The Rural Health Voice

How can technology improve healthcare access? Donna Dittman Hale, Executive Director of the Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance joined The Rural Health Voice to discuss plugging into telehealth. Ms. Hale was one of the speakers at the recent Rural Health Voice conference. To view the video presentation that led to this interview, visit the Rural Health Voice conference and register for the event. You can choose to just watch just one, or all five of our excellent speakers.

How does racism contribute to poor health outcomes? Dr. Kevin Harris from Virginia Commonwealth University joined me to discuss health inequities. Dr. Harris was one of the speakers at our recent Rural Health Voice conference. To view the video presentation that led to this interview, visit VRHA.org, select Rural Health Voice conference under the events tab, and register for the event. You can choose to just watch Dr. Harris, or all five of our excellent speakers.

How will the recent changes in Congress and the Presidency impact rural healthcare? Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association joined the Rural Health Voice to discuss his view of Capitol Hill. NRHA is the host of the upcoming Rural Health Policy Institute. the Rural Health Voice encourages you to join that event. Mr. Morgan was one of the speakers at our recent Rural Health Voice conference. To view the video presentation that led to this interview register for the event to...

What’s going on at the Virginia Department of Health to make improvements in our rural communities? Dr. Norm Oliver, State Health Commissioner, Virginia Department of Health joined me to discuss the Virginia State Rural Health Plan. To view the video presentation that led to this interview, register for the Rural Health Voice conference. You can choose to just watch Dr. Oliver, or all five of our excellent speakers.

How does the way hospitals get paid reinforce healthcare disparities? Dr. Amol Navathe joined RHV to discuss the need for payment reform and how the current system enables problems. Dr. Navathe's editorial: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/06/opinion/medical-racism-payment-models.html

Why do some people have big concerns about vaccinations? Anna Muldon joined RHV to discuss the anti-vaxx movement and its implications for addressing COVID. Anna is a contributing author to the book Covid-19 Conspiracy Theories, due out soon.

Why don’t we grow more of our own food? Amyrose Foll, Founder of the Virginia Free Farm joined the Rural Health Voice to discuss how they are assuring that Virginian’s have access to healthy food. More information: RVA Agriculture Richmond Food Justice If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, make sure you check out the Virginia Rural Health Association on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

What the heck is an AHEC? Aileen Edwards Harris, Executive Director of the Capital Area Health Education Center gives us the answer. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, check out the Rural Health Voice Conference. Other resources from this episode: National AHEC Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority National Association of Minority Educators (NAMME)

Are conspiracies about COVID fact or fiction? Ashley Reynolds Marshall, Executive Director, YWCA of Central Virginia joined me to discuss how mistrust of public health initiatives is sometimes well-earned. Ashley is a contributing author to the book Covid-19 Conspiracy Theories, due out soon. If you want to be part of the conversation about rural health, join the Rural Health Voice annual conference. Correction: in the podcast, Mrs. Marshall inadvertently states that the participants of the...

How does racial bias impact pregnancy and childbirth for African American women? Kenda Sutton-El, Co-Executive Director at Birth In Color RVA joined the Rural Health Voice to discuss health inequities in maternal health If you want to hear more about this issue in our rural communities, join the Rural Health Voice Conference. Speaker Kevin Harris will be providing a presentation on Racism as a Public Health Crisis. Until then – make sure you get your flu shot!

What can you do if dealing with COVID has got you down? Craig Camidge, Director of the Office of Emergency Management at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services joined me to discuss the crisis counseling that is available free from Virginia COPES. Virginia C.O.P.E.S. has Crisis Counselors available during the following times to take calls. Monday-Friday 9am-9pm and on Saturday-Sunday from 5pm-9pm. VA C.O.P.E.S can be reached by phone or text at 877-349-6428....

What has been the impact of COVID for persons with substance use disorders? Mike Wade, Coordinator of Community Wellness and Outreach at New River Valley Community Services joined the Rural Health Voice to discuss the spike in overdoses and what can be done going forward. If you need information on how to receive Narcan in the New River Valley, contact NRVCS. For other areas of Virginia, contact the Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition.

In recent years, the Virginia Rural Health Association has become increasingly concerned of the health inequities that are the reality for minority populations in rural Virginia. African American women in Virginia are three times more likely to die after giving birth than white women. To address these disparities, we are proud to support the “Mothers and Newborns Success Act” proposed by Senator Tim Kaine. This episode of the Rural Health Voice podcast is the recording of a virtual press...

What are some of the needs for dental health in rural areas? Sarah Raskin,PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, VCU and member of the iCubed Initiative, Oral Health Core joined the Rural Health Voice to discuss dental sealants and other oral health needs. You can also review Dr. Raskin's study "Parents' Experiences with a School-based Dental Sealant Project in Central Appalachia" If you want to be part of the conversation about rural...

What considerations do urban providers have to make when rural patients travel to see them? Veronica Bernacchi, BSN, RN, PCCN joined The Rural Health Voice to discuss what she has learned about providing healthcare as a PhD student in nursing at the University of Virginia. Ms. Vernacci was the winner of VRHA's 2019 scholarship conference. Read her winning essay here. If you are a student that is interested in rural health issues, note that membership in the Virginia Rural Health Association...

How do medical supplies get to remote rural communities during a pandemic? They fly! Jess Ames, Outreach and Events Director, for Angel Flight East joined me to discuss a unique delivery method. Angel Flight East (AFE) Transporting PPE to Areas in Need Angel Flight East has recently partnered with several groups to provide face shields and hand sanitizer to health facilities (please see details below). Last week, AFE pilots flew 3,600 pounds of sanitizer and 3,500 face shields to 8 different...

What data can be used to address the opioid crisis? Michael Meit, Senior Fellow, co-director for N-O-R-C Wash Center for Rural Health Analysis joined me to discuss the Appalachian Overdose Mapping Tool and its follow up, the National Opioid Misuse Community Assessment Tool That’s Michael Meit advocating for community based solutions to Substance Use Disorders. When we recorded this episode, Michael was scheduled to be a speaker at our event in May, which has now been postponed. For now, you...

What happens to group therapy sessions in a time of social distancing? Patricia Helton, Substance Abuse Counselor from Mount Rogers Community Services joined RHV to discuss how people are addressing behavioral health issues in this environment. Resources: Virginia Health Care Foundation's Behavioral Health Hub Directory of Virginia's Community Services Boards National Alliance on Mental Illness Mental Health America Alcoholics Anonymous National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism...

With everyone concerned about spreading COVID, when should you wear a mask? Wendy Welch, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Graduate Medical Education Consortium discusses PPE – Personal Protective Equipment. Mask making instructions: 100 Million Mask Challenge How to extend the life of a N95: Directions If you have items to donate, contact: kcollins@vrha.org More COVID-19 resources can be found at VRHA.org. EPISODE SUMMARY: CLICK HERE

How do you separate COVID facts from COVID fiction? Andrew Luskin, Epidemiologist for the Virginia Rural Health Association joined the Rural Health Voice to share information that will help you make good decisions. VRHA has a wide variety of resources for COVID-19 on our website. Just go to vrha.org and click the buttons on the main page. You may also be interested in a review of what has been discussed in Congress related to COVID-19. That can be found in Episode 211 of the Congressional...