Vitalyst Spark

Vitalyst Update: A Conversation with Board Chair Susan Pepin and CEO Roy Pringle

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:31:11 -0700

Vitalyst has been on a transition plan since March of 2025 when Suzanne Pfister announced her retirement. Following Suzanne’s passing last summer, Board Chair, Sue Pepin, stepped in as Interim CEO. She and the Vitalyst Board of Trustees have been engaged in a year-long search for Vitalyst’s next CEO and have selected long-time Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Roy Pringle, as Vitalyst’s new CEO. He stepped into this role officially on May 1st. In this episode, we will discuss what this means for Vitalyst and what community partners can expect.

Episode 150: 2025 Healthcare Marketplace Open Enrollment Updates

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 12:01:27 -0700

There have been lots of changes to the HealthCare Marketplace this year. From staff cuts to subsidy end dates, there is a lot to discuss to ensure Arizonans who need health care coverage know where to get help and what they can expect. Joining us from the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers is Claudia Maldonado, who oversees Arizona’s navigator grant from the Federal government.

Links:

Cover Arizona Connector to Schedule an Appointment

Find a community health center - AACHC

Health insurance plans & prices | HealthCare.gov

Episode 149: Vitalyst Update with Susan Pepin, Interim CEO and Board Chair

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:16:23 -0700

On today’s episode, we are back after a hiatus. A lot has happened in the world of community health, and at Vitalyst. We are catching up with Interim CEO and Board Chair Susan Pepin.

Episode 148: Medicaid’s Impending Cuts

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:39:03 -0700

The U.S. Senate is currently considering a budget proposal that includes significant changes to Medicaid, building upon the House-passed "Big Beautiful Bill." While the Senate version is still under negotiation, some of the proposed changes to Medicaid, or AHCCCS in Arizona, include work requirements, provider tax limits, prohibitions on gender-affirming care, and increasing the frequency of eligibility verification to twice a year, among others. On this episode, we delve into the specifics of what this budget could mean for Medicaid with Vitalyst Trustees Will Humble, Ann-Marie Alameddin, and Wendy Armendariz, as they view it from various public health perspectives.

Links:

Will's Blog on Medicaid

AZFamily Story About Impact on Rural Communities and Hospitals

Meidcaid Matters Video by NOAH

Episode 147: Medicaid’s Impact on Rural Communities

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 10:17:35 -0700

Medicaid has significantly improved access to health care for rural communities in Arizona by providing coverage to low-income individuals, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It has helped sustain rural hospitals and clinics by offering crucial funding, reducing uncompensated care costs. As a result, Medicaid has played a vital role in maintaining health care infrastructure and improving health outcomes in these underserved areas. Dr. Jonathan Melk, medical doctor and chief executive officer of Chiricahua Community Health Centers based in southeastern Arizona in Cochise County, joined us to shed light on rural health care.

Episode 146 - Partnering With Faith-Based Organizations to Build Housing

Wed, 28 May 2025 18:49:14 -0700

Partners across the nation have found an untapped resource of land: churches. Vitalyst has been working with churches as part of an evolution of its school districts and housing work. LISC has been working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide information and tools to support faith-based organizations as they explore housing development. In this episode, we will explore how these two initiatives intersect and what opportunities are available.

Links and Resources

Guide:Working With Faith-Based Organizations on Affordable Housing Development

Webinar: Building in God's Backyard

UCSD Housing Center for Policy and Design

Housing Development Training Institute

ARCHES Report (Arizona Research Center for Housing Equity and Sustainability)

Episode 145: The Arizona Justice Reinvestment Fund

Fri, 09 May 2025 09:38:16 -0700

After the passage of Prop 207 in 2020, The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) was charged with creating the Justice Reinvestment Program. The proposition legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older and created the Justice Reinvestment Fund, which funds initiatives to increase safety and community resilience around arrest and incarceration, including the Justice Reinvestment Program.

There are approximately $10 million in grants across four priority areas:

Public and behavioral health initiatives for substance use prevention, treatment, and early intervention services.
Restorative justice, jail diversion, workforce development, and mentoring services for economically disadvantaged individuals in communities disproportionately affected by higher arrest and incarceration rates.
Addressing the root causes of crime, reducing drug-related arrests, and lowering the prison population.
Developing technology and programs to restore civil rights and expunging criminal records.

All information is at www.azjusticegrants.org

Episode 144 PAUSE - Taking a Step Back with Heather Hiscox

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:02:26 -0700

Nonprofits and professionals all across the country are on edge right now. With federal grants pausing and unpausing, the limbo must be a whirlwind for so many people working in the nonprofit sector. We all get into this work because we want to help people. But along the way, stuff gets in the way. The organizations and systems we all work with can be cumbersome and lead to frustration. How can we get out of our way? Heather Hiscox tells us on this episode.

Heather Hiscox - PAUSE for Change Website

Discover the Five Skills to Address Uncertainty

Top 20 Questions to Ask Your Collaborative Partner

Episode 143 - YIGBY: Yes, in God's Backyard Initiative

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:40:15 -0700

On today's mini-episode, Vitalyst's Gabriel Jaramillo sits down with Nicole Newhouse of the Arizona Housing Coalition and Pastor Jeff Procter-Murphy of Dayspring UMC in Tempe to discuss the YIGBY initiative. This innovative proposal would allow faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties without burdensome rezoning requirements. This initiative addresses one of Arizona's major obstacles: restrictive zoning that limits land availability for multi-family housing development.

Yes, in God's Backyard Initiative - Arizona Housing Coalition

Episode 142 Looking back at 12 years as a Vitalyst Trustee with Nicholas Vasquez

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:44:19 -0700

Nicholas Vasquez, MD, was a Vitalyst Trustee for 12 years and Chair from 2020 to 2022. He often joined the podcast during the pandemic. On this episode, we wanted to talk to him about his experience on the Board of Trustees and Vitalyst's evolution. He sprinkled in other thoughts and wisdom throughout our conversation.

Episode 141: The Civic Language Perceptions Project

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 14:22:39 -0700

David Martinez III hosts this episode and has an insightful conversation with partners from Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement, the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation, and the Center for the Future of Arizona about how Arizonans view civic language. A recently published study finds that Arizonans react strongly to different civic language terms—more so than the rest of the country—and that these perceptions can enhance or hinder collaborative community conversations.

Episode 140: What is Systems Change? A Conversation with FSG.

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:49:46 -0700

At Vitalyst, we have been trying to demystify systems change as our Systems Change Grants application deadline nears in the middle of November. But we know it can still be confusing, so we had our friends at FSG join us for a conversation.

Additional Links:

Understanding Systems Change Spark Report – Report by FSG in collaboration with Vitalyst

The Water of Systems Change Report by FSG

The Water of Systems Change: Action Learning Exercise

Clarifying Systems Change: An Interview with John Harper, CEO of FSG

“Thinking in Systems” by Donella H. Meadows

Episode 139: ALL in Education's Multilingual Minds Initiative

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 18:37:50 -0700

As Latino Heritage Month was wrapping up, we sat down with the team at ALL in Education for a great conversation about the benefits of growing up bilingual and bicultural. Their new Initiative, Multilingual Minds, aims to uplift multilingual learners in Arizona and advocate for language equity in schools through awareness and policy changes.

Episode 138: Pastoral Care Associates and the Intersection of Faith and Health

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:14:07 -0700

On this episode, Reverend Michael Lessard of Pastoral Care Associates, a Vitalyst Spark Grant recipient, joined us before they held their Path to Complete Care Symposium. We talk about the importance of faith in healing, pastoral care and what was to come at the symposium.

Episode 137: First Responder Mental Wellness: Mental Health Self-Care Practices for First Responders

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:33:42 -0700

As part of an ongoing series looking into local practices, Arizona First Responder Systems and Mental Health Integration Spark Brief author, Matt Eckhoff, hosted a conversation with Dr. Gail Bradley, Emergency Medical Services & Trauma System, Medical Director, Arizona Department of Health Services; Captain Michelle Pickrom, Tucson Police Department; Sharon McDonough, Director, Public Safety Communications Department, City of Tucson; and Matt Shaw, Battalion Chief, Guardian Medical Transport in Flagstaff and rural northern Arizona. This conversation turned the lens inward into practices used by local departments to help their first responders deal with the trauma they encounter while serving communities.

Links

Arizona First Responder Systems Mental Health Integration

Episode 136: TAPAZ 101 - What is Fiscal Sponsorship?

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 17:50:10 -0700

On this episode, we are joined by the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona. Juan Salas, Director of Operations and Accounting, and Kelsey Otten, Assistant Director of Partner Engagement share about fiscal sponsorship, what it is, what services are available, what organizations qualify, and much more.

TAPAZ Website

Learn More About Becoming a Sponsored Project

Episode 135: The Vitalyst Discovery Process is Open

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 09:17:03 -0700

Vitalyst opened its Discovery Process on August 1 for potential partners to explore partnership opportunities. Through the Discovery Process, Vitalyst team members learn about opportunities to support coalitions on their systems change journey. On this conversation with CEO Suzanne Pfister, and Director of Strategic Community Partnerships David Martinez III, we walk listeners through Vitalyst's different grant opportunities.

Links

Vitalyst Grants and Partnership Opportunities

Spark Report: Understanding Systems Change

E134: AHCCCS and KidsCare

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 12:28:20 -0700

In March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved AHCCCS's expansion of KidsCare eligibility to 225% of the federal poverty level, up from the earlier 200% cap. KidsCare will now allow kids whose parents make too much to qualify for Medicaid but less than 225% of the poverty line, which is right around $70,200 for a family of four, to pay an affordable premium for quality Medicaid (AHCCCS) coverage. Today’s conversation focuses on how Arizonans can connect to KidsCare and other resources to receive the healthcare coverage they need for their families.

Links

Cover Arizona Coalition KidsCare page

AHCCCS KidsCare page

Alliance of Arizona Community Health Center’s Outreach & Enrollment Page

Children’s Action Alliance Advocacy & Outreach page
AHCCCS Map of Uninsured Hotspots

E133: The Arizona Emerging Leaders Network in Action: Raising Special Kids

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 12:31:08 -0700

In episode 130, we spent time with Sara Gonzalez, Belen Gonzalez, and Melia Dunn, talking about the Arizona Emerging Leaders Network and its origins and evolution. Now, we get to sit with one of the executive directors who was part of the Emerging Leaders Network. Chris Tiffany, Executive Director of Raising Special Kids, sat down with Melia Dunn and me and shared very candidly what a personal and organizational DEI journey can be—from victories to struggles.

Links

Raising Special Kids Website: https://raisingspecialkids.org/

Arizona Emerging Leaders Event Page: https://hexagon-sawfish-wahp.squarespace.com/azeml-learningseries

E132: Tucson: Mental Health Integration within Emergency Response

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:03:21 -0700

Our ongoing series looking into local emergency response practices, Arizona First Responder Systems and Mental Health Integration Spark Brief author Matt Eckhoff, hosted a conversation with Sharon McDonough, Director, Public Safety Communications Department, City of Tucson; Ana Corcoran, Administrator at Public Safety Communications Department, City of Tucson; and Amy Devins, Director, First Responder Services and Urgent Engagement, Arizona Complete Health, to learn more about Tucson's emergency response network.

E131: Arizona Housing Coalition and Veterans StandDown

Wed, 29 May 2024 13:49:18 -0700

Here at Vitalyst, one of our programmatic priorities is to support statewide housing initiatives along the spectrum of housing types. The past few years, this has meant a lot of capacity building for organizations, whether that is schools or, more recently, churches, to explore creating housing options for members of our community. This also means we collaborate with a lot of partners, including the Arizona Housing Coalition. George Campbell and Jamie Podratz from the Coalition joined us for a conversation to learn more about their work and initiatives.

Links

Arizona Housing Coalition - Arizona Housing Coalition (azhousingcoalition.org)

Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance - Arizona Housing Coalition (azhousingcoalition.org)

Grant and Per Diem Program - VA Homeless Programs

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (va.gov)

Temporary and Permanent Supportive Housing Solutions for Veterans (usvets.org)

Tucson Veterans Serving Veterans - Meeting the needs of Vets since 2003

E130: The Arizona Emerging Leaders Network

Mon, 13 May 2024 10:56:20 -0700

The Arizona Emerging Leadership Network is a statewide network of emerging leaders willing to invest time, talent, and treasure in recognizing the need for diverse and safe spaces to Convene around shared Diversity, Equity, and inclusion (DEI) values. Participants capacity as Emerging leaders in Arizona have been built to work more intentionally and equitably supports communities and leaders to transformational change.

Links:

AZEML Learning Series Events Website

May Workshop:

Eventbrite Registration Page

E129: Implementing Effective Community-Specific Alternate Response Strategies and Collaborations

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 16:16:07 -0700

In this candid conversation, Matt Eckoff, Author of the Arizona First Responder Systems and Mental Health Integration Spark Brief, speaks with Captain Seth Gregar of the City of Flagstaff Fire Department and Bryan Gest and Brad Mattingly of Terros Health as they discuss the past two years since the City of Flagstaff's Community Alliance Response and Engagement (CARE) program was implemented. Learn more about how the program works and what challenges and opportunities they see as others may implement similar programs.

Links

Arizona First Responder Systems and Mental Health Integration - Vitalyst Health

Coconino Voices: Terros Health and City of Flagstaff expand partnership to pay dividends for community | Columnists | azdailysun.com

E128: ¿Qué es el Patrocinio Fiscal y qué hace TAPAZ por los proyectos patrocinados?

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 09:51:15 -0700

This episode is completely in Spanish and provides an overview of the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona. To listen to a similar podcast in English, click here.

Hoy es un día especial – es nuestro primer episodio del podcast completamente en español. Tenemos a un invitado que ya ha estado con nosotros en el podcast. Hoy nos acompaña Juan Salas, director de Operaciones y Contabilidad de la Asociación de Asistencia Técnica de Arizona, o Technical Assistance Partnership (TAPAZ) en Ingles. Vamos a hablar sobre que es TAPAZ; que es el patrocinio fiscal y para cuales organizaciones es útil, y terminaremos con los servicios que provee TAPAZ.

Links: www.tapaz.org

E127: Inclusive Voting in Arizona & Health Implications

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:44:07 -0700

This episode features some of the civic leaders working to strengthen democracy and civic life in Arizona and shows the intersection of civic engagement and health. It’s an election year, and Arizona is again at the epicenter. Let’s get the facts and explore how all registered voters could and should be voting in all elections – including primary elections, and why it all matters to the health of Arizonans, our state, and our American democracy.

Links:

Why Primaries Matter and What to Do About It Spark Report

Strengthening Civic Health in Arizona Spark Report

Maricopa County Elections and Voter Registration information

Arizona Secretary of State Register / Update to Vote

Healthy Democracy Healthy People

Health and Democracy Index

Arizona Town Hall

E126: What is Fiscal Sponsorship and What Does TAPAZ Do for Sponsored Projects?

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:27:39 -0700

If you have been listening to the Vitalyst Spark Podcast or are a subscriber to our Vitalyst Spark News, you have likely heard us talk about our affiliate organization, the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona. On today’s episode, we talk to Kelsey Otten, Assistant Director, Partner Engagement, Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona, to learn more about fiscal sponsorship and the services offered by TAPAZ.

Links:

www.tapaz.org

National Network of Fiscal Sponsors Field Scan 2023 Report

E125: Legislative Outlook & Policy Updates

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:09:41 -0700

The legislative session is in full swing. We recently spoke with Vitalyst Trustee and Executive Director of the Arizona Public Health Association, Will Humble, Vitalyst’s Gabriel Jaramillo and Ana Roscetti. Their conversation explores some potential bills and proposed policy updates.

Links: Will’s Blog

Vitalyst Legislative Priorities

www.azcarecheck.com

E124: HIV – Reducing Stigma and Educating the Public

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:08:17 -0700

This episode of the podcast is shedding light on a topic that doesn’t often get the attention it deserves: HIV. It’s a sensitive topic, but things have come a long way since it was first discovered. We can stop HIV together. By raising awareness of the role we can all play, we help end the stigma around HIV. Through support and education, we make it easier for people living with HIV to live healthier lives. David Martinez III, Director of Strategic Partnerships, speaks with a panel of experts about initiatives at City and County levels, and how leaders and community partners are working together to create a network of services for patients and education for the public.

Links

CAN Community Health

Spectrum Medical

Aunt Rita’s Foundation

City of Phoenix Fast-Track Cities Initiative

Maricopa County Ryan White Part A Program

Valleywise HIV/AIDS Services

NIH HIV Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U), Treatment as Prevention

E123: Housing Solutions_Manufactured Housing

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 13:26:55 -0700

On this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we get to listen to housing experts discuss manufactured housing and how Arizona is addressing it as a sustainable source of housing across the state. Our director of Healthy Communities, Gabriel Jaramillo, guest hosts this episode with Sara Liguori from the Arizona Community Foundation, Cindy Stotler of Phoenix IDA, and Paul Bradley of ROC USA.

Guests

Gabriel Jaramillo

Sara Liguori, Director, Impact Investing, Arizona Community Foundation

Cindy Stotler, Housing Director, Phoenix IDA

Paul Bradley, President, ROC USA

Housing: Understanding Manufactured Housing

Links

Vitalyst Housing Resources

Arizona Community Foundation Impact Investing

Phoenix IDA Housing Programs

ROC USA

E122: Healthcare Marketplace Open Enrollment, Medicaid Redetermination, and the Cover Arizona Coalition

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 11:58:38 -0700

On today’s episode, we are talking healthcare from AHCCCS to KidsCare, to the healthcare marketplace open enrollment period. Joining us today are Claudia Maldonado from the Arizona Alliance of Community Health Centers, and our newest team member here at Vitalyst, Ana Roscetti, Director of State Health Policy and Advocacy. We discuss the Cover Arizona Coalition, Medicaid Redetermination, the Healthcare Marketplace and open enrollment. We hope it’s an informative conversation.

Notes / Links

To speak with an assister about your health insurance options, visit www.coveraz.org or call 2-1-1.

Medicaid/AHCCCS members can update their information on www.healthearizonaplus.gov.

E121: Where is Arizona: First Responders and Mental Health Integration

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 10:35:06 -0700

On this episode, we host Sabrina Talyor of the Phoenix Police Department and Jesus Rivera of Surprise Fire-Medical. Over the past decade, there has been a lot of talk and programs aimed at increasing mental health training among emergency response personnel to better serve people experiencing crises. It’s the topic of focus in the Arizona First Responder Systems and Mental Health Integration Spark Report. With Sabrina and Jesus we explore what is making Arizona one of the leading states when it comes to integrating mental health practices.

Links:

Arizona’s Family Segment Interview Jesus Rivera and Sabrina Taylor

Arizona First Responder Systems and Mental Health Integration Spark Report

Arizona Treat & Refer Core Education Model Workbook

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Methods for Using Data to Inform Practice

E120: Feeding Matters: The Systems Change Behind Pediatric Feeding Disorder

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 09:20:20 -0700

On this episode, we are talking about systems change with Jacklyn Pederson of Feeding Matters. The organization has a long history of partnership with Vitalyst, and it showcases how willpower can bring together partners committed to changing a flawed system. Through their 2016 Innovation Grant, Feeding Matters convened partners to create a medically recognized name for pediatric feeding struggles and establish replicable and scalable norms for identification, early intervention, and reimbursement. The result: Pediatric Feeding Disorder, an internationally recognized diagnosis practitioners can work from. Jacklyn shares how partners worked before the creation of a diagnosis and how the work continues.

Links

Feeding Matters https://www.feedingmatters.org/

The History of PFD The History of PFD - Feeding Matters

Resources for Families Family Support - Feeding Matters

E119: Arizona Town Hall: Equity for All Arizonans

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 09:00:58 -0700

On this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we will be talking to Tara Jackson, President of Arizona Town Hall. The current topic Town Hall is convening Arizonans to discuss is one that is key to all of us, Equity for All Arizonans. Equity is critical if we want to maximize the potential of our communities, and that takes understanding what equity is and its true benefits. Tara will tell us more about the Town Hall process and how the Town Hall team is taking this topic to communities across the state.

Links

Equity for All Arizonans Background Report

Equity for All Arizonans Fact Sheet

Arizona Town Hall Upcoming Events

E118: The Nature Conservancy and the Evolution of Systems Change

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 09:13:35 -0700

On this episode, we are talking to Anna Bettis, Arizona Healthy Cities Program Director at The Nature Conservancy. We are talking about the Conservancy’s 2017 Innovation grant, predecessor to Vitalyst’s Systems Change Grants. The grant was provided so the Nature Conservancy and partners could work with communities and create Heat Action Planning Guides, which identified strategies to reduce heat and improve the ability of residents to deal with heat. Anna will tell us what this project has evolved into, what it takes to create systems change, and how systems change is a moving target. We hope you enjoy the conversation.

Show notes / Links

EPA webinar: https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/equity-action-heat-planning-greater-phoenix
Changing the Story of Heat in Metro Phoenix Together: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/b9c35f205ea14015a23b446ff75eeeb4
Urban Heat Leadership Academy Youtube channel:
1. English: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-o5jtJniuba-zgXgBl3EoXCzTFYpqW1l
2. Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-o5jtJniubbOSq0BlHurNYeR1JhVdVAU

E117 - Superior: Gateway to the Copper Corridor

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 14:43:28 -0700

On this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we are joined by Chris Casillas of Regenerating Sonora. He talks to us about his family’s ties to the Copper Corridor, his TAPAZ Sponsored Project Regenerating Sonora, and what is happening in Superior, Arizona, which will host the 12th Annual Prickly Pear Festival on Saturday, August 26th, 2023.

Links:

Regenerating Sonora

12th Annual Prickly Pear Festival

Superior Chamber of Commerce

E116: The Long Game: A Conversation with Floribella Redondo of AzCHOW

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:45:46 -0700

On this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Floribella Redondo, pioneer in the community health worker community in Arizona, and president of the Arizona Community Health Workers Association (AzCHOW). We talk about the difference between community health representatives, community health workers, and promotoras, and the beginnings of the work in Arizona. We also dive into what it took to pass legislation, the patience systems change takes.

Links

Arizona Community Health Workers Association (azchow.org)

AzCHOW Training Program Approval

AHCCCS Announcement of CHW Service Reimbursement

E115: Systems Change Takes Time: Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 17:14:15 -0700

During this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we will be exploring systems change and talking to 2023 Systems Change Grant recipient Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth to talk to us about their Self-Healing Community System and Policy Change in Coconino County initiative. We will be joined by members of the Coalition, including Virginia Watahomigie, Executive Director; Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff; and Andrea Meronuck, Clinical Director with Northland Family Help Center.

Links
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth https://coconinokids.org/

Northland Family Help Center https://northlandfamily.org/

City of Flagstaff Mayor’s Office https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1406/Mayor-Council

Self-Healing Communities with Kevin Campbell https://coconinokids.org/self-healing-communities-with-kevin-campbell/

Comprehensive Analysis of Historical Trauma https://coconinokids.org/comprehensive-analysis-of-historical-trauma/

Igniting Self-Healing Communities Informant Interviews (Spark Grant) https://coconinokids.org/shc-partners/

E114: The Arizona Food Systems Network

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 10:41:54 -0700

On this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we are joined by Kenneth Steel and Shelby Thompson from Pinnacle Prevention. We are talking about food systems in Arizona and the work of the Arizona Food Systems Network.

Shownotes / Links

Arizona Food Systems Network www.azfsn.org

Pinnacle Prevention https://www.pinnacleprevention.org/

Farm Bill Overview https://www.usda.gov/farmbill

Anti-Hunger & Food Systems Advocacy Call Registration https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kc-6grT4sHdSXHCu2ghuuKaYeu9ZifU5_#/registration

E113: Medicaid Unwinding

Tue, 23 May 2023 15:49:18 -0700

Today’s topic: the end of Medicaid’s continuous enrollment requirement, also known as “The Unwinding.” What is this “unwinding”? Since the beginning phases of the pandemic, the federal government has prohibited states from disenrolling Medicaid members, regardless of their eligibility status. The goal was to protect the health insurance coverage of individuals and families who were most at-risk during the pandemic. Fast forward three years, and with the fading of the pandemic, the federal government has allowed states to restart their normal process for determining Medicaid eligibility beginning April 1st. What does this mean for Arizona? It means a large number of people who are currently covered by Medicaid – roughly 650,000 Arizonans – may no longer qualify and may be at risk of losing their coverage. Fortunately, Arizona’s Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (commonly referred to as AHCCCS) and local partners have long been preparing for this unwinding and are working hard to ensure that Arizonans take action to maintain their Medicaid coverage or find quality coverage elsewhere. Today we’re talking to two colleagues who work to improve health insurance coverage across Arizona: Claudia Maldonado, with the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers, and Matt Jewett, with Children’s Action Alliance. In partnership with organizations across the state, they are helping to lead the charge to protect Arizonans’ coverage during the unwinding.

Show Notes:

Medicaid/AHCCCS members need to update their information on www.healthearizonaplus.gov.
To speak with an assister about your health insurance options, visit www.coveraz.org or call 2-1-1.
To find helpful materials related to the unwinding, visit www.coveraz.org/unwinding.

E112: A Conversation with UPI Loan Fund and Native Community Capital: A Look into Impact Investing

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 10:13:20 -0700

On this episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast, we are talking about impact investments, and we are joined by Kerwin Brown, of UPI Loan Fund, and Dave Castillo, of Native Community Capital, two of Vitalyst’s recent impact investments. Also joining the podcast is Suzanne Pfister, Vitalyst’s President and CEO, to talk about what impact investing means to Vitalyst and philanthropy. We discuss the roots of both organizations and why it’s important for organizations to make socially conscious, impactful investments that create opportunities for underserved communities.

Show Notes Links

UPI Loan Fund

Native Community Capital CDFI

Foresight Foundation

Local First Arizona Rural Micro-Loan Fund

Press Release: Vitalyst Unveils Program to Increase Funding Opportunities for Underserved Communities

ChangeLabs

Native Women Lead

Native Entrepreneur in Residence Program

FORGE – University of Arizona

E111: Promising Housing Practices in Arizona

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 11:27:30 -0700

On this episode of The Vitalyst Spark podcast, we're going to be talking about housing, a huge issue that the state is facing overall, not just through the pandemic, but prior to. Housing has been on a climb in price and rental prices continue to increase. And we're seeing a lot more people struggle, and it's getting more difficult for everyone to squeeze more out of their dollar. That's why we're talking about this today, something that Vitalyst has been involved in from a programmatic aspect for the past few years. And we've been really delving into it. We're going to be talking about housing and a newly released publication Spark Brief called Promising Housing Practices in Arizona, that features what organizations are doing across the state to mitigate the housing issue. Our guests are Suzanne Pfister, president and CEO of Vitalyst Health Foundation, Gabriel Jaramillo, Director of Healthy Communities of Vitalyst Health Foundation, and Darlene Newsom, former CEO of UMOM New Day Centers.

Guests

Suzanne Pfister, President and CEO, Vitalyst Health Foundation

Gabriel Jaramillo, Director of Healthy Communities, Vitalyst Health Foundation

Darlene Newsom, Former CEO, UMOM New Day Centers

Links

Vitalyst Housing Page

Promising Housing Practices in Arizona Spark Brief

Promising Housing Practices Webinar with Maricopa Association of Governments

E110: The Technical Assistance Partnership and the Arizona Coalition for Military Families

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 13:31:06 -0700

On today’s episode, we are joined by Juan Salas, Director of Operations and Accounting with the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona, or TAPAZ as we refer to it in-house. TAPAZ is a fiscal sponsorship organization that provides back office technical assistance to nonprofits across the state but he will tell us more about that. Also on today’s podcast is Nicola Winkel, Project Director with the Arizona Coalition for Military Families. They are the largest sponsored project of TAPAZ, and are doing some really great work across Arizona to improve the lives of military members and their families. We hope you enjoy learning more.

Resources:

Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona www.tapaz.org

Arizona Coalition for Military Families www.arizonacoalition.org

BeConnected www.connecveterans.org

BeConnected Career Navigation www.arizonacoalition.org/careernavigation/

Overview of Arizona Roadmap to Veteran Employment https://youtu.be/yF2Uv7EGik0

Military/Veteran Resource Navigation Training www.arizonacoalition.org/navigator/

13th Annual Statewide Symposium, April 19 -20, 2023 (Scholarships available) www.arizonacoalition.org/symposium/

Connect to help and support at 1-866-4AZ-VETS (429-8387)

E109: New Year, New State Leadership

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:14:51 -0700

It’s a new year, and with it comes new opportunities, new challenges and new state leadership. The results of the 2022 Arizona general election propelled a new Governor and over 40 new legislators (which is nearly half of the entire legislature) into state office. This political shakeup can also be felt on the policy front as new state agency directors and advisors are settling into their positions. Today, we welcome two outstanding individuals to give us perspective on these changes in state leadership; what it means for policymaking over the foreseeable future, and what stakeholders can do to harness these changes for a better Arizona. Here’s our conversation with the former Chief Public Policy Officer of Valley of the Sun United Way, Penny Allee Taylor, and former State Representative and former Executive Director of the Arizona Association of Health Plans, Deb Gullett, discussing a new year and new state leadership.

E108: Innovative Housing Solutions - The Arizona Housing Fund

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 12:07:49 -0700

Throughout the life of this podcast, we’ve hosted a few episodes speaking to the importance of housing. Those conversations often center on the critical roles that government can and should play in preventing and addressing homelessness and housing instability in Arizona. Today’s episode, however, features someone who’s developed a unique take on housing solutions in Arizona. Howard Epstein, by trade, is a national executive for Bank of America, and by passion, he’s the creator of the Arizona Housing Fund, a voluntary donation-based fund that’s working to bring permanent supportive housing to vulnerable Arizonans.

The Arizona Housing Fund – www.arizonahousingfund.org

E107: Health on the Ballot

Fri, 28 Oct 2022 09:38:52 -0700

Arizona’s general election is right around the corner, and this presents an incredible opportunity for us to ensure that the people we elect and the policies we pass set Arizona on a promising path toward improved health and well-being. Ballot measures may not always be top-of-mind during an election, but their existence and their implications are critically important to our state. Today, we’re speaking with three local leaders who will give us their thoughts on a selection of ballot measures connected to civic health and health equity. Today, we’re encouraging you, our listeners, to vote and to vote in support of community health and well-being.

You may not know this, but nonprofits are allowed to advocate for/against public policy. As a nonprofit that recognizes the community health implications of public policy, Vitalyst Health Foundation is using our voice and taking a stance on 7 of the 10 ballot measures, and we encourage others to do the same.

Vote NO on Props 128, 132 and 309. These ideas jeopardize civic health by silencing the voice and eroding the power of Arizona’s voters. 132 specifically would have devastating effects.
Vote YES on 209, 211, 308 and 310. These hold great promise to protect vulnerable Arizonans from the downward spiral of medical bankruptcy, build transparency and civility in our elections, provide fair tuition rates to all Arizonans, and fund Arizona’s fire districts – all of which help to create healthier communities.

E106: Dear Candidates

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:38:16 -0700

On November 8th, Arizonans will cast their votes to determine who will represent their interests at the legislature and in other statewide offices, including that of the Governor. In our daily lives, we’re only exposed to a handful of these candidates – often through television ads and local media – but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of candidates running for office; candidates who need your vote and need to be informed about the issues that matter to you. In this episode, the team at Vitalyst has come together to highlight some of the issues that we believe are of critical importance for candidates to understand and consider as they move closer to obtaining public office.

Bolder Advocacy – Policy and advocacy resources for nonprofits.
Alliance for Arizona Nonprofits – Statewide association for nonprofits.
Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth – Northern AZ coalition focused on children’s well-being.
Arizona Housing Coalition – Statewide coalition dedicated to housing policy and advocacy.
Southwest Folklife Alliance – Nonprofit focused on building more vibrant communities through the celebration of culture.
AZ Food Systems Network – Statewide coalition dedicated to building more affordable, accessible and sustainable food systems.
Center for the Future of Arizona – Creator of the Arizonan Voters’ Agenda and the Arizona Progress Meters

E105: Solari Crisis & Human Services

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 14:53:32 -0700

Today we’re joined by Justin Chase, President and CEO of Solari Crisis and Human Services. As you’ll hear from Justin, Solari, formerly known as Crisis Response Network, provides an array of important resources to individuals experiencing challenging times. These challenges could range from a mother needing to locate to closest food bank, to finding a safe place for your loved one who’s experiencing a bipolar episode. Solari even works with 911 dispatch units to refer mental health calls to appropriate levels of care. Solari is a connector. They improve community health by improving connections between people during some of life’s most difficult periods. Solari’s mission is simple: Inspiring Hope. And after hearing from Justin, it’s easy to see exactly what that means.

Links:
Solari Crisis and Human Services Website: www.solari-inc.org
Arizona Crisis Line: 1-800-631-1314
Arizona Warm Line: 602-347-1100
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Vitalyst’s Discovery Portal: www.vitalysthealth.org/partnering-with-vitalyst

E104: Center for the Future of Arizona - The Arizona Voters’ Agenda

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 13:56:00 -0700

Today we’re talking with Dr. Amanda Burke from the Center for the Future of Arizona about the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, a new resource which takes a radically different look at voters’ interests and political campaigns in Arizona. What is this radically different approach? Instead of continuing to fuel the fires of division that seem to inundate our lives, CFA’s latest research reveals the issues that a majority of us actually agree on. As it turns out, despite the smoldering embers we constantly encounter, there is plenty of untapped common ground where Arizonans agree – common ground which, if championed by political candidates, could lead to a winning formula for elections and an improved quality of life for Arizonans. Speaking of elections, Arizona’s 2022 Primary and General elections are on the horizon (August 2nd and November 8th, 2022). Make sure your voice is heard by visiting www.arizona.vote.

The Arizona Voters’ Agenda can be found at www.arizonafuture.org
Make your voice heard in the upcoming elections by visiting www.arizona.vote

E103: Creating a Trauma-Informed Arizona

Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:18:52 -0700

Today we’re joined by two Arizonans working to create healthier communities that recognize, address and prevent traumatic experiences. We’re not referring to the type of trauma you see in the traffic section of the news each day. Rather, we’re discussing the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, as they’re commonly known) and toxic stress that can stem from harmful relationships with the people, places and policies that surround each of us. These experiences are often connected with things like abuse and neglect, domestic violence, substance abuse in the home, or the loss of a loved one. Sadly, recent evidence indicates that Arizona has the highest rate in the nation of people experiencing multiple ACEs. Today’s guests are working to change that. Angie Burleson is the Executive Director of the Arizona ACEs Consortium, a statewide collaborative that engages professionals and agencies to increase awareness about the causes, effects, and opportunities to decrease ACEs in our community. They do so, in part, by training school leaders, teachers and staff to create trauma-sensitive environments for Arizona’s children. Shomari Jackson is a member of the ACEs Consortium and is incoming Executive Director of the South Mountain Works Coalition, a non-profit working with youth and leaders in the South Mountain communities of Phoenix to prevent substance abuse. If you or anyone you know are navigating through a traumatic experience, or if it would be helpful to speak with a peer who’s gone through a similar experience, support is always available by calling Arizona’s Crisis Line at 1-800-631-1314 or by calling the Peer Support Warm Line at 602-347-1100.

E102: What Makes Vitalyst, Vitalyst? A Conversation with President & CEO, Suzanne Pfister

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:18:10 -0700

For more than 100 episodes, we’ve hosted this podcast to highlight the inspiring work of Arizonans working to create healthier communities. We’ve spoken with experts focused on a wide range of issues, ranging from food systems to housing to transportation, as well as local leaders among Arizona’s Latino, Black, Tribal and Rural communities. Today, we’re doing something a little different. Today, we’re taking a moment to look inward, to pull back the curtain, and to better understand the motivations, milestones and mechanics of Vitalyst Health Foundation. This is a conversation with President and CEO, Suzanne Pfister. If you’ve ever been curious about what makes Vitalyst Vitalyst, or what the future of community health may hold, this is the episode for you. We hope you enjoy.

Referenced Materials:

Vitalyst’s Strategic Roadmap Refresh
Elements of a Healthy Community Wheel (English and Spanish)
Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community Wheel
Publication – Cost Containment through Collaboration
Publication – How School Districts Can Create Housing Opportunities

E101: Refugee Health in Arizona

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 15:58:44 -0700

Today we’re taking a long-overdue look at the health and well-being of refugee communities in our state. You may not know this, but Arizona is widely known as a welcoming state for refugees from around the world. These are individuals and families who have fled their home countries due to persecution or fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. In the last six months (October ’21 through March ’22), Arizona has helped over 2,600 people resettle, the majority of whom are fleeing Afghanistan. This brings us to today’s panel discussion with a local leader from Lutheran Social Services – a refugee resettlement agency in Arizona – and two local representatives of We Are All America (one of whom is a former refugee from Afghanistan, and the other a former refugee from Bosnia-Herzegovina). We hope you enjoy.

E100: Womens History Month in Arizona

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 08:35:12 -0700

On today’s episode (the 100th episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast!), we’re capping off Women’s History Month by bringing you a conversation with Dr. Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona. Dr. Luxardo graciously shares her personal journey to her leadership role at the Women’s Foundation and gives us a glimpse into how Arizona’s women and girls are forging new paths to social, political and economic change.

E99: COVID-19 Roundtable Update

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 09:33:54 -0700

Well, this it. Barring any unforeseen developments (knock on wood), this is the last COVID-19 Roundtable episode of the Vitalyst Spark Podcast. We’re not out of the woods, but case numbers and deaths are rapidly declining, hospital admissions have waned, and the latest CDC guidance shows Arizona moving toward a low level of community risk. So, for what we hope will be our final COVID-19 Roundtable discussion, we brought our panelists back to reflect on the past two years – the successes, the challenges and the lessons learned

E98: Healthy Communities, One Bill at a Time

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 20:29:59 -0700

In this episode, we’re talking about Arizona’s legislative session with Zaida Dedolph, Health Policy Director with Children’s Action Alliance. Yes, we’re all exhausted from the constant barrage of partisanship and political anger we hear about on a daily basis, but rest assured, this is not one of those conversations. Instead, this is a conversation that attempts to understand the fundamental power dynamics currently at play within Arizona’s Legislature, and offers an overview of a handful of promising bills you may not be aware of that are moving through the lawmaking process. Zaida and I talked on February 25, 2022, at the end of what’s know as “cross over week” at the legislature. It’s often stated that change is the only constant, and that is certainly the case at the legislature, so things may have changed by the time you hear this. We hope you enjoy.

Links for show notes:

Learn more about Children’s Action Alliance: www.azchildren.org
Learn more about the Arizona Public Health Association: www.azpha.org
View Vitalyst’s list of legislative priorities: www.vitalysthealth.org/healthpolicy

E97: Black History, Black Arizona

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 12:42:25 -0700

In recognition of Black History month, we’re speaking with two leaders in Arizona who are working to advance the health and well-being of Black Arizonans. Teniqua Broughton is the Executive Director of the State of Black Arizona, an organization best known for its thorough publications that highlight…well…the state of Black Arizona. These ‘Volumes’, as they’re titled, provide an evidence-based foundation from which one can better understand the experience of African Americans in our state. We’re also thrilled to welcome Dr. Charlene Tarver, CEO of the Women’s Economic Institute, an organization working in Arizona and New York to advance economic security for all women and girls, with a specific focus on Black women. During the pandemic, Dr. Tarver also founded the Black Arizona COVID-19 Task Force, which, as you’ll hear, gained national attention for its work. Let’s dive in.

- Supporting Black-led Organizations – Here’s a list of resources for community members, partners, and fundholders who are interested in supporting Black-led organizations.

E96: COVID-19 Roundtable Update

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 09:24:17 -0700

This week we’re back with our COVID-19 Roundtables guests, Dr. Kara Geren, Dr. Joshua LaBaer and Will Humble, discussing the latest – dare I say – optimistic developments in the pandemic. We’ve been on this ride before, and we know we’re not out of the woods. Far too many Arizonans are still being infected with COVID-19 each day and our hospitals are under extreme pressure, but the latest research and trends do indicate that brighter days are within sight.

E95: Creating Vibrant Communities with Arizona Town Hall

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 12:08:41 -0700

Today, we’re talking about the importance of coming together – across sectors, across populations, across issues – to find common ground. Sounds like a pipe dream, right? Well, lucky for us, one Arizona-based organization has 60 years of experience under its belt doing just that: hosting forums, facilitating dialogue and lifting consensus above conflict. We’re talking about the Arizona Town Hall and its topic for 2022: creating vibrant communities. We hope you enjoy.

E94: COVID-19 Roundtable Update

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:50:15 -0700

Two months ago, we hosted what we hoped would be our final COVID-19 Roundtable. Infections were declining and we seemed to be entering into a new and safer normal. Wishful thinking. Today, we stand on the shoreline, the water level is rising, and we await the tidal wave named Omicron we know is about to hit. So, it’s bittersweet that we find ourselves speaking yet again with our COVID-19 Roundtable guests to clarify what we know and don’t know about this variant and its potential impact.

E93: Reflections in Community Health

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 09:36:36 -0700

We’ve made it to December of 2021 – the end of another year. It’s a time to give thanks, a time to celebrate, and a time to reflect. In that spirit, we’re here to reflect on the extraordinary careers of two public health leaders in Arizona, Debbie McCune Davis and Allen Gjersvig, both of whom will soon be transitioning to their next chapter: retirement. But before they ride into the sunset, or fly to Europe, or drive to the mountains, we wanted to take a few minutes to highlight these two individuals who have made an indelible mark on Arizona’s public health system.

E92: The Growth of Food in Phoenix

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 06:37:22 -0700

We’ve officially made it to the holiday season of 2021, and for many of us, that means family, friends and FOOD! So today, we’re catching up with two leaders in Phoenix’s food system: Rosanne Albright with the City of Phoenix and Darren Chapman with TigerMountain Foundation. These two individuals are here to give us a behind the scenes look at their work; to highlight the complexities of where our food comes from; and to remind us about the expansive power of food. So pull up a chair, grab a fork and enjoy this conversation about the growth of food in Phoenix.

E91: Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:40:41 -0700

Today, we’re excited to share some exciting news about a long-standing project we’ve been working on with Tribal partners across Arizona. By now, most of this audience is likely familiar with the Elements of a Healthy Community (“The Wheel” as it’s come to be known). It was developed in 2017 in collaboration with many community partners to depict the breadth of factors that ultimately impact health and well-being. Since then, The Healthy Communities Wheel has served as a framework for much of Vitalyst’s work and has taken on a life of its own across other organizations, coalitions and even within local governments. It is, however, a framework, and frameworks are often imperfect tools that can and should be adapted as needed. So, in 2019 and 2020, in a partnership with the Arizona Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, the Arizona Advisory Council on Indian Health Care and the Arizona Department of Health Services, we embarked on a series of meetings with the Tribes of Arizona to develop The Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community. These discussions produced an incredible amount of insight and wisdom into Tribal perspectives on community health, and ultimately manifested in the creation of a Healthy Tribal Communities Wheel. Today’s podcast features the key partners who made this work possible.

Link to Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community Wheel (Full version)

Link to Elements of a Healthy Tribal Community Wheel (Short version)

Link to Webinar

E90: Stigma & Affordable Housing

Sat, 30 Oct 2021 08:49:49 -0700

Today we’re joined by three bright and talented minds to talk about affordable housing in Arizona: what it means, what modern “affordable” housing actually looks like, and how outdated stigma and ideas about the American dream often hinders progress toward ensuring that everyone has a place to call home. Our guests include Denise Resnik, Founder and President/CEO of First Place AZ and co-founder of the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC), Dave Brown, CEO of Valley Leadership and Chair of Home Matters to AZ, and Gabriel Jaramillo, Director of Healthy Communities for Vitalyst Health Foundation.

E89: COVID-19 Roundtable Update

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 09:19:11 -0700

Although many of us are still working remotely and living a large part of our lives through a computer screen, when we look outside, things look…dare I say, kind of normal. Cars are on the streets, patrons are visiting restaurants and businesses, and we’re seeing our neighbors (real people) emerge from months of hibernating during the Arizona summer. These are promising signs as more and more Arizonans receive the COVID-19 vaccine, use masks indoors and continue to protect themselves from the effects of COVID-19. But as you’ll hear from our guests, this is not, and cannot, be the new normal. Infection rates remain suspended at a stubbornly high level, and our healthcare providers – the same selfless, heroic people we once cheered and celebrated – are finding themselves nearly two years into a pandemic, battling not only a virus, but also fatigue and the challenges of workforce shortages. Today’s podcast is a reminder that the amount of fuel left for the pandemic may be diminishing, but there’s still a great deal of work to be done before we stop this fire.

E88: Hispanic Heritage Month & Community Health

Sun, 03 Oct 2021 11:27:33 -0700

It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month, so today we’re speaking with three leaders working to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic communities in Arizona. Amanda Aguirre is the President and CEO of the Regional Center for Border Health, Floribella Redondo-Martinez is the Executive Director of the Arizona Community Health Workers Association (commonly known as AZCHOW) and Stephanie Parra serves as Executive Director for All in Education. What’s perhaps most memorable about this panel is that these leaders aren’t only working for Arizona’s Hispanic communities, but they are of Arizona’s Hispanic communities and work with their communities. Hispanic heritage may be officially “appreciated” for just 30 days each year in the US, but for these three women, there’s no question it is the fuel that drives them every single day.

E87: COVID-19 Roundtable Update

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 07:01:33 -0700

Today we’re back with our COVID-19 Roundtable. It’s almost Fall, and much like the temperatures in Arizona, COVID-19 numbers are starting to stabilize, but they’re still too high for comfort. It’s been one month since we last spoke with our COVID-19 panelists, and in that time, we’ve experienced what seems to be a turn for the better. But will these improvements last? What effect will recent local and federal policies have on transmission?

To discuss those topics and much more, we’re speaking with Dr. Kara Geren of Valleywise Health, Dr. Joshua LaBaer from ASU’s Biodesign Institute and Will Humble from the Arizona Public Health Association.

E86 - Legislative Update

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 08:00:41 -0700

Today we’re joined by three trailblazing advocates who are focused on improving health and well-being in Arizona using a little tool called public policy. If you’re a frequent listener of these podcasts, the idea that ‘health is more than healthcare’ shouldn’t be a new concept to you. What may be less intuitive, however, is how this concept comes to life through public policy – specifically, through state legislation. So today, we’re reflecting on the 2021 legislative session in Arizona, with a particular focus on housing, food and children’s health.

If, upon hearing the word “legislation,” you felt your eyes start to roll into the back of your head, don’t worry, for you are not alone. It’s no secret that the very idea of legislation or working with a state legislature can cause many of us to shy away, yawn or stare blankly into the distance, but our guests today highlight inspiring real-world experiences that demystify lawmaking and show the great power of policy to improve community health.

If there’s one thing to take home from this conversation, it’s a reminder that health isn’t simply determined by what’s within us, it’s also governed by what’s around us. Let’s dive in.

E85: COVID-19 Roundtable Update

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:10:47 -0700

Today, after more than a two-month hiatus, we’re back with our COVID-19 Roundtable. And my how things have changed in the past two months. You know it from your daily experiences, you’ve heard it from our guests, the COVID-19 rollercoaster continues. We’re well into our third wave of COVID-19 infections, this time largely due to the Delta variant, and hospital COVID-19 metrics are following suit. The CDC has recommended that all people, vaccinated and unvaccinated, wear a mask indoors in public when in an area of substantial or high transmission (which is the status of nearly every county in the United States). Our kids, most of whom are still too young to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, are headed back to in-person learning inside of schools that are battling new laws which remove schools’ abilities to require masks and vaccinations. Without question, this pandemic is not over.

But there’s always hope. The latest research shows that vaccines are safe and effective. They’re good at slowing the spread and great at preventing sickness and death.

Our first guest serves our eyes and ears on the medical frontlines. She’s an emergency medicine physician at Valleywise Health, Dr. Kara Geren. Next, he’s the reason that many of us were able to spit into tubes and avoid those annoying nasal swabs when getting tested for COVID-19, Executive Director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute, Dr. Joshua LaBaer. And finally, the common thread that stretches all the way back to the very first CV19 Roundtable in March of 2020, he’s the Executive Director of the Arizona Public Health Association, Will Humble.

Here is what we know as of August 16, 2021.

E84: Health Coverage Open Enrollment Revisited

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:41:49 -0700

We are revisiting our Health Coverage Open Enrollment podcast. There are just a few more days to enroll in Marketplace health coverage!

Today our topic is health coverage - specifically open enrollment for the health insurance marketplace, aka the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare. If you or anyone you know currently do not have health insurance coverage – during a pandemic no less – now is your time!

Between November 1 and December 15, you can get free help from impartial, certified counselors who will help you get no-cost, low-cost, or the most affordable coverage options available.

We’re going to get into revealing details of who doesn’t have coverage and how accessible no-cost or low-cost coverage might be for many currently uninsured Arizonans. We’re also going to talk about what the Affordable Care Act really gave us – and what we could all lose out on if it were to go away. And we’re going to get into those details because, honestly, it is a reality of U.S. health care that some type of insurance coverage is needed in order to get healthy and stay healthy. And here’s the thing: the Affordable Care Act is an expansive law that benefits all of us in ways we might even be starting to take for granted. Ending it will negatively affect everyone’s well-being, yet somehow there are many misleading messages are out there trying to discourage people about its very existence and functions.

Our guests today have a lot to say about all of this, so let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about access to coverage and care, in particular just how accessible 2021 health insurance coverage is between right now and December 15, 2020.

E83: The Opioid Crisis Revisited

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 11:19:35 -0700

We are revisiting our Opioid Crisis podcast from May 3, 2021 as a report was released that overdoses surged in 2020.

As we have throughout the pandemic, it’s time to check in on a community health issue that pre-dated COVID and has only become more pressing since. As you’ll hear more about from our guests, 2019 was supposed to have been a peak level of opioid addiction and misuse, but things look much different now. There is a pernicious shift from dirty heroin to clean prescription drugs, but that clean perception is deceptive, given the power and peril that an opioid like Fentanyl delivers. In basic grade school economic terms, we are witnessing more supply and more demand than ever before. Opioids are a nearly ubiquitous threat to Arizonans, and this crisis is very much worthy of deeper discussion.

You’re about to hear from two long-term warriors in the fight against addiction and overdose – one from an innovative and lifesaving recovery center, and one from the center of Arizona’s acute care and addiction medicine leadership. So let’s get to it. Together, we’re about to get updated on the opioid and opiate landscape, its frustrations and surprises, treatment options, and even a couple of drop the mic moments regarding the Opioid Crisis, as of May 3, 2021.

E82: Arizona's Eviction Crisis Revisted

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:38:17 -0700

We are revisiting our Eviction Crisis episode from January 11, 2021 as the eviction moratorium comes to an end in just a few days.

We’re taking a look at the potential powder keg of pending evictions in Arizona. Even as the pandemic is putting an enormous strain on health care systems, its economic impacts are profound and equally difficult to fathom. According to the National Council of State Housing Agencies, upwards of 250,000 renters are currently in danger of eviction.

We’ve said it many times before. Housing IS health. So, how do we work to avoid yet another potential health crisis triggered by evictions? That is the half-a-billion dollar question. Landlord communications, rental assistance, utility assistance, and legal assistance are all parts of the equation. Help is on the way for landlords and renters. To make sure people are aware of what’s going on and what’s possible, we’ve got three great guests from the legal realm and a new website to talk about at azevictionhelp.org.

It’s time to talk about the pending wave of evictions and Arizona. Most importantly, it’s time to talk about resources to help stem that tide, as of January 11, 2021.

Links:

E81: Transitions, A Podcast Update

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:58:46 -0700

Today we’re connecting with you, our listeners for whom we are so grateful, with a brief message to talk about what’s next for this summer, and for this podcast.

E80: Health and Housing Update - 7/6/21

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 07:38:47 -0700

in case you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, here are two truths that will be at the heart of today’s episode: (1) housing is health; and (2) the dearth of supportive, affordable, and workforce housing in Arizona continues to rear its head when it comes to Arizona residents and their ability to be well. Never was the idea of housing as health made more obvious than during the worst moments of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Those moments were an exclamation point on what the data already has told us for years: Health outcomes are dramatically better – and health care costs are dramatically lower – when Arizonans have affordable quality housing for shelter and respite.

The pandemic continues (particularly with the rise of the delta variant), extreme heat has already left its first mark on Arizonans, and yet the struggle for more housing that’s available to more people continues. You’re about to hear from three Arizona experts about why that is the case, and what we can do about it. (Spoiler alert: a big element that we’re missing rhymes with “analytical skill.”) Our experts have a lot to share, including multiple publications and an important toolkit, links to all of which are found in our show notes.

So let’s get to it: It’s time to talk about inclusionary zoning, LIHTC, nimbyism, ADUs, teacherages, a trust fund, and so much more, as of July 6, 2021.

Links:

E79: Celebrating Pride Month 2021

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:31:27 -0700

As Pride Month 2021 comes to a close, take the time to hear from two awesome Arizonans who are our favorite kinds of folks for you to meet. You might think, “yeah sure,” here come people who are clearly passionate about something that matters to them. But listen carefully to this conversation, and we’d wager that you’ll discover two people who connect, invest, collaborate, and advocate because they care about all of us together. They care about our entire state’s health and well-being. They model the behaviors they seek.

So let’s get to it: It’s time to talk about the power of inclusion over exclusion, Non Discrimination Ordinances over Ballot measures , movements over marginalization, mega-tents over megaphones, and much more, as of June 28, 2021.

E78: Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 12:57:50 -0700

Today, our topic is first responders and behavioral health. More specifically, we’re diving into an amazing documentary called Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops.

As you’re about to hear, documentary filmmaker Jenifer McShane spent years following the work of two members of the San Antonio Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit. Viewers of the film walk in their shoes, as well as in the shoes of the people that these officers are assisting.

It is nothing short of powerful filmmaking regarding a transformational approach to mental health crisis response - and we should note that this film exists thanks to significant support from Arizona’s own David and Lura Lovell Foundation. In this episode you’re going to hear directly from Jen and officer Ernie Stevens. At the end of this podcast, we’re going to give you information on how to stream Ernie and Joe: Crisis Cops. And more importantly, how all first responders nationwide can experience this fantastic film for free right now.

So let’s get to it: It’s time to talk about first responders, the people they’re called upon to help, the connection and empathy that is central to a better outcome, and much more, as of June 14, 2021.

Links:

E77: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 6/7/21

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:08:19 -0700

Today’s COVID-19 Roundtable is set against the backdrop of continued, mostly positive developments in Arizona. U.S. case rates have hit the lowest point since the pandemic began, Arizona case rates are lower but stubbornly plateauing, while vaccination rates are consistently declining. The Federal goal of 70% vaccination by the 4th of July has been reached by 12 U.S. states. Projections tend to show that Arizona will not join them.

Meanwhile, data shows that unvaccinated Arizonans with no antibodies from previous infection face the same risk of infection as ever. Of course, from a population health perspective that group of Arizonans becomes smaller by the day.

There is still a lot to process, a lot to learn from, and a lot to improve upon. So let’s get to it: it’s time to talk about the public health value of school closures, comparison of the current COVID impact to the typical flu season, the future of telehealth and telework, variants, vaccines, the worldwide pandemic context and more, as of June 7, 2021

E76: COVID-19 Roundtable Update -5/24/21

Wed, 26 May 2021 10:12:30 -0700

This pandemic certainly isn’t over yet, but sharper edges of uncertainty are finally starting to round off somewhat, which gives us more space to think, to process what we’ve been going through, and to learn – or to at least identify what we want to learn more about. The focus now is on achieving herd immunity, drawing upon data and lessons, and building a better future.

This is our first episode since the CDC changed masking requirements, allowing vaccinated Americans to generally put their masks aside, while putting the rest of us on the honor system to stay masked if not vaccinated. Some are happy, some are frustrated, others are annoyed. Polling indicates that Americans don’t trust each other to do the right thing. Daily life is still a negotiation of will vs. rules, of grace vs. anger, and of individual rights vs. public space.

So let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about retail vaccine strategy, return on sacrifice analysis, the multiple aspects of the schools conundrum and more as of May 24, 2021.

E75: Redistricting in Arizona

Tue, 18 May 2021 17:35:16 -0700

We’re here today to dig into a once-in-a-decade opportunity. It goes by the unsexy, easy-to-overlook term “redistricting,” but do not lulled into complacency by it. In a nutshell, this is about creating the boundaries of the geographic areas that each member of Congress, for example, will be representing. It is, in fact, the next key and crucial step after the just-completed 2020 Census count. And the time to jump in and get this process right is – you guessed it – now.

So why, you might be asking, is a health foundation talking about this? That’s easier to answer than it might at first appear, because redistricting has cascading effects on communities’ capacities to be healthy and well. We’re talking about voice, power, and resources – specifically, who’s voices are heard, what community power is reflected in policy decisions, and what resources that support community health are adequately and appropriately allocated to communities. There are no geography lessons in this podcast. Politics are not our interest either. For the partners focused on bringing diverse communities to the redistricting process, this is about people. Representation and voice are core concepts not only of our democracy, but of our health and well-being.

So let’s get to it. It’s time to wrap our heads around something that seems conceptually simple but is practically quite complex, and to understand it today because of how much it matters for Arizonans’ health over the next decade of tomorrows, as of May 17, 2021

Link: Why Redistricting Matters

E74:COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 5/10/21

Tue, 11 May 2021 19:47:45 -0700

For this COVID-19 Roundtable, it probably won’t surprise you at all that we’re going to talk quite a bit about vaccines. We are also going to talk about ASU’s latest predictive modeling results regarding the next four months, and we’re going to paint a picture of how hospitals and health care professionals are trying to process and recover from a very stressful time. Plus, did you ever think a podcast focused on COVID would also talk about pizza boxes? In this episode we will, in fact, check that box.

We have reached a state of pseudo-balance. Arizona is still experiencing a moderate to substantial rate of new COVID cases from the much more transmissible B.1.1.7 variant. The balance point comes from a combination of people who have already COVID and those who are vaccinated.

There is no guarantee that balance will hold. What’s required is finding ways to get more and more Arizonans vaccinated. As Will notes, we’ll get to herd immunity, but the question is when. And how.

So let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about putting all the puzzle pieces together, taking pizza boxes apart, getting people off of fences, and getting shots into arms as of May 10, 2021.

E73: Field Notes - The Opioid Crisis

Wed, 05 May 2021 10:52:53 -0700

E72: COVID-19 Roundtable Update -4/26/21

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 10:56:39 -0700

Two weeks ago we asked you to tell us if the Roundtable is still helpful. You responded with resoundingly positive feedback, and thank goodness because our experts really wanted to keep going – and boy are we going to get into it today. New executive orders, the ins and outs of getting shots in arms, needed policy changes and more. The big and small shocks, the bouts of exhaustion, and the aggrievements of this pandemic continue to reverberate, which means we have more to explore, reflect upon, make sense of, and grow from.

While we’re at it, let’s not lose sight of COVID’s worldwide context either. On April 26 New Zealand detailed 3 new cases, the U.S. recorded 34,641, and India reported more than 350,000 new confirmed cases - for the fifth straight day. Here in Arizona, meanwhile, the new case counts are stubbornly not declining, while the daily count of vaccinations is.

All of which is to say that there is much to discuss with our roundtable guests, so let’s get to it. It’s time to talk B.1.1.7’s ascendance, what’s going on with hospitals and health care professionals, how COVID is becoming a young person’s disease, how to make vaccines more convenient, and where we might go next as of April 26, 2021.

E71: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 4/12/21

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:36:00 -0700

This time out at the roundtable, vaccines are at the core of this episode more than ever before. Specifically, how U.S. vaccination rates are working to slow the spread, if International vaccinations can stem an influx of troubling variants into the U.S., what is going on with vaccine hesitancy, and when might we envision something like meaningful herd immunity. Those topics are far trickier than you might imagine. For example, up until now, herd immunity was a distant goal. Now it is coming into view, and we actually need to wrap our arms around what’s going to be acceptable for us as a country, and ultimately as a worldwide community.

You’ll hear our panelists dig into herd immunity, discuss how we dig out of the tremendous psychological impact that the pandemic has had, and really wrestle with problems like continued inequity, vaccines for kids, and providing the pure convenient access for all Arizonans. It’s still a race between virus mutation and mass vaccination. For the moment it appears the U.S. is ahead of the game, but indications from states like Michigan are making many experts wary.

So let’s get to it. March Madness may have been settled in terms of basketball, but for COVID we’ve transitioned to anxious April. Which means that it’s time to talk effectiveness, exhaustion, hesitancy, mutations, infections, frustrations, and more as of April 12, 2021.

E70: Page and the Pandemic

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 11:40:28 -0700

In this episode we’re headed North – right up to Glen Canyon Dam in fact. Not far from the now Insta-famous Horseshoe Bend lies the city of Page and a unique pandemic-era story with lessons for all of us. This tourism-oriented city didn’t suffer the kind of economic disarray that would have precipitated steep declines in well-being and health. Something else altogether transpired instead in response to COVID, and it happened in contrast to how things played out in other parts of our state. During the days when many Arizonans were still trying to figure out which way was up, and still more of us were deeply engaged in rapid cycle learning about how COVID worked, Page simply got to work.

You’re about to hear from two people who galvanized the business community to act in order to prevent the loss of businesses, jobs, and residents during the pandemic. Page’s behavioral health, physical health, and civic health would all rise and fall on how well the city weathered the COVID storm.

This is the story of how Page Arizona navigated pandemic waters economically, so that it could continue to support community health and well-being, as of April 5, 2021.

E69: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 3/29/21

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 11:18:37 -0700

Fingers-crossed, you are about to listen to what might be the last March COVID-19 roundtable ever. We are moving towards the end of this pandemic; however, there are a number of complexities, policy decisions, and community-based issues still in front of us. Oddly, in some ways, this March feels a little like last March: (1) we are transitioning from one public health reality to another, (2) there are enough variables up in the air to make our immediate future more uncertain, and (3) there is a distinct sense that while the virus does not discriminate, COVID’s impact will.

There is still a LOT to sort out. Not the least being how to adapt vaccination strategy, and specifically how to effectively address inequity in distribution. Also, what the heck happens inside each place of business once a governor lifts all mitigation orders and simultaneously nullifies local government orders. Those topics and more are the basis of this conversation.

Just like March Madness is down to the Elite 8, it’s time to narrow our focus on the high seeds and Cinderellas that remain in the fight to beat back variants, avoid another surge like the one taking place in Europe, and navigate to a place of improving public health as of March 29, 2021.

E68: Streets, Spaces, and Vibrancy

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 11:45:10 -0700

The Spark is taking it to the streets! Arizona overall and Tucson in particular had already been engaged in a variety of efforts to re-activate streets in ways that better connect us as people - harmoniously, whether those users are car drivers, transit riders, cyclists or people of various modes and abilities. And then? A little thing known as COVID-19 came a-calling. At first, our streets were nearly deserted. And then they weren’t. All of a sudden we had different needs, while other long neglected needs became urgent. As we transitioned through stages of the pandemic and social change in 2020, public and open spaces became more essential than ever, but in brand new ways.

And that’s what this discussion is all about. How can we utilize streets – which can also be re-considered as perhaps the single largest public real estate investment of any place – in combination with open spaces in order to create community health, well-being and vibrancy?

This conversation picks up where another report left off. Click the link below for "Creating Vibrant Communities," the 113th Arizona Town Hall Background Report. Throughout the course of last year and 2021, Community Town Halls are convening virtually to discuss the broader question of how to create community vibrancy. This podcast zeroes in on one chapter, the role of streets, transportation and open space. And wow, have things changed since COVID began.

It’s time to talk about streateries, parklets, neighbors connecting in new ways, the realities of a how a downtown business district survives and thrives, how a nonprofit cancels some of its biggest events and does the same, and how a city can best support everyone’s efforts to create community vibrancy, as of March 22, 2021.

Link: Creating Vibrant Communities, the 113th Arizona Town Hall Background Report

E67: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 3/15/21

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 10:53:14 -0700

This episode marks an anniversary: one year since this podcast’s COVID-19 roundtable began. In those early moments while we were busy sorting out what we were facing it was fairly well understood that the pandemic was not a short-term event, yet this 26th roundtable discussion seems a little surreal as we all harbor guarded hopes for better days ahead.

The last 12 months have been a terribly rocky road: (1) through politicization of public health interventions that disfigured the U.S. response, (2) through the prism of systemic racism with the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, (3) through rapid cycles of scientific data, healthcare experiences, and vaccine development, and (4) through the reality that American health care resources are not without limits. Many people stayed home. Many others risked their lives in essential roles. We are asked to distance from each other when all we wanted was to be together. We were unable to recognized life milestones in traditional ways. On top of all that, three longstanding American myths - of equality, abundance, and exceptionalism - got shaken to their core.

Which is why it seemed like the right time to spend this roundtable separating the wheat from the chafe. What, and who, and how did we lose? What did we learn? If anything, what did we gain? How, as of this moment anyway, might we go forward? For that matter, what do the next one, three, or six months look like?

These are the questions we’ll approach on our one-year anniversary of the Vitalyst Spark COVID-19 Roundtable. With apologies to Clint Eastwood, it’s time to take a look back AND a look forward at the good, the bad, and the ugly of COVID-19, as of March 15, 2021.

E66: Trauma Sensitive Schools in Arizona

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 21:40:19 -0700

In this episode we’re introducing you to a report and a concept that could make all the difference when it comes to improving educational outcomes in Arizona. The work of Trauma Sensitive Schools sits firmly at the intersection of both education and health. It’s nearly impossible to separate the two. They are interwoven when it comes to a young child’s capacity to show up ready to learn. They are intertwined when it comes to strong educational outcomes that are the basis of economic opportunity. And they are inseparable as key factors for a long and healthy life. As you’ll hear our guests remark repeatedly, everything starts with a true relational connection for our kiddos, and that’s what Trauma Sensitive Schools are all about.

This episode is packed with paradigm shifting insights, so let’s get right to it. It’s time to talk about applying neurobiological insights to the very present and daunting tasks of improving health and educational outcomes in Arizona, as of March 8, 2021.

Report Link - Creating Trauma Sensitive Arizona Schools: Building Resilience to Lessen the Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences

E65: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 3/1/21

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 07:22:00 -0700

Our roundtable is back. We’ve got a mixed bag of good news and bad news, along with some longer-term implications that we can’t totally be sure about yet. Regardless, it is important that we continue to have our experts share what they know and what they don’t, as well as project what may happen in the future. At times, they’re processing, sorting and adapting in real-time – kind of like we all have been since this pandemic first began challenging our daily lives at just about this time a year ago.

Today, you’ll hear us processing the latest news on how the decline in cases and deaths has turned into a plateau, and possibly a newly unsettling trend of increase. Plus we’ll get more into how our healthcare system is doing, how statewide vaccinations are progressing, how new vaccines could help, and how what happens worldwide makes the difference for us in the U.S. and in Arizona too.

There’s a lot to learn about in this episode, so let’s get right to it. It’s time to talk about what’s going on with Arizona’s rates of infections, hospitalizations, deaths, vaccinations, and more as of March 1, 2021.

Link: Death, Through a Nurse's Eyes (New York Times video of Valleywise COVID ICU)

E64: 2021 Legislative Session Update

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 13:02:19 -0700

In the three years since this podcast originally launched, we’ve talked consistently about the need for policy change, yet we’ve never produced an episode focused on an Arizona Legislative Session. But that all changes today.

In this, our 64th episode (cue the Beatles When I’m 64), we’ve got some policy champs on the line to talk about what’s going on related to health care, housing and food during this 2021 Legislative Session. The big question, of course, is “how does the pandemic shape what’s happening down there” – and we’re going to get right into that big time in this episode.

It’s time to talk about what’s going on with food systems, housing and health care at the 2021 Arizona Legislative Session, as of February 22, 2021.

Links:

E63: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 02/15

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:57:58 -0700

This week we’ve got a brand-new panelist and we’re digging into what everybody wants to know about: what’s going on with vaccines?!? It’s clear that Arizona as a state is staking its future on two strategies for COVID. The first relies on individuals being asked to do the right things regarding mitigation. The second relies on vaccinations. We’ll talk about where the numbers are today and what they tell us about mitigation, and then we will shift to all aspects of vaccination, including systematic successes, operational shortcomings, and racial and income inequities – as well as the need for approval of more vaccines to address all of the above.

There’s a lot to learn about in this episode, so let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about the Arizona’s improving numbers, plus all things vaccination-related, as of February 15, 2021.

E62: COVID-19 Global View

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 13:08:14 -0700

This week we’re zooming out from Arizona to gain a more global view of COVID-19. You’re about to meet a complexity science physicist, an epidemiologist at the heart of a successful national COVD strategy, and an independent health care analyst who bridges international and U.S. perspectives. You’ve heard a lot on this podcast about policies and systems for mitigation. Today, the topic shifts to the strategy of elimination: how other countries achieved it while the United States did not, along with thoughts as to why and what can be done next.

There’s a whole new perspective learn about in this episode, so let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about the international picture of the pandemic: what we’ve seen in the world, and what can be learned from different countries’ actions, as of February 8, 2021.

Links:

endcoronavirus.org
BMJ Article "Elimination Could Be the Optimal Response Strategy for COVID-19 and Other Emerging Pandemic Diseases," co-authored by Michael Baker
Guardian Op-Ed "All Countries Should Pursue a COVID-19 Elimination Strategy: Here Are 16 Reasons Why," co-authored by Michael Baker
Pre-Print: "A Proactive Approach to Fight SARS-CoV-2 in Germany and Europe"

E61: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 2/1

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 10:37:04 -0700

So much is happening right now: (1) our healthcare heroes and hospital systems continue to be pushed to their limits, (2) at least one new and highly transmissible coronavirus strain is confirmed in Arizona, (3) the death toll climbs, and (4) the toll of social, health, and economic impacts increases too. On the other side of the equation the race to ramp up vaccine approvals, and get actual “shots in arms,” gains momentum. Today, we’ll work to get a handle as to where Arizona stands on each of these items.

One fact still stands out: Arizona continues to lead the nation in terms of weekly average new COVID cases. It was twelve months ago that our state confirmed its first COVID case. We have amassed a year of learning, and it still boils down to this: in order to slow the spread, you’ve got to stay home as much as you can, wash up and mask up when you can’t, and shrink your circle. It really, truly, is that simple. When we don’t do these things, cases rise and more people die. When we do, cases fall and we save lives. Do your part. Slow the spread. Be COVID smart.

It’s time to talk about our healthcare heroes, a COVID 2020 year in review, what’s up with new vaccine approvals, and what’s going on with the current vaccine rollout, as of February 1, 2021.

Links:

E60: Tribal Health and Vibrancy

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 12:19:38 -0700

This week’s episode marks the start of a journey into the health, well-being and vibrancy of Arizona’s tribal communities. Tribes comprise 7% of this state’s population, and have governmental responsibilities across 25% of its land mass. Yet tribes are far too misunderstood, and far too little recognized for their wisdom and strengths.

Our three awesome guests took on a daunting task: providing an overview of Arizona’s tribes for the 113th Arizona Town Hall background report entitled Creating Vibrant Communities. The work they did was such a great contribution that space in the report was expanded to give more momentum to busting some myths, building knowledge, and opening up new possibilities.

So let’s get to it. It’s time to open up the discussion about Arizona’s tribal communities, starting with an introduction to the Arizona Town Hall Background Report chapter, its authors, the tribes’ COVID experiences, and much more, as of January 25, 2021.

Links:

Creating Vibrant Communities, the 113th Arizona Town Hall Background Report

Native Nations Institute (Joan Timeche)

Morningstar Leaders (Debbie Nez)

HealthChoice Arizona (Holly Figueroa)

E59: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 1/18/21

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 14:32:27 -0700

COVID-19 continues to spread substantially in Arizona, leaving few corners of life untouched. You’ll hear quite a bit of discussion between our two guests about just why that is – and you will be hearing from two guests instead of three precisely because of COVID: long-time participant Dr. Nicholas Vasquez started our session at the table, but was drawn away five minutes into the recording by the urgency of another COVID fatality. In fact, as we release this episode, the U.S. will record its 400,000 death from COVID-19, and you’ll hear more perspective on that from Dr. Joshua LaBaer in a few minutes.

400,000 American deaths is a deeply troubling milestone, and urgent policy and change will be needed to slow the spread and stem the tide of hospitalizations and deaths. Please contribute to slowing down the spread: wash up, mask up, and shrink your circle. The more people we bump into, the more chance there is for COVID-19 to spread. It’s that simple. The capacity of our health care system to care for Arizonans is at stake. The well-being of our frontline health care workers is at stake. The lives of Arizonans are at stake. Do your part. Shrink your circle of contact. Be COVID-smart.

Alright, let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about where we’ve gone wrong; how we might want to think about the rules of the road going forward; the latest on operation warp speed and the warped rollout of vaccines; and when some sense of normality might return, as of January 18, 2021.

E58: Arizona's Eviction Crisis

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:46:02 -0700

For episode two of 2021, we’re taking a look at the potential powder keg of pending evictions in Arizona. Even as the pandemic is putting an enormous strain on health care systems, its economic impacts are profound and equally difficult to fathom. According to the National Council of State Housing Agencies, upwards of 250,000 renters are currently in danger of eviction.

It’s time to talk about the pending wave of evictions and Arizona. Most importantly, it’s time to talk about resources to help stem that tide, as of January 11, 2021.

Links:

E57: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 1/4

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 12:32:45 -0700

Welcome to 2021 and the first Vitalyst Spark podcast of this new year. We are starting up right where we left off - with our COVID-19 Roundtable. Here is what’s to come in this episode: first, a look at where we are now and reflection as to how Arizona got here; next, some analysis of what individuals and communities are thinking and doing; and thirdly, just what the heck is going on with the slow rollout of vaccinations. It’s a conversation filled with great insights, serious frustrations, and surprising revelations that you do not want to miss.

Before we get to the conversation, know that today brought more striking COVID news for Arizona. You’ll hear us talk about having the fifth-highest population-adjusted weekly average case rate. But just hours after recording, Arizona officially vaulted to number one in the U.S., per data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Community spread is currently orders of magnitude higher than anything experienced earlier this year. Hospitals and their staffs, as you’ll hear in more detail, are at or near breaking points. And the case rate trajectory indicates that system stresses will increase over the coming weeks.

Please contribute to slowing down the spread: wash up, mask up, and shrink your circle. The more people we bump into, the more chance there is for COVID-19 to spread. It’s that simple. The capacity of our health care system to care for Arizonans is at stake. The well-being of our frontline health care workers is at stake. The lives of so many Arizonans are at stake. Do your part. Shrink your circle of contact. Be COVID smart.

You won’t find any New Year’s resolutions in this episode, but you will find Arizona realities and revelations regarding COVID-19 as of January 4, 2021.

E56: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 12/21

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 09:48:11 -0700

Welcome to the final Vitalyst Spark podcast of 2020. We are finishing this year with our 20th COVID-19 Roundtable just after Emergency Use Authorization for a second vaccine from Moderna. It also arrives among very long shadows cast by record high new daily and weekly case counts, record high hospitalizations, and unthinkable numbers of deaths. The U.S. is experiencing fatality rates that are equivalent to or greater than a daily 9/11. Some realities of how we are handling this pandemic have become maddeningly frustrating. Meanwhile, other realities have to be acknowledged as part of a learning curve. And still others – like getting two highly effective vaccines developed in less than a year – are to be celebrated. We’re going to touch on all three of those realities in today’s discussion.

What can you do this holiday season? Enjoy it. Safely. That means not only should you wash up, mask up, and keep a heads up for your fellow Arizonans out there. It also means that we’ve got to slow down the spread. And that means that we all need to shrink our circle. The more people we bump into, the more chance there is for COVID-19 to spread. It’s that simple, so please: be COVID smart. The capacity of our health care system to care for our fellow Arizonans is at stake. The well-being of our frontline health care workers is at stake. The lives of so many Arizonans are too. Do you part. Shrink your circle of contact. Be COVID smart.

Alright, let’s get to it. It’s time to talk about the numbers, health care capacity, front line worker burnout, contact tracing, state metrics for businesses and schools, vaccines, the powers of science, the media, and more… as of December 21, 2020.

E55: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 12/07

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 10:50:17 -0700

Today’s COVID-19 Roundtable is a little schizophrenic. On the one hand, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, in the form of pending emergency use authorizations and vaccine rollouts. On the other hand, you can expect somewhere between 36 and 70 Americans to die just in the time it takes for you to listen to this podcast episode at regular speed. In Arizona, case counts are at new highs, hospital capacities are being strained, and there is no sign that any of these numbers will soon peak or decrease. In fact, the sobering reality is that the opposite is true.

In the near term especially, we need to take extra special care of ourselves and our communities. As you’ll hear from our guests in this episode, we’ve got to do everything we can using what we now know. Three factors determine potential for infection: people, space, and time. More people = more risk, less space = more risk, and longer time = more risk. There is a big difference between a well-spaced walk in the park and a small, indoor bar that’s filled with people. Bars and restaurants have been shown to be more risky for COVID-19 by a significant factor. The CDC is urging us to limit travel and to limit the number of people at. Do your best Arizona. Wash up, mask up, and maintain physical distancing to help manage the risks of people, space, and time.

Alright, let’s get to it. It’s time to about the latest information on vaccines – but also what’s happening with community spread and health care systems as of December 7, 2020.

E54: COVID Roundtable Update - 11/24

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 11:16:22 -0700

This roundtable arrives after another two weeks of big, and fast, developments. Generally speaking, we can lump most of what’s happened into two buckets – the good news (about vaccines in particular), and the not-so-good news (about big COVID-19 case increases nationwide, including here in Arizona). This episode was recorded just three days prior to a very unusual Thanksgiving holiday: no Macy’s parade, Thanksgiving football with few people actually in stadiums, and strong recommendations from public health officials about large gatherings for extended periods of time indoors. Here’s one way to think about your Thanksgiving celebrations: we can now see the light at the end of this COVID-19 tunnel, but we’re not there yet.

Our health and well-being is shaped by three factors that determine exposure to potential viral load: people, space, and time. More people = more risk, less space = more risk, and longer time = more risk. There is a big difference between a well-spaced walk in the park and a small, indoor bar that’s filled with people. Bars and restaurants have been shown to be more risky for COVID-19 by a significant factor. The CDC is urging us to limit travel and to limit the number of people at family gatherings. Do your best Arizona. Wash up, mask up, and maintain physical distancing to help manage the risks of people, space, and time.

In this episode we're talking about what’s happening in terms of good news about vaccines – but also what’s happening with the not-so-good news related to Arizona’s COVID-19 case growth, hospital capacity decreases, and more, as of November 23rd, 2020.

E53: COVID-19 Roundtable Update - 11/09

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 09:55:38 -0700

Our advice to you from podcast HQ for this episode is to buckle up. We’ve had an influx of COVID-19 developments and news, much of which broke just before, during, and after our November 9 recording session. Our panel will cover the before and during – including the latest numbers, Pfizer’s big vaccine effectiveness announcement, and much more. We ask that you stick around for a minute or two after the panel ends to get an update on Arizona schools and in-person learning. Suffice it to say that things are moving quickly right now. Luckily, we’ve got three experts around the table to help you navigate and make sense of all of it – backed by more data than ever to help clarify what it is that we do and don’t know. And the data is clear on this: our collective well-being during this pandemic is shaped by three factors that determine exposure to potential viral load: people, space, and time. More people = more risk, less space = more risk, and longer time = more risk. There is a big difference between a well-spaced walk in the park and a small, indoor bar that’s filled with people. Do your best Arizona. Wash up, mask up, and maintain physical distancing to help manage the risks of people, space, and time. Alright, let’s get to it. It’s time to vaccines, task forces, trusting scientists, the numbers, and the somewhat tricky COVID-19 tightrope we’re walking with case counts on the rise as of November 9, 2020.

Show links:

Banner, TMC comment on surge in cases: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2020/11/09/covid-19-cases-arizona-showing-clear-upward-trend-hospitalizations-spiking-and-health-providers-brac/6180857002/
60 Minutes' coverage of Operation Warp Speed: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-60-minutes-2020-11-08/
Pfizer vaccine 90% effectiveness announcement: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/11/09/pfizers-covid-vaccine-candidate-shows-90-effectiveness-early-test/6011925002/
COVID-19 and In-person learning news conference coverage: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2020/11/09/kathy-hoffman-dr-cara-christ-hold-news-conference-covid-cases-rise/6221827002/

E52: Health Coverage Open Enrollment

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:29:58 -0700

Between November 1 and December 15, you can get free help from impartial, certified counselors who will help you get no-cost, low-cost, or the most affordable coverage options available.