We’re excited to share a brand new episode of "More Health, Less Healthcare" with you! This week, host Peter Boland sits down with two incredible voices from the SIREN group: Andy Quiñones-Rivera and Danielle Hessler Jones. If you care about what makes social care truly effective (it’s more than just paperwork), this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Sneak Peek: What You’ll Learn

We packed this episode with actionable insights—here are 5 keys you’ll take away:

1. The True Mission of SIREN
2. SIREN stands for Social Intervention Research Evaluation Network—get the inside scoop on how they’re reshaping the way we think about social determinants of health.
3. It’s Not Just the Data—It’s the Interaction
4. Andy Quiñones-Rivera shares why the way social needs screenings are conducted can be as important—sometimes more important—than what’s actually asked.
5. Patient Experience: More Than a Number
6. Diving into real patient interviews, you’ll hear what makes social care a positive or negative experience, and why just checking a box isn’t enough.
7. Racism and Stigma in Social Care
8. The team bravely discusses how issues of race and stigma shape patient trust and engagement, with powerful patient quotes to bring these realities to life.
9. New Tools for Real Change
10. Danielle Hessler Jones unveils a new patient experience measure—designed not just to count how many screenings happen, but to help improve the quality of care across the board.

Fun Fact from the Episode!

Even when patients received material help (like a referral or resource), many said the feeling of the interaction—whether they were listened to, respected, and approached with cultural sensitivity—sometimes mattered even more than the help itself!

Listen & Be Inspired

This conversation is a reminder: social care is not about ticking boxes, but about making real, human connections that have the power to heal and build trust. Whether you’re a healthcare pro, patient, or just passionate about health equity, you’ll come away with practical ideas on how to make a difference.

Your Turn!

Ready to dive deeper? 🎧 Check out the episode and explore the full slide deck available in our show notes for even more insight. After listening, reply to this email and let us know your biggest takeaway—or tell us how YOU think we can improve social care!

Dr. Andy Quiñones-Rivera is an emergency medicine physician and the Medical Director of Acute Care Outcomes at Alameda Health System. Their work is focused on health care quality, population health, and social determinants of health. Dr. Quiñones-Rivera earned their medical degree from the UCSF School of Medicine (UCSF PRIME-US) and completed their emergency medicine residency at the Los Angeles County–University of Southern California Medical Center.

Dr. Hessler Jones is co-Director of the Social Interventions Research and Evaluation Network (SIREN) and a Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. Her research focuses on social care delivery in the health care sector; including understanding the impact and implementation of programs aimed at screening and addressing social risks alongside programs that seek to adjust care to fit an individual’s social context. As a health psychologist Dr. Hessler Jones also brings experience in health behaviors and engagement and intersections with mental health.

We’re excited to announce the release of Part 2 of our conversation with Jason Gale on the More Health, Less Healthcare podcast! This episode is packed with honest insights, global perspectives, and a healthy dose of optimism for tackling the chronic aftermath of COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Introduction

In this episode, Peter Boland welcomes back Jason Gale, a Bloomberg News journalist with decades of experience in pandemic preparedness. Together, they dive into the controversial and often overlooked realities of Long COVID, chronic illness, and how we can build better systems (and trust!) for the future.

5 Keys You’ll Learn:

1. Who’s Been Seen—and Who’s Been Invisible: Discover how essential workers, nursing home residents, and communities with health inequalities were disproportionately impacted, and why chronic illness still flies under the radar.

2. Why Chronic Conditions Remain in the Shadows: Learn the surprising reasons chronic care doesn’t get the funding, media, or public interest it deserves—even as it grows.

3. The Importance of Trust in Public Health: See how fractured trust in institutions and science became a major roadblock, and explore inspiring examples from Denmark and grassroots messengers.

4. Lessons from Around the World: What did other countries do right? Understand Jason’s take on countries like South Korea, Denmark, and Vietnam, and why separating politics from science matters.

5. What’s Next? Preparing for Future Pandemics: Hear Jason’s candid thoughts on why another pandemic is inevitable—and what actionable steps we can take to respond smarter, measure chronic impacts, and build unified, consistent public health funding.

Fun Fact from the Episode

Did you know the trusted messenger for health information might be your hair salon—not your clinic? Peter Boland and Jason Gale discuss how trust can be found in unexpected places, and how grassroots communication makes all the difference!

We’re excited to share our latest episode from More Health, Less Healthcare , and this is one you don’t want to miss. We had the absolute pleasure of hosting the award-winning journalist and senior Bloomberg News editor, Jason Gale, who’s here to talk about his new book, “After COVID: Health Impacts That Last Generations.”

In this first part of our two-part series, Peter Boland and Jason Gale dive deep into the generational consequences of COVID, exploring how the story isn’t just about the acute crisis, but the long tail — Long COVID and its ripple effects on health systems and everyday lives.

Here are 5 key takeaways you’ll learn from this episode:

1. Long COVID is a Global Challenge: No country has truly “solved” the Long COVID problem. Most health systems, from the US to Australia, are struggling to provide coordinated, effective care (Peter Boland, Jackie Lapin, and Jason Gale agree—patients are often left being their own care quarterbacks!).

2. The Data We Don’t See: While dashboards during the pandemic tracked deaths and hospitalizations, we’re behind on tracking long-term disability, organ damage, and chronic symptoms — the “hidden pandemic” that continues for millions (Peter Boland).

3. Mental Health & Misunderstanding: Long COVID has significant behavioral and psychiatric impacts. Many patients are wrongly told “it’s all in your head”—even though the data says otherwise!

4. Staggering Numbers: Recent CDC estimates suggest about 7% of US adults (that’s around 18-19 million people!) may be living with Long COVID. And that number can fluctuate as definitions of Long COVID evolve.

5. Vaccines Help, But Aren’t a Cure-All: Vaccination reduces the risk of developing Long COVID, but it’s not a silver bullet. Preventing infection remains crucial, and even vaccinated folks can experience persistent symptoms.

Fun Fact from the Episode:

Did you know some of the most insightful research about COVID’s lingering effects comes from the US Veterans Affairs Health System? Jason Gale mentions how scientists like Ziyad Al-Ali are digging through VA databases to uncover links between COVID and chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems—sometimes even years after infection!

We just dropped a fresh episode you won’t want to miss! This week, Peter Boland spotlights the groundbreaking work at Boston Medical Center (BMC)—a national leader in social care and health equity. If you think hospitals are just about prescriptions and checkups, think again! BMC is rewriting the playbook for what community healthcare can be.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

• Food as Medicine: Learn how a simple food pantry sparked a full-fledged movement—BMC now distributes over a million pounds of healthy food each year and even grows fresh produce on its rooftop farm.
• Whole-Family Care: See how real health care means supporting the entire family, from free cooking classes for moms like Martha to programs that boost kids’ health and well-being.
• Connecting Social Needs to Medical Care: Explore how the Thrive Screener helps patients get assistance with housing, food, and even legal aid—right from their clinic visit.
• Empowering Clinicians & Leaders: Get practical takeaways for doctors and health leaders on how to make equity an everyday practice, not just a mission statement.
• Transforming Communities: Discover how hospitals can work hand-in-hand with local neighborhoods to create affordable housing, good jobs, and lasting change—not just patch up problems in the ER.
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Fun Fact:

BMC’s first “food program” was literally a few cans of vegetables tucked in a doctor’s desk drawer. Fast-forward a few years, and they now run a 2,700-square-foot rooftop farm and the nation’s first hospital teaching kitchen. Talk about a major “grow up” story!

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We’re excited to announce the release of our newest episode, hosted by Peter Boland, where we explore Hawaii’s statewide initiative for equity and wellness. This isn't just another case study—it’s a deep dive into the challenges, traditions, and community values that shape the future of Hawaii and offer lessons for us all. So grab your headphones or settle in with your favorite tropical drink—this is an episode worth savoring!

Key Takeaways From This Episode:

• The Power of Transparency, Trust & Collaboration: Discover why these pillars are vital for achieving equity and building mutual accountability across Hawaii's diverse communities.
• Cultural Competency in Healthcare: Learn how respecting cultural traditions builds trust and leads to better outcomes in health institutions.
• Community-Driven Change: See how local leaders and anchor institutions can accelerate big changes across islands—and how partnership is the real secret sauce.
• The Deep Connection Between Water and Community: Find out why the question “Who owns water?” is key to Hawaii’s sustainability—and how water conservation could shape the islands’ future.
• Equity as a Way of Life: Hear how Hawaiian culture weaves equity, stewardship, and compassion into daily life, making health and prosperity truly sustainable.
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Fun Fact:

Did you know Hawaii is ranked #1 nationally for access to care and quality of health—but still faces major health challenges? The state’s unique history guaranteed full healthcare coverage when it joined the US, boosting its scores

We’re back with a brand new episode of the “More Health, Less Healthcare” podcast! This week, Peter Boland brings the heat (and plenty of food for thought) as he digs into the BIG questions left in the wake of COVID-19—and why health equity is the conversation we can’t afford to ignore.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The Real Lessons of COVID: Why we need to talk (and keep talking!) about what went right, what went wrong, and what it means for our choices moving forward.
• The Heroes Amidst the Havoc: How frontline healthcare workers and essential service folks truly kept the world spinning—and why they deserve more than just a round of applause.
• The Truth About Our Healthcare System: Peter Boland breaks down why our “sickness care” model is stalled out—and how it’s impacting not just today, but the prosperity of future generations.
• What Health Equity Really Means: Discover how tackling health disparities isn’t just about being “fair”—it’s about saving billions, boosting community health, and even shoring up national security.
• Hope & Real Solutions: Yes, it sounds tough, but there are organizations and communities leading the way with equity-aligned models that work. Get inspired by what’s already possible!

Fun Fact:

Did you know Peter Boland points out that, unlike other countries, the U.S. still hasn’t had a true national conversation about the good, the bad, and the lasting lessons of the pandemic? Talk about an important dinner table topic!

Thanks for tuning in and being part of this important dialogue. This episode isn’t just about what’s broken—it’s about the real steps we can all take to generate more health (and less sickness) for everyone.

We’ve got a truly special episode out today on the Promote Profit Publish channel! This time, Peter Boland sits down with economist and author Troy Tassier, whose book The Rich Flee and the Poor Take the Bus has everyone talking—about pandemic fallout, social policy, and our collective future.

Whether you love big ideas about economics or just want to understand what REALLY happened during COVID, this episode is for you.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How social networks shape health outcomes – Troy Tassier explains the surprising influence of everyday connections on who gets sick and why.
• The pandemic wasn’t “the great equalizer” – We break down why COVID impacted communities so differently, and how economics and public health overlap.
• Individual choices vs. collective risk – Understand how one person’s actions (or dinner parties) can ripple out and affect the health of an entire society.
• Lessons for the next pandemic – Troy Tassier gets real about whether we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes and what it will take to avoid another disaster.
• Why social infrastructure matters – Discover why investing in healthcare access and social safety nets could inoculate us—literally and figuratively—against future crises.

Fun Fact:

Did you know the most important people to vaccinate during a hospital outbreak might not be doctors or nurses, but receptionists? According to Troy Tassier’s research, receptionists sit at the center of a hospital’s social network—interacting with everyone from patients to food service staff—making them crucial for stopping the spread. Who knew?

Troy Tassier, Ph.D., is a professor of economics at Fordham University and the author of The Rich Flee and the Poor Take the Bus: How Our Unequal Society Fails Us during Outbreaks as well as the weekly Substack newsletter, At the Margin.

We’ve just dropped a brand-new episode featuring an inspiring conversation with Dr. Mualik Josie, CEO of Meritus Health, hosted by Peter Boland. Trust us—you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes look at the real work driving health equity and building healthier communities. Whether you’re in healthcare or just curious about innovative leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom!

Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:

• Turning Vision Into Reality: Discover how Dr. Mualik Josie helped launch Maryland’s first new medical school in over 130 years—and why he believes investing upstream in education pays off for community health.
• Crisis as Opportunity: Hear how Meritus Health leveraged the COVID-19 pandemic to deepen its commitment to community service, from drive-thru testing to free vaccinations and antibody treatments.
• Innovating for Equity: Learn why the Lead Council, health equity dashboards, and stratified data projects are game changers for addressing healthcare disparities.
• Social Determinants of Health in Action: Get inspired by practical solutions to loneliness, transportation, and food insecurity—plus hear about the “Care Caller” program, free van rides, and food pharmacies!
• Aligning Mission and Margin: Find out how Dr. Josie balances sustainability with bold investments, proving that money can follow when the focus is on quality and access for all.

Fun Fact:

Dr. Mualik Josie personally volunteers in Meritus Health’s “Care Caller” program, making weekly calls to uplift community members who feel lonely. One of his regulars recently turned 100—and he showed up to her birthday party with flowers!

Maulik Joshi, Dr.P.H., is the President and CEO of Meritus Health, Inc. Meritus Health, Inc. includes Meritus Medical Center (MMC), the Meritus School of Osteopathic Medicine (MSOM), and Brook Lane. The mission of Meritus Health is to improve the health of the community by providing the best healthcare, health services, and medical education.

Meritus Health is an academic health system and serves as an anchor for the region with over 4,300 employees. MMC includes a 327-bed medical center, the 250-plus provider Meritus Medical Group, 65-bed Brook Lane Psychiatric hospital, Meritus Home Health, Meritus Equipped for Life, and 25% ownership of Maryland Physicians Care, a 210,000 Medicaid member health plan. MSOM is the first new medical school in Maryland in over 100 years and started its first class of 90 medical school students in 2025. Meritus Medical Center serves over 200,000 people in Western Maryland, southern Pennsylvania, and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

Previously, Maulik was the COO and Executive Vice President at the Anne Arundel Health System (AAHS). Prior to AAHS, Maulik was at the American Hospital Association as Associate Executive Vice President and President of the Health Research and Educational Trust. Maulik has also worked at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the University of Pennsylvania Health System, and The HMO Group.

Maulik has a Doctorate in Public Health and a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. He was Editor-in-Chief for the Journal for Healthcare Quality. He also co-edited The Healthcare Quality Book: Vision, Strategy and Tools (5th edition published in 2022) and coauthored Healthcare Transformation: A Guide for the Hospital Board Member (2nd edition published in 2024) and Leading Healthcare Transformation: A Primer for Physician Leaders (2nd edition published in 2023). Maulik has authored a combination of over fifty peer-reviewed articles, commentaries, and perspectives. Maulik is adjunct faculty at the University of Michigan School of Public Health in the Department of Health Management & Policy, where he teaches annually and professor at MSOM.