Just over 1,000,000 people - one in 8 Virginians - face hunger. What does fighting hunger in Virginia look like? In this episode of CommonHealth, host Adrienne Harden speaks with Eddie Oliver, Executive Director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, about food insecurity and how the Federation works to address it. Hear more about innovative programs like food pharmacies, and the potential impact of cuts to SNAP. This timely conversation reminds us: eating is not optional. Listen in and get involved in the fight against hunger today.

With special guest:

Eddie Oliver, Executive Director, Federation of Virginia Food Banks

Hosted by:

Adrienne Harden

As the need for mental healthcare increases, how do we make more resources available to providers to address gaps in pediatric and maternal care? Enter VMAP. On this World Mental Health Day episode of CommonHealth, Rachel Reynolds of the Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP) shares how the initiative empowers providers with vital tools, training and real-time psychiatric support to serve young patients and new parents across Virginia.

With special guest:

Rachel Reynolds, Assistant Director of Operations, VMAP

Hosted by:

Kate McCarthy

A life's work restoring antiques becomes an organization's mission to restore lives. In this episode of CommonHealth, Megan Rollins, CEO of Boaz & Ruth, shares how a unique Richmond nonprofit revitalizes lives in their neighborhood of Highland Park through housing, connection and purpose. Discover the power of growing deep roots to build individual and community wellness.

With special guest:

Megan Rollins, President & CEO, Boaz & Ruth

Hosted by:

Adrienne Harden

Can you spot false health info online? Host Tracy Douglas and expert Dr. Stacy Loeb dive into the dangers of healthcare misinformation, why it spreads, and how to detect it. Learn what platforms are the most dangerous, who's most at risk, how AI tools stack up, and what providers can do to protect patients. Tune in to get smarter about the health info you trust.

With special guest:

Dr. Stacy Loeb, Professor of Urology and Population Health, NYU Langone Health

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas

This National Health Center Week, Tracy Douglas isn't the only PCA CEO on CommonHealth! Joining her are four dynamic women CEOs from Mid-Atlantic PCAs to discuss leadership, innovation, and the incredible work being done by their health centers every day. Learn more about the Mid-Atlantic health landscape from the stories and insights of these leaders in the community health center movement.

With special guests:

• Sherri Ferrell, CEO, West Virginia Primary Care Association
• Nora Hoban, CEO, Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers
• Ruth Fisher Pollard, CEO, DC Primary Care Association
• Shelley Riser, CEO, Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas

In rural communities, access to healthcare is bigger than healing injuries or curing disease. It's about sustaining the wellness of the community itself. Marcus Stone, CEO of Virginia community health center Connect Health + Wellness, joins Tracy for a conversation on the value of rural healthcare and why all of us - from neighbors to policymakers - should be paying attention.

With special guest:

Marcus Stone, CEO, Connect Health + Wellness

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas

How can voting improve health outcomes? In this episode, Tracy Douglas speaks with Bianca Navarro from Vot-ER about integrating civic engagement into healthcare. Discover how healthcare providers can empower patients, improve community health, and make a lasting impact—all through voter registration and advocacy. Learn more about how to take action today!

With special guest:

Bianca Navarro, Vot-ER

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas

What happens when love meets the limits of the healthcare system? In this episode, Tracy speaks with Colleen Cook, a Virginia mom and special ed teacher, about raising four adopted children with special needs — and how Medicaid has made their journey possible. This is the story of a loving family navigating more diagnoses and therapies than usual, showing us the transformative power of affordable healthcare.

With special guest:

Colleen Cook

Hosted by:

Tracy Douglas