Health in the Commonwealth

One in two aging Virginians say they don't have access to affordable, quality food — yet this crisis often stays invisible. In this episode, host Dr. Melicent Miller examines how Virginia is tackling senior food insecurity through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which gives qualifying adults 60 and older a $50 benefit to spend on fresh, locally grown produce at authorized markets stat...

For older Virginians, aging in place is the goal — but getting there requires far more than just a roof overhead and a hot meal. Host Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Steve Zollos, CEO of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Kelly Wright, a registered dietician with the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and Caitlyn Allen, Director of Wellness at Senior Services....

For people with disabilities, adaptive sports offer more than fitness—they provide connection, recovery, and a community that understands. Host Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Caitlyn Berry, Director of Government Relations at Sportable and occupational therapist, and Mark Miller, an adaptive sports ambassador who has used a wheelchair for over 32 years. Together they explore how Sportable—a Richm...

This episode explores the powerful partnership between public health and faith-based organizations across Virginia. Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Veronica Cosby, program manager for Virginia Partners in Prayer and Prevention, about how faith communities serve as trusted messengers and community anchors in promoting health. Veronica shares how the P3 program expanded during COVID-19 to support 11...

In this episode, we explore comprehensive approaches to brain health and physical wellness for Virginia's aging population. Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with George Worthington, Dementia Services Coordinator at Virginia's Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, about strategies for brain health from early prevention to supportive care for those living with dementia. Nick Turkas from the Ar...

In this episode, we explore how organizations across Virginia are making physical activity accessible to older adults. Dr. Melicent Miller speaks with Kathy Brown, Health and Wellness Program Manager at Senior Connections, about evidence-based programs that support active aging while combating social isolation. Mona Burwell and Dr. Karen Day from the Virginia Department of Health's Arthritis Progr...

In this episode, we examine how transportation infrastructure shapes health equity across Virginia. Dr. Melicent Miller talks with Anna Ricklin, Health in All Policies Manager at Fairfax County Health Department, about creative approaches to making communities more walkable and bikeable. Stephen Read, State Highway Safety Engineer at VDOT, shares how incorporating health data into transportation p...

In our first episode, we explore how the Lansdowne Street Mural Project in Roanoke, Virginia uses art to address health equity and community safety. Dr. Simone Paterson, a local artist, shares her journey as part of an interdisciplinary team in creating a vibrant mural that has slowed traffic and increased pedestrian access to essential services. Dr. Melicent Miller talks with Simone about the pro...