In this episode of Humanitarian Horizons Christina and Angela discusses mental health aspects of vaccine injuries. Angela, a former marketing and communications professional, shares her story of experiencing severe health issues after receiving a COVID vaccine booster. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety by doctors, she later learned she has pericarditis and myocarditis, inflammation of the heart sac and muscle respectively. Angela describes the emotional toll of gaslighting by medical professionals and the social isolation that followed as friends abandoned her due to misconceptions. The episode concludes with Angela emphasizing that vaccine injuries are real and urging listeners to advocate for themselves.

In this episode of Humanitarian Horizons, Christina DiArcangelo welcomes Erik Asher, a dear friend and fellow advocate in the cannabinoid space. They delve into the changes they've witnessed in Pennsylvania's medical cannabis program and how it has impacted patients. Despite promises of a patient-centric approach, the program's evolution has been met with mixed results. Initially, the program boasted high-quality products from numerous small companies focused on patient well-being. However, the entry of out-of-state companies led to consolidation, dwindling product variety, and increased prices.

They reflect on the program's early days when it held promise for clinical research collaborations with prestigious universities. Erik emphasizes the importance of this research for advancing medical understanding and product development. Yet, despite these potential benefits, they highlight ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by those advocating for cannabis as a legitimate medicine. Throughout the conversation, they stress the need for continued advocacy to ensure patient access, rights, and dignity in the evolving landscape of medical cannabis.

This episode of Humanitarian Horizons dives into mental health with Dr. Michelle Sanders, a trauma specialist. Dr. Sanders discusses her work with underserved populations, including children with AIDS in NYC and single mothers in Bolivia. She emphasizes the importance of building trust and cultural sensitivity when working internationally. Dr. Sanders also highlights the challenges faced by people like the Yazidis, a minority group in Iraq who are survivors of genocide. The conversation acknowledges the mental health effects of the pandemic and underscores the importance of self-care for those working in humanitarian fields.