It’s Giving Health

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro… GLP-1 medications are everywhere. Your social feeds are flooded with transformation stories, celebrities are open about using them, and with summer approaching, the pressure to achieve that "perfect beach body" is at an all-time high. But what's actually true about these weight loss medications?  In this episode of It's Giving Health, Hot Seat Edition, host Donnae Ward p...

The postpartum period is one of the most vulnerable, isolating, and under-supported times in a person's life. In this episode of It's Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with two experts from Advance Community Health's OB/GYN department: Brenda Gartrell, NP, an experienced Nurse Practitioner, and Victoria Johnson, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works exclusively with OB patients. Fro...

Grillz, veneers, charcoal toothpaste, oil pulling… Social media is full of viral dental trends, but which ones are actually safe for your teeth? In this episode of It's Giving Health, Hot Seat Edition, host Donnae Ward puts Tabitha Richardson, a dental hygienist at Advance Community Health, in the hot seat to separate dental facts from fiction. From rapid-fire questions about the latest TikTok tre...

Joy isn't just a nice feeling, it's actual medicine for your mind and body. In this episode of It's Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Melody Washington, Director of Behavioral Health at Advance Community Health, to explore how intentional joy impacts our mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. From breaking down the cultural messages that tell us we have to earn ha...

Medicaid can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Health Equity Coordinator Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, to break down what Medicaid really is, who it serves, and how it connects to the whole-person care we believe in. But this isn’t your typical sit-down interview… It's a Hot Wing Challenge episode. As the...

Get an exclusive first look at Episode 2 of It’s Giving Health, where Host, Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, for a conversation that breaks down the basics of Medicaid in a way that’s easy to understand. This isn’t your typical sit-down conversation, this episode brings a fun twist with a Hot Wing Challenge. As the questions get more intense, the wings get h...

The official trailer for Season 2, Episode 1 — “Showing Up: Why Fatherhood Matters” is here. In this upcoming episode, host Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, and Kerry Mackey, PA-C, to have an honest and meaningful conversation about fatherhood. Together, they explore how being a present and engaged father can shape a child’s mental health, physical developme...

Fatherhood can shape a child’s life in ways that go far beyond the home. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Scot McCray, CEO of Advance Community Health, and Kerry Mackey PA-C, Certified Physician's Assistant,  to talk about the impact of having a present, engaged father, and how it supports children’s mental health, physical development, and overall well-being. This...

The holidays bring joy, togetherness, and plenty of food, but for many, it also means navigating traditions while trying to stay on track with health goals. In this special holiday episode, host Donnae Ward sits down with Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro, MS, RD, LDN, CDCES, co-founder and director of Eatwell Exchange, Inc. Jasmine shares her expertise as a registered dietitian to help us rethink holiday...

Stress and anxiety are affecting children and teens at younger ages than ever before, but treatment doesn’t always have to start with a prescription. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, host Donnae Ward sits down with Director of Pediatrics, Patera Foye-Fuller, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, to explore the power of nonpharmacological care. Specifically, how practices like yoga and mindfulness can help you...

Diabetes management is about taking control of your health and building lasting habits. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Ziad El Tannir, PA-C, at Advance Community Health to discuss practical ways to navigate life with diabetes and all of the programs we offer to help our patients.  From understanding how daily choices impact blood sugar to breaking down the myths...

Reproductive health isn’t just a one-time conversation, it’s a lifelong journey. In this episode of It’s Giving Health, Donnae Ward sits down with Shalanda Vann, NP, Nurse Practitioner at  Advance Community Health, to discuss how we can better navigate reproductive and developmental health conversations at every stage of life.   About It's Giving Health: Advance Community Health presents 'It's Giv...

In this episode, Donnae Ward sits down with Elizabeth Johnson, DO, FAAP, Pediatric Provider, to discuss one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious illness and to strengthen the health of an entire community. In our conversation, she shares insights on how vaccines support long-term health, why parents shouldn’t be afraid of immunizations, and what every family should know head...

In this episode, Donnae Ward sits down with Kerry Macky, PA-C, Primary Care Provider, to unpack how patriarchal norms and rigid definitions of masculinity impact men’s physical and mental health. From emotional suppression to delayed doctor visits and other sexual health concerns, we explore the silent burdens men carry and what it means to redefine strength. Together, we dive into how the healthc...

In this episode, Donnae Ward speaks with LaDonn Woodson, LCSWA, MSW, Behavioral Health Professional at Advance Community Health, to discuss anxiety. Listen to learn more about the signs and symptoms of anxiety, coping strategies and resources available to manage anxiety, and how we can break the stigma! About It's Giving Health: Advance Community Health presents 'It's Giving Health,' a monthly pod...

In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week 2025 (BMHW25), this episode Donnae Ward speaks with Brenda Gartrell, FNP-C, women’s health provider at Advance Community Health, to discuss the challenges Black mothers face, the significance of this year’s Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) theme, and how Advance's new centering pregnancy program is changing the way we navigate maternal health in our co...