What happens when love meets the limits of the healthcare system? In this episode, Tracy speaks with Colleen Cook, a Virginia mom and special ed teacher, about raising four adopted children with special needs — and how Medicaid has made their journey possible. This is the story of a loving family navigating more diagnoses and therapies than usual, showing us the transformative power of affordable healthcare.

With special guest:

Colleen Cook

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas

Are you a patient worried about vaccine safety or a provider experiencing hesitancy in your community? In this episode, Dr. Ayesha Nazli busts common myths, tackles vaccine fears, and shares expert insights on keeping families healthy. Learn how vaccines protect you and why staying informed matters now more than ever!

With special guest:

Ayesha Nazli, M.D., New Horizons Healthcare

Hosted by:

Adrienne Harden

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 two million Virginians healthier and stronger every year.

With special guests:

Deepak Madala, Esq., Director of the Center for Healthy Communities and ENROLL Virginia!, Virginia Poverty Law Center and Eleanor Sullivan, Medicaid Policy Analyst and Health Insurance Navigator with ENROLL Virginia!, Virginia Poverty Law Center

Hosted by:

Kyle Elliott, VCHA, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer

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 about those who suffer, and hope for a cure. Don’t miss this compelling, real conversation that challenges stigma and inspires change.

Listener resources:

Dr. Smith's new book for providers and caregivers

With special guests:

Wally Smith, MD, Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Disease at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Damian Jackson, Partner, Reilly McDevitt, Henrich and Sickle Cell Disease Sufferer

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas

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 support child development while strengthening provider-patient relationships. Tune in to discover how this evidence-based program is changing lives!

Health centers interested in adding a Reach Out and Read program can visit https://reachoutandread.org/affiliate/virginia/

With special guest:

Callee Boulware, Regional Director, Reach Out And Read

Hosted by:

Adrienne Harden

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 conversation today!

With special guest:

James Orr, MSW, Clinical Social Work Resident, Community Access Network

Hosted by:

Kyle Elliott, VCHA, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Legal Officer

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 about how living in the Eastern Shore led him to work in community health and Jessica and Amy dive into day-to-day health center operations, stressing the importance of patient-centric care and how healthcare isn't just physician visits.

Tune in now to learn how ESRH is always "polishing the apple," or trying to leave their community better than they found it. You won't want to miss this one!

With special guests:

Juan Gomez, MPH, Outreach Coordinator, Eastern Shore Rural Health, Jessica Bonniwell, Chief Quality Officer, Eastern Shore Rural Health, and Amy Bull, Director of Communications and Development, Eastern Shore Rural Health

Guest host:

Rae Carkhuff, Communications and Content Specialist, Virginia Community Healthcare Association

Further Resources:
VPM article by Keyris Manzanares featuring Juan Gomez of ESRH

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 enhance HealthWorks' healthcare services delivery and community engagement. Get his insights on the time commitment, impressive content of the courses, and immensely beneficial leadership training the program offers. And learn some exciting possibilities for CHCU's future! You won't want to miss this awesome episode.

Learn more about CHCU here!

With special guests:

Korey Cobb, Chief Operations Officer, HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Dr. Angela Taylor, Director of Health Center Control Network – Center for Data, Analytics, and Quality (CDAQ)