EquiTEA

On this episode of EquiTEA, Health Equity Program Coordinators Irene and Tomi break down the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), explaining how these tools help identify community health needs and guide action to improve health outcomes.  Tune in as they discuss how community voices, local data, and strong partnerships work together to shape Riversid...

On this episode, Amanda Trinh sits down with Assistant Nurse Manager Tiffany Brisken to unpack the realities of hepatitis in honor of Hepatitis Awareness Month. Together, they break down the various types of hepatitis and how they are transmitted, prevented, and treated. They also highlight how social determinants of health disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and the critical role the...

On this episode of EquiTEA, epidemiologist Jenny Duong sits down with RUHS Public Health Lab Director Dr. Syreeta Steele and Community Outreach Coordinator Janet Garcia. Together, they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the public health lab, explaining how it operates and the critical role it plays in the community. They also explore what health equity looks like in practice, offering real-world...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Juan speaks with Debra Williams of Building Resilient Communities (BRC). Together, they explore climate challenges facing the Inland Empire, highlight the communities most at risk, and discuss how BRC is working to close critical service gaps and strengthen local resilience.   To find out more about BRC or find disaster preparedness resources, please visit: https://brcu...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Emile Ruiz sits down with Eddy Jara, Claudia Pelayo, Sophie Rodrigues, and Jasmine Martinez of the RUHS Nutrition Branch. In this conversation, they discuss how the new Cardiovascular Health Innovations (CVHI) Program is working to address the factors that impact people with or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.     To find out more about the CVHI Program, pl...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Kimberly Jow of RUHS Injury Prevention Services (IPS) sits down with Dr. Travis Tramel of GeriSmiles in honor of Children’s Dental Month. In this conversation, they highlight how the RUHS Oral Health Program along with GeriSmiles work to reduce the gap in dental care access for children across Riverside County.   To find out more about the programs IPS offer, please vis...

On this episode of  EquiTEA , Dorothy sits down with Amy Larsen, Nurse Manager for the RUHS Nurse-Family Partnership Program, along with former program participants Jessica and Daniel Miller. Together, they explore how the RUHS Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health (MCAH)/Public Health Nursing (PHN) Branch delivers home visiting services to more than 1,500 families each year while addressing crit...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Juan sits down with Dr. Carlos Calderon, Medical Director of the HIV/STD Early Intervention Program at Riverside University Health System- Public Health, for a powerful conversation in honor of National Latinx HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, observed Oct. 15. Together, they unpack the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latinx communities, spotlight the life-saving...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Juan sits down with Dr. Carlos Calderon, Medical Director of the HIV/STD Early Intervention Program at Riverside University Health System- Public Health, for a powerful conversation in honor of National Latinx HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, observed October 15th. Together, they unpack the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latinx communities, spotlight the life-s...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Juan sits down with Dr. Carlos Calderon, Medical Director of the HIV/STD Early Intervention Program at Riverside University Health System- Public Health, for a powerful conversation in honor of National Latinx HIV & AIDS Awareness Day, observed October 15. Together, they unpack the disproportionate impact of HIV on Hispanic/Latinx communities, spotlight the life-sav...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Alicia sits with Farron Dozier, a 24-year Army vet and mental health advocate to discuss the complex reality of Independence Day for many veterans. In this episode, they take a deep dive into the emotional toll this holiday can take on many and how communities can offer support.  https://FarronD.com To learn more about Evidence-Based Treatments available at Veteran’s Af...

On this episode of EquiTEA, special guest host, Andrea Gallegos sits down with Jax Kelly from Let’s Kick ASS- Palm Springs (LKAPS)- to honor HIV Long- Term Survivors Awareness Day. Together, they explore the significance of this day, the challenges faced by individuals aging with HIV, and the vital work LKAPS is doing to combat isolation and alleviate the stress associated with AIDS Survivors Synd...

On this episode, Bridget had an insightful discussion with Dee Keoski, Jeff Usik and Cyndy Oleson of the Janet Goeske Senior Center to explore the unique challenges faced by the aging population in Riverside County. Join the conversation and gain valuable insights into the Silver Tsunami- a term used to describe the growing wave of aging Americans. From healthcare and wellness to community support...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Juan and Amanda have a crucial conversation with Ashley Jackson of Inland Southern California Climate Collaborative (ISC3). Listen as they discuss unique climate challenges faced by the Inland Empire, current initiatives aimed at combating these issues and actionable steps we all can take to work toward a more sustainable future.   For more information about ISC3, pleas...

On this episode, Lupita had a vital conversation with Barbara Cole, Disease Control Branch Chief at RUHS – Public Health, in recognition of World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. The discussion delved into the progression and transmission of the disease, vulnerable groups and efforts RUHS – PH is leading to address the social determinants of health that contribute to the disease’s impact.   For more informa...

On this episode, Greg and Dorothy have an insightful conversation with Adriana Lilly, Senior Clinical Therapist and Dr. GeBren Blakely, Staff Development Officer from RUHS – Behavioral Health. They discussed eating disorders and the Mindful Body and Recovery Program, which is targeted for adolescents aged 12- 18 years old. This is a population where the onset of eating disorders occurs frequently....

On this episode of EquiTEA, Lupita and Dorothy have an insightful conversation with Karla López del Río, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership (CAP). Their mission is to facilitate opportunities towards self-sufficiency through education, wealth building, energy assistance, and advocacy. In recognition of Poverty Awareness Month, they discuss the root causes of poverty specific to Riv...

On this episode of EquiTEA, our special guest host, DuJuan James has the chance to speak with Dr. Carlos Calderon, the Medical Director for the HIV/STD Early Intervention Program at Riverside University Health System – Public Health. In recognition of World AIDS Day, they discuss the significance of this awareness day, highlighting the importance of continued efforts in the fight against HIV. The...

In this episode of EquiTEA, Greg delves into an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Sean Milanovich, the Native American Cultural Competency Liaison at Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health and tribal member of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Band of Indians. Together, they explore the unique health disparities faced by Indigenous communities, focusing on the importance of trust, collabora...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg sits down with Dr. Jon Paul Higgins (They/Them) and Gustavo Hurtado (She/They) of Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA), a vital non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ youth and allies in the Inland Empire. This conversation is centered around their personal journeys, critical challenges faced by trans individuals- including access to gender- affirming care and mental health s...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Dorothy and Lupita had a chance to connect with breast cancer survivor, Kara Adams and Pink Ribbon Place Health Educator, Davi Wilson. This conversation explores how breast cancer disproportionately affects communities of color and highlights the importance of early detection and preventative measures, including self-exams, mammograms and regular check ups. Listen as Ka...

In this episode of EquiTEA, host Greg is joined by special guest co-host Wendy Hetherington, Branch Chief of the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Public Health department. Together, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey and Edif, representatives from Inland Empire Harm Reduction (IEHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of indiv...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Lupita engaged in an insightful conversation with the CEO of Feeding America Inland Empire, Carolyn Solar and Susan De la Cruz, a beneficiary of the organization’s vital services. Feeding America Inland Empire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger by offering innovative programs to support diverse groups, including seniors, college students and vet...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg and Peter had the chance to talk to Javier Baños and Ivan Serrano, Peer Support Specialists at Starting Over, Inc. This nonprofit organization provides transitional housing, re-entry services, policy advocacy and civic engagement for individuals experiencing homelessness, incarceration and/or substance abuse. Both individuals share their firsthand experience with t...

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg had the chance to talk to Larry Butler, a previous participant turned Program Facilitator and Outreach Specialist of the Fatherhood Services Program with Sigma Beta Xi (SBX) Youth and Family Services. Eric Willis, a program participant program, joined the discussion to share his own experience. Both highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and community supp...