At the Core of Care

This episode marks the second part of our two-part series on Reimaging the Nursing Workforce: Opportunities for Growth in PA. In this episode, we continue our conversation with Deborah Gardiner, diving deeper into the workings of the Nurse Residency Collaborative. Deb, a true expert in the field, explains how these residency programs are structured to support and guide new nurses through their early career stages. As the co-chair of the Workforce Coalition's Nurse Residency Collaborative and the Nurse Residency Coordinator at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, she offers valuable insights drawn from her extensive experience. In addition to her role with nurse residencies, Deb also serves as a Nursing Professional Development Specialist and Nurse Leader for the hospital's RISE program, which helps healthcare workers navigate the emotional toll of traumatic patient care experiences. Tune in for more on how these critical programs are shaping the future of nursing and supporting the well-being of healthcare professionals.

We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone for our organization—our brand refresh! Formerly known as the Pennsylvania Action Coalition, we are now the Pennsylvania Nursing Workforce Coalition, a new name that reflects our mission to place Pennsylvania’s nursing workforce at the forefront of healthcare. In this episode, we dive into our vision and strategic priorities as we embark on a five-year plan to advocate, support, and advance a nursing workforce that drives a healthier Pennsylvania. Our approach includes three core initiatives: bolstering nursing workforce pathways, reimagining public policy through data, and embracing diversity with equitable solutions. We’ll be joined by Daniel Hudson, Vice President and Associate Chief Nurse Executive for Nursing Operations and Administration at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia. Daniel is one of our newest advisory board members, and he brings invaluable expertise in nursing workforce optimization, care delivery, and staff engagement. We’ll be discussing the future of nursing, healthcare trends, and how Daniel’s extensive experience can help us move closer to our goals.

In this episode, Donna Bailey, CEO, guides us through the pivotal role of Community Behavioral Health (CBH). CBH funds crucial mental health treatment for Medicaid recipients in Philadelphia, ensuring accessibility and support. We focus on CBH's efforts in supporting pregnant or parenting individuals, including collaborations with the Joseph J Peters Institute (JJPI). We explore NNCC's successful collaboration with JJPI, connecting over 200 clients to essential therapy services. This highlights CBH's extensive provider network and its impact on mental health outcomes. The conversation emphasizes preemptive engagement in mental health services and overcoming systemic barriers, addressing social determinants of health crucial to tackling mental health challenges. As we observe Black Maternal Mental Health Week 2024 (July 19-26), this episode underscores the need for equitable mental health care access. Join us as we discuss fostering comprehensive care for all Philadelphians.

Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about intimate partner violence that some listeners may find disturbing or difficult to hear. This episode marks the second part of our two-part series on intimate partner violence (IPV). In our previous episode, we heard from Kalena Brown, an IPV survivor who shared her journey of overcoming immense challenges and using her voice to educate and support others. In this episode, we dive deeper into the topic with Lizz Tooher, RN, MPH and Mac Taylor, who reference Kalena's story as they discuss IPV in Philadelphia and beyond. Lizz Tooher is a public health nurse and the Senior Director of Child Health and Education at the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC), working closely with families raising children under five years old. Mac Taylor is a Paralegal with the Health Education and Legal Assistance Project (HELP MLP) at Widener University, collaborating with NNCC to support families enrolled in home visiting programs across Philadelphia. Home visitors, like those in the Mabel Morris Family Home Visit program, play a crucial role in screening for IPV and providing support to survivors. It's essential to recognize that IPV extends beyond physical violence, impacting survivors psychologically, emotionally, and financially. Lizz and Mac share their insights into the challenges faced by survivors, the importance of building trust and community connections, and the systemic barriers to accessing resources. Through their discussion, they shed light on the complexities of IPV and advocate for improved support systems. Join us as we explore the multifaceted nature of intimate partner violence and the role of healthcare providers and communities in addressing this critical issue.

Content Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions about intimate partner violence that some listeners may find disturbing or difficult to hear. In this episode, we begin a powerful two-part series on intimate partner violence (IPV). In Part 1, Kalena Brown, an IPV survivor shares her story of overcoming immense challenges including physical and psychological trauma, systemic failures, and societal stigma. Kalena recounts her harrowing journey through custody battles, abuse, and the emotional aftermath of IPV. She reveals the persistent institutional problems survivors face and her efforts to advocate for change within the healthcare and judicial systems. Her story is a testament to resilience and the importance of reclaiming one's voice. Join us as we delve into Kalena's story, shedding light on the often-hidden aspects of IPV and exploring how healthcare providers and society can better support survivors. As we bring you this episode in May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, it's crucial to recognize that IPV manifests in various forms beyond physical violence, including psychological, emotional, and financial abuse.

In this compelling podcast episode, we are joined by guest Shukriyyah Mitchell Hinton, BSN, RN, the Senior Director of Outreach and Advocacy from the National Nurse-Led Care Consortium (NNCC) who leads a poignant conversation with Saleemah McNeil, CLC, MS, MFT, and Imani Davis. Together, they delve into the systemic challenges facing Black maternal health in Philadelphia and beyond. From personal experiences to community initiatives, they explore the multifaceted efforts to address disparities through advocacy, education, and support. As they navigate through discussions on mental health, home visiting programs, and legislative advocacy, they bring light to the ongoing struggles for maternal health equity. Imani Davis is a lived experience expert and community specialist for organizations including Strategy Arts and Community Action Network (CAN). Saleemah McNeil is a reproductive psychotherapist and founder of the Oshun Family Center in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. This episode coincides with Black Maternal Health Week. To learn more about virtual and in-person events scheduled in Philadelphia, please visit bmhwphilly.org for more information. 

Our partners at Obscured captured the insights of our distinguished panelists in two parts, each shedding light on the diverse facets of harm reduction and effective strategies for addressing trauma resulting from interactions with law enforcement. If you have not listened to Part 1, we recommend starting with that episode. Listen here! Continuing the dialogue in the second part of the panel discussion are moderators Stephanie Marudas from Kouvenda Media and Namaijah Faison, MPH from the Pennsylvania Action Coalition. Joining them is Talitha Smith, BSN, RN, a nurse navigator with the Allegheny Health Network’s Center for Inclusion Health Clinic, RIvER (Rethinking Incarceration and Empowering Recovery). Following Talitha, we delve into the experiences of Chad Bruckner, a retired police detective who now owns and oversees a private investigator firm, Intercounty Investigations & Solutions, Inc. and is a coach and recovery specialist. Wrapping up the discussion is Laurie A. Corbin, MSS, MLSP, who is the Managing Director for Community Engagement at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). She oversees a range of programs that provide social services, prevention, intervention, treatment, and education to at-risk individuals and their families.

In a special collaboration, the Pennsylvania Action Coalition joined forces with Kouvenda Media’s Obscured Journalism Initiative last year to host a thought-provoking panel discussion on law enforcement interactions within the community and the implementation of a harm reduction care model. Our partners at Obscured captured the insights of our distinguished panelists in two parts, each shedding light on the diverse facets of harm reduction and effective strategies for addressing trauma resulting from interactions with law enforcement. In this episode, we hear from Talitha Smith, a nurse navigator with the Allegheny Health Network’s Center for Inclusion Health Clinic, RIvER (Rethinking Incarceration and Empowering Recovery). Talitha shares her insights about harm reduction and her passion for RIvER’s unique programming, which rapidly, effectively, and compassionately addresses the health needs of individuals post-release from incarceration.  Following Talitha's insights, we delve into the experiences of Chad Bruckner, a retired police detective who now owns and oversees a private investigator firm and is a coach and recovery specialist. Closing the discussion is Laurie A. Corbin who is the Managing Director for Community Engagement at Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). She oversees a range of programs that provide social services, prevention, intervention, treatment, and education to at-risk individuals and their families.