family practice to dental and behavioral health services, El Centro goes above and beyond to ensure that every individual receives the care they need.

Join us as Marcie and Simone share their insights into the challenges and triumphs of working towards health equity. From overcoming barriers to accessing care to fostering community partnerships, they offer valuable perspectives on the journey towards a healthier, more equitable future for all. Tune in to learn how El Centro de Corazón and Aetna are making a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families.

Welcome to "Root of the Issue"! In this episode, we delve into the vital intersection of food and health with our esteemed guest, Alissa Wassung, Executive Director of the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC). With over a decade of experience in policy and strategy, Alissa leads FIMC in its mission to provide medically tailored meals (MTMs) and groceries, medical nutrition therapy, and education to individuals grappling with severe and chronic illnesses nationwide. Join us as we explore how FIMC advances equitable access to life-saving interventions through policy change, research, and best practices. Discover the transformative power of medically tailored food and nutrition as Alissa shares insights on fostering nationwide awareness and implementing quality standards for this critical intervention.

In this episode of Root of the Issue, we sit down with Angela Brandt, Chief Administrative Officer, ProMedica. With over two decades of experience in not-for-profit healthcare, Angela is a seasoned executive known for her transformative leadership and strategic acumen. From her early days at ProMedica to her current role steering enterprise-wide transformations, Angela shares insights into her journey, highlighting key strategies for driving growth and fostering collaboration within healthcare organizations. Join us as we delve into Angela's remarkable career, her commitment to community service, and her advocacy for addressing root causes of health disparities.

In this episode of "Root of the Issue," our host Barbara Petee engages in a compelling conversation with Kim Reno, a senior manager in the Policy and Advocacy department of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The discussion explores Kim's role at the Foundation, her healthcare roots in Toledo, Ohio, and the impact of healthcare access disparities on individuals with Cystic Fibrosis. They delve into the crucial issues of nutrition, food insecurity, and their effects on Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families. Together, they explore actionable steps to bridge the gap and work towards creating a more equitable healthcare system for all.