A Healthier Tomorrow

Listen on your favorite platform - https://pod.link/1687031374 About the Guests: Jazzmin Robled: Jazzmin is a dedicated community health professional who has been working with the Southern Nevada Health District for nearly five years. She began as a community health worker focusing on assisting mothers with children under the age of one and later advanced to a program coordinator role. Jazzmin now leads two teams, including the innovative "Embracing Fatherhood" program, aimed at empowering fathers in the greater Las Vegas area. Dr. Julpohng "JP" Vilai: Dr. J.P. is the Vice President of the Nevada chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. With a strong background in pediatrics, Dr. J.P. advocates for children's health, particularly focusing on vaccination and developmental health. He is committed to fostering better understanding and implementation of immunization practices, emphasizing the importance of credible, science-based healthcare decisions for children. Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens delve into the vital subjects of community health and vaccination with their distinguished guests, Jasmine and Dr. J.P. The conversation centers on health innovations like the Embracing Fatherhood program, as well as the crucial public health topic of school vaccinations. Jazzmin elaborates on how the Embracing Fatherhood program empowers fathers in Las Vegas by providing necessary resources and education to support family health. Dr. J.P., a leading pediatrician, sheds light on the importance of childhood vaccinations, addressing prevailing skepticism and misconceptions. As the episode unfolds, Jazzmin highlights the significance of supporting fathers in their parenting roles through personalized visits and comprehensive resource linking, often addressing the needs of broader family units. Meanwhile, Dr. J.P. provides expert insights into Nevada's vaccination requirements, the critical need for catching up on missed immunizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and overcoming vaccine hesitancy fueled by misinformation. Listeners are encouraged to rely on trusted medical sources and maintain an open dialogue with healthcare providers to make informed health decisions. Key Takeaways: The Embracing Fatherhood program offers valuable support and education to fathers and father figures, promoting healthier family structures in the Las Vegas area. Vaccinations are critical to public health, safeguarding not only individual children but also protecting against wider community outbreaks. Nevada mandates specific vaccines for school entry, and timely immunization is emphasized to prevent common childhood illnesses. Families who missed vaccinations due to the pandemic are encouraged to catch up to ensure comprehensive immunization coverage. Trust in validated medical sources and dialogue with healthcare providers is crucial in making informed, evidence-based health decisions. Notable Quotes: "Embracing Fatherhood is a new fatherhood program... tailored for dads... the goal is to empower fathers in their new role." - Jazzmin Robled "Vaccines are safe, they're effective, they're one of the most effective ways to prevent disease." - Dr. J.P. "It's not just about protecting your own child, but also protecting other people as well." - Dr. J.P. "We want to have a conversation. We want to acknowledge that parents have fears, rightfully so." - Dr. J.P. Resources: Southern Nevada Health District: www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org Get Healthy Clark County: www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org/shoptalk Healthy Children: HealthyChildren.org Immunize Nevada: ImmunizeNevada.org Tune in to the full episode to gain comprehensive insights into fostering improved community health through initiatives like Embracing Fatherhood and understanding the crucial role of vaccinations. Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on "A Healthier Tomorrow"!

Explore Nevada's mental health landscape as Will Rucker and Ciara Owens discuss the state's last-place ranking in mental health access with Anna Bobb, MPH, Executive Director of the Path Forward coalition and Dr. Mason Turner from Intermountain Health. Discover collaborative care models, barriers to mental health support, and stress management strategies. Later, Minjia Yan unveils the revitalization of Las Vegas' Chinatown, tackling public safety, infrastructure, and community involvement. Gain insights on social determinants of health and how community-driven projects are shaping a healthier future. Stay informed on upcoming local events promoting mental wellness and empowerment. About the Guests: Anna Bobb, MPH: Anna Bobb, MPH is a key proponent in the advocacy of mental health care access and is Executive Director of the Path Forward coalition, a Washington, D.C.-based group dedicated to improving mental health and substance use disorder treatment accessibility. Anna is instrumental in promoting the collaborative care model, aiming to enhance mental health services within primary care settings. Dr. Mason Turner: Dr. Mason Turner is the Senior Medical Director for the Behavioral Clinical Program at Intermountain Health. With over 25 years of experience in the field, Dr. Turner is a leading figure in improving behavioral health care delivery. He actively promotes innovative strategies in mental health services, emphasizing accessibility and integrated care models. Minjia Yan: Minjia Yan specializes in commercial real estate and serves as a project consultant for the Clark County Chinatown Redevelopment project. She is heavily involved in policy and regional planning concerning housing, transportation, and economic development within Southern Nevada. Minjia brings significant expertise in community-driven urban planning and redevelopment. Episode Summary: In this episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens guide a vibrant discussion on mental health access and community redevelopment with their expert guests, Anna Bobb of Path Forward, Dr. Mason Turner from Intermountain Health, and Minjia, a key figure in the redevelopment of Las Vegas's Chinatown. The episode dives deep into the less visible aspects of public health—mental wellness and the influence of urban design—calling listeners to engage with the tools and insights necessary for fostering stronger, healthier communities. Anna Bobb and Dr. Mason Turner reveal that Nevada ranks 51st in the U.S. for mental health care access and outcomes, highlighting an urgent need for change. Their dialogue introduces the collaborative care model, a promising solution aimed at integrating mental health services into primary care settings, thus breaking down barriers to access. With precision and empathy, Dr. Turner and Anna demonstrate how this model could save thousands of lives and enhance service delivery through strategic partnerships among healthcare providers, patients, and behavioral health coordinators. Switching to urban redevelopment, Minja shares the fascinating history and future plans for revitalizing Las Vegas's Chinatown. Explaining how urban redevelopment intersects with public health, she recounts how community-driven approaches are transforming this area into a more vibrant and equitable space. Through infrastructure upgrades and policy adjustments, the Chinatown redevelopment project aims to address social determinants of health, ensuring accessibility and safety for residents and visitors. This episode blends insights into mental health innovations and community redevelopment, empowering listeners to envision and participate in a healthier, better-planned tomorrow. Key Takeaways: Nevada has an immense opportunity to improve mental health care access, underscoring the pressing need for innovative solutions like the collaborative care model. Collaborative care integrates mental health services into primary care settings, greatly enhancing patient access and treatment efficacy. Las Vegas's Chinatown redevelopment project is a community-driven initiative focused on infrastructure improvement and socioeconomic stability. Social determinants of health play a critical role in community planning and public health, as evidenced by the Chinatown revitalization efforts. Mental health and urban development are deeply interconnected, influencing community well-being and individual health outcomes. Notable Quotes: "We like to say, there is no health without mental health care." — Anna Bobb "Collaborative care is one of those bright spots about how we go about trying to change and really right size the care to the person that's in front of us." — Dr. Mason Turner "All of the things that we touch, we see, the buildings that we live and work in, have an impact in our physical and mental health." — Minjia Yan "Our system is not very patient or consumer friendly either. So we want to think about how we build programs that people can access in a friendly way." — Dr. Mason Turner Resources: Path Forward: Learn more about their advocacy and collaborative care initiatives by visiting their website (pathforwardcoalition.org) and social media platforms. Intermountain Health: Discover more about their behavioral health programs and initiatives at their official website. Inspiring Spring Mountain: Explore the Chinatown redevelopment project and get involved. NEW NATIONAL ANALYSIS: The first-ever nationwide look at the uptake of the Collaborative Care Model. INTERACTIVE HEAT MAP: A visual tool that shows where the model is gaining ground and where it needs support. COALITION STATEMENT: A united call from mental health care power players urging Congress to pass the COMPLETE Care Act, legislation that would increase Medicare reimbursement to help cover implementation costs, the biggest barrier to broader adoption. For listeners eager to engage deeply with these vital discussions on mental health and community planning, be sure to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more from "A Healthier Tomorrow."  

About the Guest: Mai Tran serves as the Nevada Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). With a profound personal connection to the cause, Mai has been a passionate advocate, having volunteered as a crisis counselor for over a decade before joining AFSP. Her work at AFSP focuses on suicide prevention through research, education, advocacy, and support, mobilizing community efforts for mental health awareness and support for those impacted by suicide. Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens engage with Mai Tran, the Nevada Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Together, they delve into the profound impact of suicide on communities and individual lives, discussing strategies for prevention and avenues for support. The episode sheds light on the multifaceted approach of AFSP in suicide prevention, emphasizing research, community education, advocacy, and support systems for survivors of suicide loss. Mai Tran shares her personal journey of turning loss into purpose, which has fueled her commitment to this cause. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Out of the Darkness Walk in Las Vegas, a significant community event aimed at fostering hope, awareness, and collective healing. As the hosts and Mai discuss the importance of safe language, community engagement, and proactive mental health practices, listeners are provided with practical insights and resources to contribute to this crucial effort. Key Takeaways: The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention focuses on four pillars: research, education, advocacy, and support. Mai Tran emphasizes the importance of shifting language around suicide to safer, de-stigmatizing terms. The Out of the Darkness Walk is a pivotal community event in Las Vegas, designed to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention. Engagement with mental health practices, like taking short exercise breaks and spending time in nature, can significantly promote wellness. There are numerous resources available through AFSP and community partners for those affected directly or indirectly by suicide. Notable Quotes: "You're not alone. There are people who want to support you and help you." - Mai Tran "I just feel so emotional seeing the community come together; it’s really beautiful." - Mai Tran "It's not important to know the ‘why’ behind a suicide, but rather to honor the person." - Mai Tran "Our mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide." - Mai Tran "Life is too short to wait. The time is now for what you want to do." - Mai Tran Resources: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – afsp.org Listeners are encouraged to participate in the upcoming community events, deepen their understanding of mental health issues, and explore the resources shared in this episode. Stay connected for more impactful discussions and insights on "A Healthier Tomorrow."

About the Guests: Chelsea Bishop Chelsea Bishop is a registered nurse with significant experience working on a pediatric floor in Las Vegas. After her daughter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, she dedicated six and a half years to securing the necessary care, which inspired her advocacy work. Chelsea is a co-founder of Act for Kids Nevada, an organization formed to elevate the family voice and work towards a comprehensive pediatric healthcare system in Nevada. Ashley Floyd Ashley Floyd is a seasoned mental health advocate, peer recovery leader, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She plays an active role in pushing mental wellness in her community and leverages her involvement with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and NAACP to advocate for culturally competent care. Dr. Liz Glover Dr. Elizabeth Glover is a sociologist and a prominent advocate for the health needs of women and girls of color. She serves as the health chair for the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and is dedicated to fostering coalition building and community support for improved mental health awareness and services. Episode Summary: Join hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens for an invigorating discussion on "A Healthier Tomorrow," a program devoted to breaking stigmas, sharing resources, and uplifting community wellness in Las Vegas. This episode features a panel of inspiring women—Chelsea Bishop, Ashley Floyd, and Dr. Liz Glover—each dedicated to transforming healthcare and mental wellness landscapes for children and women of color in Nevada. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that uncovers personal stories of perseverance, advocacy, and coalition building aimed at making comprehensive healthcare more accessible. Chelsea Bishop takes the stage with a powerful story that motivated her to champion pediatric healthcare reform. As Las Vegas grows, the demand for a freestanding children's hospital becomes increasingly critical—a vision that Chelsea is passionately pursuing alongside her organization, Act for Kids Nevada. Meanwhile, Ashley Floyd and Dr. Liz Glover spearhead transformative dialogues surrounding Black women's mental health, advocating for holistic approaches that celebrate healing and cultural competence. Key moments from the episode feature intimate discussions on turning personal pain into purpose and creating a safe space for community empowerment through strategic partnerships and dedicated events. Key Takeaways: Chelsea Bishop founded Act for Kids Nevada to advocate for a freestanding children's hospital and comprehensive pediatric care in Nevada, inspired by her daughter's battle with cancer. Intermountain Health's commitment to building a dedicated children's hospital marks a significant step forward in addressing the state's fragmented healthcare system. Ashley Floyd and Dr. Liz Glover emphasize the importance of coalition building and culturally competent care in improving Black women's mental health services. The Black Women's Mental Health Tea and Talk event offers a safe space for Black women to discuss their mental wellness and access community resources. Notable Quotes: "You can be kind in your advocacy. You can use your strong voice and share what we need here in Nevada." – Chelsea Bishop "Healing out loud is about creating those safe spaces to share our challenges and triumphs in the face of mental health hurdles." – Ashley Floyd "Kids make up 20% of our community, but they are 100% of our future." – Chelsea Bishop "We rebuild broken places by ensuring every black woman knows that she can seek help and be heard." – Dr. Liz Glover "Clear is kind." – Will Rucker Resources: Act for Kids Nevada – Learn about the organization Chelsea Bishop co-founded. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Access mental health resources tailored for the Black community. NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. – Supporting mental wellness initiatives. Follow Chelsea Bishop, Ashley Floyd, and Dr. Liz Glover on social media for updates on advocacy and events. For a deeper dive into the stories and insights shared in this episode, don't miss the full discussion on "A Healthier Tomorrow." Stay tuned for more enriching conversations designed to foster a healthier, more informed, and connected community.

About the Guest: Yvette Howard is a licensed clinical social worker with multi-state licensure in Nevada, Texas, and Illinois. She has a distinguished career helping clients deal with medical depression, chronic illnesses, and improving communication with healthcare providers. Yvette is the founder of Brighter Tomorrow Therapy, a mental health practice offering a range of services including trauma, depression, anxiety management, and life transitions. Additionally, she runs Independent Mind, guiding communities—especially women—towards intentional living through unique methods like vision journaling. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of "A Healthier Tomorrow," hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens kick off the new year with intentions for mindful living and personal wellness. Focusing on intentionality and balance, they emphasize the importance of being present and deliberate in various areas of life. This episode welcomes Yvette Howard, a gifted clinical social worker, who shares her expertise on mental health and goal-setting strategies, offering listeners tools to foster personal and communal growth. Yvette Howard discusses the significant role of intention-setting in achieving personal goals, particularly through the use of vision journals—a novel approach that combines visualization with practicality. The conversation also dives into the importance of affirming one's "why" behind goals, embracing flexibility, and encouraging support networks for success. The hosts and guest dissect the interplay between mental and physical health, highlighting the value of therapy and coaching in achieving holistic well-being. They stress the accessibility of mental health resources while advocating for self-compassion and accountability in goal realization. Key Takeaways: Vision Journals: Yvette Howard encourages the use of vision journals as a portable, practical alternative to vision boards for visualizing and tracking progress on personal goals. SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals are essential in providing clarity and direction in intention-setting. Therapy and Coaching: Engaging with both therapy and coaching can address underlying barriers to success, enabling personal growth and goal achievement. Community and Accountability: Building a support system and being part of communities with shared interests enhance personal accountability and motivation. Mental Health Resources: There are numerous accessible and affordable resources for therapy, including insurance options, free services, and budgeting strategies. Notable Quotes: "Setting intentions is basically your why… being honest with yourself is the number one thing you need to do when you're setting intentions." — Yvette Howard "I'm always telling my clients, treat yourself as if you were to treat your friend." — Yvette Howard "It’s important to be gentle with yourself and celebrate the progress you do make." — Yvette Howard "You are not just a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." — Will Rucker "Use your voice and your intentions and our powers to band together." — Ciara Owens Resources: Open Path Collective: Affordable therapy resource. Meetup.com: Platform for joining interest-based groups to build community and accountability. Because We Matter Tobacco Free Living Summit: Event details at becausewematterlv.org. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to the full episode for a deeper dive into intentional living and mental wellness, along with strategies to successfully navigate personal and professional goals. Stay connected for more such inspiring conversations on "A Healthier Tomorrow."

About the Guests: Daniel Fazekas Daniel Fazekas serves as the Transportation Planning Manager at the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada. With a focus on creating a healthier community, he's been instrumental in initiatives that enhance walking and biking infrastructure. Daniel's work revolves around concepts like complete streets and the RTC bike share program, aiming to diversify transportation options beyond car-centric models. Shayla Pierre Shayla Pierre is the Director of Equity Development and Community Engagement at Roseman University College of Medicine. With over a decade of experience, she has contributed significantly to community health initiatives. Her leadership in the Genesis program focuses on addressing social determinants of health by integrating medical students into communities, enhancing health access and equity. Episode Summary: As we wrap up 2024, "A Healthier Tomorrow" continues its mission of promoting wellness in the Las Vegas community. Hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens bring on Daniel Fazekas from RTC of Southern Nevada and Shayla Pierre from Roseman University to discuss transformative initiatives in public health and transportation. This episode dives into strategies geared toward building healthier and more connected communities as we head into 2025. Daniel Fazekas delves into the RTC's efforts to foster a bike-friendly environment in Southern Nevada. With a focus on creating complete streets, the discussion highlights the RTC's bike share program and its expanding influence in Las Vegas, underscoring a shift from car-centric transit to more inclusive transport options. Meanwhile, Shayla Pierre introduces the innovative community-focused endeavors of Roseman University's Genesis program. This initiative aims to prepare future medical professionals to understand and address the social drivers of health by conducting home visits in underserved areas, inspired by global health models. Key Takeaways: The RTC of Southern Nevada is making strides in increasing biking and walking accessibility through its bike share program, with expansions aided by community partnerships like the Southern Nevada Health District. Roseman University College of Medicine, through the Genesis program, will have medical students engage with communities via home visits, aiming to understand and address social determinants of health. Innovation is a cornerstone of Roseman's approach, using technology like virtual reality to enhance medical training and community engagement. Complete streets in Southern Nevada are designed to accommodate all transport users—bikers, walkers, and vehicles—balancing the city's car-centric nature with more holistic transport solutions. Both guests emphasize the importance of community involvement and systemic change to improve public health outcomes in Southern Nevada. Notable Quotes: "RTC is committed to creating more options when it comes to walking and biking." - Daniel Fazekas "The bike share program is a convenient transportation alternative for short-term trips in and around downtown Las Vegas." - Daniel Fazekas "We have a new medical school that is coming here to Southern Nevada…it's a step in the right direction in terms of having more family med doctors that are here." - Shayla Pierre "Genesis is a step in the right direction in terms of addressing these social determinants." - Shayla Pierre "For more information and to register, go to rtcsnv.com/toydrive to register there." - Daniel Fazekas Resources: RTC Southern Nevada's website for updated maps and bike share information: rtcsnv.com Healthier Tomorrow Radio Program resources: gethealthyclarkcounty.org Information on Roseman University and their programs: Roseman University website Follow RTC on social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and X Explore the transformative conversations around public health and transportation by tuning into this enriching episode. Stay with us for more insights on building healthier communities and don't miss out on future episodes of "A Healthier Tomorrow."