Best Safetynet Podcasts (2025)

1
#36 Understanding Medicaid in Virginia: A Primer on the Facts 33:22

5d ago33:22

33:22

Curious how Medicaid actually works in Virginia? Experts Deepak Madala and Eleanor Sullivan break down myths, explain how Virginia's programs work, and highlight Medicaid’s role in supporting hospitals and schools. From free coverage for low-income residents to vital maternal and rural healthcare programs, learn more about how Medicaid keeps over t…

1
#35 Understanding Sickle Cell Pain: When To Treat It, How To Treat It, How To Avoid It 43:15

22d ago43:15

43:15

A genetic mutation that helped people survive malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa now affects 100,000 Americans, causing debilitating pain. Host Tracy returns with renowned sickle cell disease expert Dr. Wally Smith and her husband, Damian Jackson, who shares his powerful personal journey. Hear honest insights on pain management, incorrect assumptions ab…

1
#34 R.O.A.R.ing to Health: Transforming Futures With Early Literacy 29:28

1M ago29:28

29:28

How can a simple book transform a child’s future? In this episode of Common Health, guest host Adrienne Harden speaks with Callee Boulware, Regional Director of Reach Out and Read, about the powerful connection between early literacy and lifelong health. Learn how pediatricians integrate books into well visits, equipping families with the tools to …

1
#33 From Jail to Joy: A Journey From Addiction to Assistance 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

What does it take to change your life? In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Kyle Elliott, VCHA’s Chief Administrative Officer, speaks with James Orr, a clinical social work resident at Community Access Network about his battle with addiction and how he turned his life around through mindfulness and empathy. Listen to this inspiring conversat…

1
#32 Polishing the Apple: a Virginia Health Center's Story of Resilience and Resourcefulness 29:18

4M ago29:18

29:18

In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Rae Carkhuff welcomes professional staff from Eastern Shore Rural Health (ESRH), a VCHA member health center, including Juan Gomez, MPH, Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Bonniwell, Chief Quality Officer, and Amy Bull, Director of Communications and Development. During this episode, Juan shares his story abou…

1
#31 Journey to Leadership With VCHA’s Community Health Center University (CHCU) 22:09

5M ago22:09

22:09

In this episode of CommonHealth, Dr. Angela Taylor, Director of Health Center Control Network – Center for Data, Analytics, and Quality (CDAQ) at VCHA, hosts a conversation with Korey Cobb, Chief Operations Officer of HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, and participant in CHCU's Class of 2024. Find out how Cobb leveraged his CHCU participation to en…

1
#30 Food as Medicine: How Food Banks Are Connecting Health and Food Access 49:12

5M ago49:12

49:12

In our latest episode of CommonHealth, guest host Adrienne Harden, VCHA's Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, discusses the important topic of food insecurity in Virginia with Meaghan Butler, from the Federation of Virginia Food Banks and Maria Bowman, with Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Together, they unearth the differences between food banks and food…

1
#29 The Cost of Coal: Unpacking Black Lung Disease and Its Impact on Miners 1:06:38

7M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

On this episode of CommonHealth, host Tracy Douglas talks about coal worker's pneumoconiosis, or “black lung disease,” with three folks impacted by black lung in different ways: Dr. Drew Harris, medical director of the Black Lung Program at Stone Mountain Health Services, and Mr. John and Mrs. Vonda Robinson, a husband and wife duo who have advocat…

1
#28 Check It Out: Heart Health at Petersburg Public Library 31:23

8M ago31:23

31:23

In this episode of CommonHealth, guest host Rae Carkhuff talks with three wonderful guests about the Check It Out program at Petersburg Public Libraries. Join Rae along with Robin Gahan from the American Heart Association, Tabitha Goode of Molina Healthcare of Virginia, and Tera James of Central Virginia Health Services, Inc., as they discuss heart…

1
#27 On the Move With Mission Mobile Medical 57:26

11M ago57:26

57:26

Join host Tracy Douglas as she talks with Travis LeFever and Brad Watson of Mission Mobile Medical. This organization creates mobile healthcare units at a fraction of the typical cost. Listen as Travis and Brad discuss their “why” and their passion for providing healthcare to all communities, especially the ones who might not have access to the car…

1
#26 Myth-Busting Misconceptions About Appalachia 36:46

1y ago36:46

36:46

On this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy along with her guests, Dr. Theresa Burriss (Emory & Henry College), Jane Sage, FNP, and Dr. Paige Billman (Tri-Area Community Health), shed light on the diverse and dynamic nature of Appalachia. Together, they dispute the monolithic stereotype of Appalachian culture and delve into the intricacies of Appalachia…

1
#25 Myth-Busting Nutrition with VCHA Dietitian, Adrienne Harden 40:24

1y ago40:24

40:24

On this enlightening episode of CommonHealth, host Tracy Douglas chats with VCHA's Nutritionist and Registered Dietician, Adrienne Harden. Adrienne shares her knowledge and hacks on how to have a balanced, nutritious diet, and myth-busts what we think we know about eating well. She also teaches listeners how to stop feeling guilt or shame after eat…

1
#24 Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Our Providers With Melina Davis 39:49

1y ago39:49

39:49

In this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy talks with Melina Davis, CEO of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV), about the SafeHaven Program, which supports the needs of clinicians struggling with stress, burnout, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen as Melina discusses why this program is necessary, and the wonders it's working for medica…

1
#23 Prostate Cancer – From Screening to Treatment, With Dr. Mark Fleming 31:38

1y ago31:38

31:38

In this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy talks with Dr. Mark Fleming, a board-certified medical oncologist, about the importance of getting screened and tested for prostate cancer. Dr. Fleming offers insight into his personal connection to the disease, emphasizing his mission to provide state-of-the-art care for the vulnerable communities served by c…

1
#22 Voices From the Commonwealth: Katie Collett's Journalism Journey 49:40

1+ y ago49:40

49:40

In our latest episode, Tracy Douglas, VCHA's CEO, welcomes WAVY-TV (Channel 10) morning and midday news anchor, Katie Collett, who shares her journey from being a small-town girl with dreams of journalism to a prominent news reporter - an inspiring story about overcoming obstacles, connecting with and reporting on a diverse, rural community, and th…

1
#21 Changing Course: A Student’s Journey From Science to Healthcare 45:45

1+ y ago45:45

45:45

On this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy Douglas sits down with her son, Alec, a student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). Alec talks with Tracy about his decision to pursue a degree in medicine at a "non-traditional" age, the sacrifices a medical student has to make, and his passions in the field. Tracy and Alec also candid…

1
#20 Time to Change: How Climate Change Impacts Community Health 36:13

1+ y ago36:13

36:13

Climate change impacts our health in serious ways. On this episode of CommonHealth, Tracy interviews Ben Money, Senior Vice President of Population Health at the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), who begins an ongoing conversation about what impacts climate has on our health and what changes we can make to turn some damages …

1
#19 Maternal and Infant Health: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Smith 42:23

1+ y ago42:23

42:23

Birth is beautiful, but it also has a dark side. Both mothers and babies are at risk during the birth process, and for some races and ethnicities, those risks are higher than others. On this episode of CommonHealth, we introduce Dr. Michael Smith, an OB/GYN and director of the women's program at the Greater Prince William Community Health Center. D…

1
#18 The Pros and Cons of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders 39:04

2y ago39:04

39:04

Have you ever wondered what medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder is? This week, guest host Kyle Elliott, VCHA's General Counsel & Chief Legal Officer, invites Whitney Chase Petrie, Substance Use Program Manager, and Dr. David Roberts, Chief Medical Officer of the Community Health Center of the New River Valley to discuss this im…

1
#17 Demystifying Healthcare in Rural America: A Conversation with Beth O'Connor of the Virginia Rural Health Association 34:21

2y ago34:21

34:21

What's the difference between rural health and urban health? Join CommonHealth for a chat with Beth O'Connor, Executive Director of the Virginia Rural Health Association, to explore this question and the uniqueness of rural healthcare. Hear about the disparities and advantages of working in rural healthcare, from knowing generations of patients to …

1
#16 The ABCs of Men's Health: A Conversation with Dr. Vladimir Markovic, Chief Medical Officer of Hampton Roads Community Health Center 57:49

2y ago57:49

57:49

What should men in their 20s consider when it comes to their health? How about in their 30s? Their 40s and beyond? June is Men’s Health Month and in this CommonHealth episode, Tracy speaks with Dr. Vladimir Markovic, Chief Medical Officer of the Hampton Roads Community Health Center, about crucial considerations for men’s health and why Community O…

1
#15 Community: A Beautiful Thing, Featuring Dr. Betty Bibbins 41:36

2y ago41:36

41:36

Dr. Betty Bibbins serves as President of the Board of Directors for Eastern Shore Rural Health Systems, one of VCHA's member health centers. In this episode she shares her rich history, from growing up in Portsmouth, Virginia, her decades-long career in healthcare and the importance of not only being a part of a community, but also why community he…

1
#14 A Wonderful Thing To Invest In: The Future of Public Health in Virginia 32:25

2+ y ago32:25

32:25

Listen and learn about our newest partnership with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which aims to help open doors to individuals who want to invest in a career in public health. In this episode, Tracy talks with Dana Brown, from UNCF, about VCHA's Scholarship Program. With special guest: Dana Brown, Area Development Director, United Negro Coll…

1
#13 Let's Talk About 340B: Expanding Access to Care 39:55

2+ y ago39:55

39:55

The federal 340B Drug Pricing Program allows qualifying providers - also known as covered entities - specialty clinics and their associated facilities to purchase outpatient drugs from manufacturers at at significantly reduced prices. In this episode, listen as Colleen Meiman, National Policy Advisor for 52 regional associations of community health…

1
#12 Starting and Ending With Community: Looking at the DNA and the “ZNA” – or Zip Code, Neighborhood and Association – of Healthcare 37:54

2+ y ago37:54

37:54

As the first black cancer director at Virginia Commonwealth University's Massey Cancer Center, Dr. Robert Winn has made it his mission, job and duty to be able to figure out how to make communities, like the one he grew up in and those throughout Virginia, healthier. In this episode, Dr. Winn discusses his rich history in healthcare and how he advo…

1
#11 From Pharmacist to Policy Maker: Clearing Hurdles To Protect 340B 37:49

2+ y ago37:49

37:49

As a father, pharmacist and experienced business owner, Otto Wachsmann fights for rural Virginia. Listen as he talks about how - by introducing and passing House Bill 1162 - he is helping VCHA’s member health centers work to protect their ability to provide affordable medicine to their patients. With special guest: Otto Wachsmann, Virginia House of…

1
#10 The Dream Team Approach: Partnering to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screenings in Virginia 46:55

2+ y ago46:55

46:55

VCHA's member health center, Community Health Center of the New River Valley, is expanding their partnership with the University of Virginia's Cancer Center to boost colorectal cancer screening rates. Listen as Dr. Meagan Arthur and Dr. Jamie Zoellner unpack the "why" when it comes to the importance of getting screened for colorectal cancer. With s…

1
#9 Medicaid Unwinding: Always Know the Deadlines 37:23

2+ y ago37:23

37:23

Medicaid beneficiaries depend heavily on safety-net providers for care, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The end of Medicaid continuous enrollment could cause major disruptions in care, but states like Virginia can take steps to mitigate the impact. Listen as Sara Cariano, from the Virginia Poverty Law Center, discusses her tho…

1
#8 Southern Virginia Charm With Big City Challenges: Expanding Access to School-Based Health Services 38:41

3y ago38:41

38:41

With locations in small towns across southern Virginia, including Martinsville, Danville and South Boston, Piedmont Access to Health Services (PATHS) faces some of the same challenges as health centers in larger cities, including connecting underserved children, adolescents and their families to quality, affordable healthcare. Listen as Marsha Mend…

1
#7 What the Fluoride? Tap Water vs. Bottled Water and the Importance of Water Fluoridation 33:14

3y ago33:14

33:14

Water is the healthiest drink for children and adults, and it is also one of the simplest and least expensive ways to maintain and promote health. Drinking fluoridated tap water keeps our body functioning efficiently, leads us to consume fewer empty calories, prevents dental cavities and preserves the environment. Listen as Sarah Bedard Holland, Ch…

1
#6 Focusing on What We’re Packing vs. What We’re Lacking – Advancing Health Equity and Education in Rural Virginia 47:13

3y ago47:13

47:13

For the residents of rural Brunswick County, VA, it's common for patients to not have a full understanding of their health situation. For some, this could be life-threatening, which is why the staff at Central Virginia Health Services (CVHS), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), is partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and w…

1
#5 80% or Two Out of Ten? A Chat About Health Literacy With WebMD’s CMO 36:19

3y ago36:19

36:19

Health literacy is a common issue among community health centers (CHCs) across the country. A large portion of the people who utilize CHCs are poor and medically underserved. They need help understanding and navigating the ever-changing and complex healthcare system. Listen as Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer at WebMD, discusses how health car…

1
#4 The Cavity Check: A Conversation With Dental Student Tam Nguyen 51:41

3y ago51:41

51:41

Tam Nguyen, a first-generation immigrant from Vietnam, grew up in rural Virginia. Listen as he discusses his struggles with finding quality dental care as a child, his decision to pursue a career in dentistry and how critical Virginia's Medicaid program is to the overall health and well-being to the population of the Commonwealth. With special gues…

1
#3 Off the Reservation and Onto the Island – Eastern Shore Rural Health 32:34

3y ago32:34

32:34

In this episode, Eastern Shore Rural Health's Chief Executive Officer Matt Clay shares his journey from his position as Director of IT for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indian Nation to its Executive Director of Health Services to his current position as CEO of Eastern Shore Rural Health. He shares his appreciation for the work of the health c…

1
#2 Why There? From Metro to Martinsville - Practicing Medicine in Rural Virginia 36:13

3y ago36:13

36:13

Edna Ekuban-Gordon, M.D., practices in the rural area of Martinsville, Virginia. With a population of just over 12,000, many of her patients travel an hour or more to see her, lack health insurance, food, transportation, running water and electricity. Listen as she talks about the challenges, successes - and everything in between - while addressing…

1
#1 News From the Daily Planet – This Is Not Superman’s Newspaper. 41:11

3y ago41:11

41:11

The Daily Planet Health Services is a true gem in Richmond Virginia. The majority of its patients are experiencing homelessness, which presents unique challenges and opportunities for the providers and patients who serve them. VCHA CEO Tracy Douglas-Wheeler interviews Executive Director Anita Bennett and Chief Medical Officer Patricia Cook, MD and …

1
CommonHealth Trailer 0:42

3y ago0:42

0:42

At CommonHealth, the Virginia Community Healthcare Association brings you stories and conversations from the frontlines of community health. Our podcast amplifies the voices of community health – both those who give care – and those who need it.By Virginia Community Healthcare Association

1
Episode 39 (2) : Sinking into Seaspiracy with Dr. Bryce Stewart 26:26

3+ y ago26:26

26:26

In the second half of this double episode, Emily and Jimmy speak all things Seaspiracy with Dr. Bryce Stewart, a marine ecologist and fisheries biologist, and surface for some much needed ocean optimism and hope for our future.By University of Exeter

1
Episode 39: Navigating UK fisheries in post-Brexit seas 26:19

3+ y ago26:19

26:19

In the first half of this double episode, Emily and Jimmy talk with Dr. Bryce Stewart, a marine ecologist and fisheries biologist, about the impact of Brexit on our UK fishing industry.By University of Exeter

1
Episode 38: Planting trees to reach carbon neutrality with 9trees 31:19

4y ago31:19

31:19

9Trees is a conservation project which fights climate change and improves biodiversity by planting 9 trees for each subscriber each year to balance their carbon footprint.This week on the Natural Selection Podcast, Ellie and Daihan sit down with Ash Kent and Michael Cunningham, the founder of 9Trees, to talk about how planting trees can help to rea…

1
Episode 37: The human dimension to shark management with Claire Collins 37:33

4y ago37:33

37:33

Caroline and Amelia talk to PhD student Claire Collins about the importance of taking a multidisciplinary approach to shark management. In this episode, we discuss Claires recently published paper, which explores human perceptions and compliance towards the 2012 Thresher shark blanket ban in Sir Lanka. She highlights the importance of working with …

1
Episode 36: Using lights to mitigate fisheries bycatch with SafetyNet Technologies 19:49

4y ago19:49

19:49

SafetyNet Technologies are a team of engineers and business planners collaborating with scientists to turn their theories into usable devices, such as LED systems, with the aim of making fishermen's lives easier and commercial fishing more sustainable. This week on the Natural Selection Podcast, Francesca and Rob sit down with Dan Watson, the Co-Fo…

1
Episode 35: Reintroducing beavers to Britain with Sophie Pavelle 22:47

4y ago22:47

22:47

Rob talks to Sophie Pavelle about the reintroduction of the Eurasian beaver to the UK. We discuss the story of beavers in Britain so far, how important collaboration is to reintroductions and why it’s important to recognise both the positive and negative changes that come along with beaver reintroductions. Tune in, enjoy and join the beaver believe…

1
Episode 34: Putting peatlands front and centre with Josh Styles 27:26

4+ y ago27:26

27:26

Emily talk with Josh Styles, a highly distinguished Botanist, science communicator, and champion for some the UK’s most threatened plants and habitats. Josh talks about our severely threatened peatlands, their importance, and how they are being restored. Listen now to find out how “we can make peatbogs sexy”!We challenge you not to fall in love wit…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Safetynet Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide