The Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

The use of peer support has proven to be incredibly successful in helping people in their recovery journey from substance use disorders. But what about Rhode Islanders aged 65+? It’s not a group often associated with substance use disorders, but BCBSRI is now expanding peer recovery coverage to Medicare members, and with good reason. Lisa Conlan Lewis, executive director of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island; Michelle Harter, community liaison and training and consultation manager at Anchor Recovery; and Dr. Victor Pinkes, medical director at BCBSRI discuss the changing face of recovery and why older Rhode Islanders need our support.

Are you tired of listening to the armchair "experts" on your Facebook newsfeed? Let's ask a real, live doctor all your burning questions about COVID-19! BCBSRI's own senior clinical consultant, Gus Manocchia, M.D., answers questions like, "Am I safe going to the doctor’s office or should I continue to wait? If I've had COVID-19 am I immune? What about the flu shot?" Dr. Manocchia will point you toward some reliable resources for COVID-19 information, including a really cool COVID risk assessor app. Check it out and send us any questions or comments @BCBSRI on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has illustrated important gaps in care, and the solutions developed in response to the pandemic can extend beyond the current public health crisis to improve geriatric care in the decades to come. Featuring BCBSRI’s own chief medical officer, Dr. Matt Collins, joined by special guest Dr. Anthony Zizza, senior medical officer and geriatrician from Landmark Health, this episode will explore HouseCall by Blue, an in-home care program offered to Rhode Island seniors.

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Rhode Islanders have been safely isolating at home. But what does this mean for the Rhode Island nonprofit organizations providing critical support to Rhode Islanders in need? Join guests Meghan Grady, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and Carolyn Belisle, managing director of corporate social responsibility at BCBSRI, as they discuss the changing face of volunteerism in a pandemic, and how BCBSRI and others can get creative in their support of those who need us now more than ever.

The senior population is especially vulnerable to COVID-19, but isolating at home can lead to some unfortunate side effects. What are the negative impacts of social isolation on older Rhode Islanders, and what tips and resources are available for seniors and their caregivers as they continue to weather the pandemic?Special guest Rekha Rao, MD, VP medical director, Northeast Region, Beacon Health Options is joined by the BCBSRI behavioral health team: Rena Sheehan, managing director of clinical integration, BCBSRI; Sarah Fleury, manager of behavioral health, BCBSRI; and Rosaly Cuevas, behavioral health program manager, BCBSRI.

Most of us are well aware that certain groups are at high-risk due to COVID-19 – the elderly, healthcare workers – but have you considered the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on the LGBTQ+ community? This episode will tackle some of the issues that might be exacerbated during the pandemic. Guests Guillaume Bagal, diversity and inclusion lead at BCBSRI; Nicole Rodriguez, brand and marketing executive assistant at BCBSRI; and Wade Barbera from BCBSRI's employee care center discuss why Pride has transcended the month of June and is a conversation we can all have year-round.

Did you enjoy our last episode? Want to try practicing mindfulness? Vanessa Weiner from Center for Resilience shares a quick mindfulness exercise. Check it out!Learn more about Center for Resilience at www.centerforresilience.org

As many Rhode Islanders are working from home during the pandemic, an unfortunate side effect has been people feeling like they must be more productive because they have more time. There are more available hours to fill without a commute and extracurricular activities. But, when they aren’t more productive (because we’re all just doing our best to survive a difficult set of circumstances!) it leaves them feeling worse than they already do. How can we stop this cycle of toxic productivity? And how can mindfulness help?Special guest Vanessa Weiner, executive director from Center for Resilience joins the BCBSRI behavioral health team including Rena Sheehan, managing director of clinical integration; Sarah Fleury, manager of behavioral health; and Rosaly Cuevas, behavioral health program manager for a discussion about not being so hard on yourself and how to use mindfulness to focus on what's important.

Behavioral health challenges haven't gone away just because there’s a pandemic going on. Connecting with resources and treatment can be even more challenging now, especially for those in recovery. Join guests from the BCBSRI behavioral health team including Dr. Victor Pinkes, medical director; Rena Sheehan, managing director of clinical integration; and Sarah Fleury, manager of behavioral health for a discussion about overcoming the challenges of social distancing to stay healthy and well, and resources available to help.For more information about many of the resources discussed, visit: https://www.bcbsri.com/medicare/member/mentalhealth

Each year since 2001, the BlueAngel of the Year Award has honored Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island employees who make a difference by serving the local community through their passionate and long-term participation in the BlueAngel Community Investment Program. Nominations are submitted by BCBSRI employees who then vote to select the honoree. Let's meet Stephanie Santoro, the 2019 BlueAngel of the Year.