RWJBarnabas Health’s Post

Last week, Black Men's Health Clinic (BMHC) was represented at the Black Men's Brain Health Conference in Las Vegas for Super Bowl Week, where BMHC board president, Dr. Larry Wallace Jr., Ph.D., spoke from an organizational perspective on community engagement. BMHC sat on a diverse panel called "Working with Community Partners" at the event. The panel was moderated by Lisa Barnes, Ph.D., of Rush University, and other panel participants were Harry Evans of Heal Black Men, José Melendrez, Executive Director of Community Partnerships of the University of North Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Public Health, and Jason Flatt, Ph.D., MPH from the Nevada Minority Health and Equity Coalition. Questions were addressed from the audience and there was notable dialogue amongst the panelists. BMHC Board President Wallace made several compelling statements, but there is one we would like to point out in this article. Dr. Larry Wallace Jr. said, "It is important that we make sure we don't go "cookie cutter" when we are working to engage the community. We need to think about our target audience, their comfortability, and understand the people we serve well enough to create pockets of safe spaces from one neighborhood to another." He went on further to express that fundamentally, we need to take the time to relate to the people we serve and show them we care. Simply because people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. VIDEO: https://lnkd.in/g--dQUa8 Subscribe to our newsletter today: https://lnkd.in/g_GFfMYu #BMHC #BlackMensHealth #BrainHealthConference #SuperBowlWeek #CommunityEngagement #PublicHealth #LasVegasEvents #DrLarryWallaceJr #HealBlackMen #UNLV #NevadaMinorityHealth #SafeSpaces #HealthEquity #PanelDiscussion #DiversityInMedicine #HealthcareInnovation #CommunityPartners #MentalHealthAwareness #SocialDeterminantsOfHealth #HealthcareDialogue

Get to know our second PagerDuty.org Impact Accelerators cohort in this blog!

Thanks again to Maranda C. Ward, Ed.D, MPH for introducing me to National Public Health Week. As previously mentioned in my last post, National Public Health week is every first full week of April and is intended to recognize contributions made to Public Health as well as bringing attention to issues that can improve our nation's health. Each day of National Public Health Week focuses on a specific theme, with today being healthy neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods and living situations have a tremendous impact on our health and wellbeing. A healthy neighborhood is key for a healthy life. Healthy neighborhoods are categorized as having a safe place to live without the dangers of pollution or hazards. In addition, it means to have places in the community where people can be active such as having parks, sidewalks, and bike trails/lanes. Furthermore, access to nutritious and affordable food plays a role in creating a healthy neighborhood. Some ways that you can contribute to creating healthy neighborhoods are: Planting trees: Consider planting trees in your yard or joining a local organization dedicated to tree planting. Trees have various benefits such as protection from rising heat, reducing pollution, improving mental health, and enhancing neighborhood aesthetics Build relationships with your neighbors: Neighborly connections build a sense of belonging, social support, and create supportive environments By taking these actions, we can all play a part in creating healthier, more vibrant neighborhoods for ourselves and future generations. #NationalPublicHealthWeek #HealthyNeighborhoods

Get to know our second PagerDuty.org Impact Accelerators cohort in this blog!

What a treat to kick off the 2023 Conference for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) in San Diego! They gathered 2400 amazing humans who show up every day to ensure that comprehensive health care is accessible to ALL people. It was an honor to bring the attendees along to the front lines of the Retention Revolution.   One of the themes of the talk was the importance of ACE-ing Flexibility for All – even for roles on the front lines where it's harder. I believe where there’s a will, there’s a way. People want flexibility, and to attract and retain top talent in an industry that needs great people, we have to be flexible about flexibility. So, how do you ACE flexibility? You think about flexibility through the lens of: Autonomy Connection Equity There’s a whole lot more on how to do this in the Flexibility chapter in my upcoming book, The Retention Revolution (pre-order here: amzn.to/41vmxY5) Oh and here’s my new sweater reminding me to "Start as You Mean to Go On." This keynote was a perfect way to start my book launch season as I mean to go on!

As National Public Health Week comes to a close, let's reflect on the incredible strides made in safeguarding our communities and fostering well-being. This year's theme, "Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health," has guided our focus on key areas vital to our collective community health. From fostering civic engagement to addressing the impacts of climate change, each day has been a testament to our commitment to public health. 👥 On Monday, we emphasized the power of Civic Engagement, recognizing that when individuals come together, they can effect positive change in health outcomes for all. 🏡 Tuesday highlighted the importance of Healthy Neighborhoods, where access to healthcare, nutritious food, and safe environments are fundamental to thriving communities. 🌍 Wednesday, we addressed Climate Change, acknowledging its significant impact on public health and the urgency of collective action. 🛠️ Thursday showcased New Tools and Innovations, demonstrating how technology and creative solutions are revolutionizing public health interventions. 🍎 Today we focus on Reproductive and Sexual Health, promoting comprehensive care and education for individuals of all backgrounds. 🚨 Saturday will underscore Emergency Preparedness, reminding us of the importance of readiness and resilience in the face of unforeseen challenges. And as we look to the Future of Public Health on Sunday, we envision a world where equity, accessibility, and innovation are at the forefront of our efforts. Let's extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated public health professionals who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of our communities. Together, we can continue to protect, connect, and thrive! 💡 For actionable steps to learn more about the themes discussed this week, we highly recommend tuning in to The Public Health Millennial's live panel discussions featuring public health experts covering the 2024 NPHW themes. Check out the live streams here: https://lnkd.in/euP_YgJZ. Let's keep the conversation going and empower ourselves with knowledge to create healthier communities! #NationalPublicHealthWeek #SPHCCommunityHealth #PublicHealthMatters 🎉

Embrace the rhythm of compassion during World Heart Month, as we, the guardians of public health, orchestrate symphonies of wellness✨ Our role transcends charts and statistics, weaving a tapestry of heart-healthy communities. Like conductors guiding an ensemble, we champion preventive measures, compose educational campaigns, and harmonize healthcare policies, ensuring every beat echoes with vitality! Picture us as architects, constructing a landscape where hearts flourish whether through promoting exercise, fostering nutritious habits, or advocating for accessible healthcare. Join the movement, let's create a world where each heartbeat resonates with the melody of health and happiness🤍 👩🏻🔬As public health professionals, our role is multifaceted. For instance, we might organize community workshops on heart-healthy living, collaborate with local schools to implement nutrition programs, and advocate for policies that encourage physical activity🤸🏻♀️🏋🏻♀️By actively engaging with the community, we become catalysts for positive change, sculpting an environment where heart health thrives🫀❤️

❤️ February is American Heart Month, and it's crucial to remember that #hearthealth starts at home. Maintaining good health can be even more challenging for Americans facing housing instability or burdensome rent costs. Health Starts at Home, a 2018 research collaboration with the Council of Lare Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA), highlights how public housing authorities (PHAs) play a vital role not only in providing shelter but also in promoting health among their residents. Despite resource constraints, many PHAs actively engage in health-related initiatives, often through partnerships with the healthcare sector. If you're part of a PHA and want to initiate health-focused programs in your community, consider these tips from The Evolution of PHA Health Initiatives (PAHRC and CLPHA 2020): 1. Start with achievable goals and prioritize efforts that require minimal resources for early success. 2. Gather input from residents and staff to identify health priorities within your community. 3. Rally internal support and resources to drive strategic health initiatives forward. 4. Forge partnerships aligned with PHA goals and long-term sustainability. 5. Foster communication and learning among partners to maximize effectiveness. 6. Seek funding opportunities to establish, maintain, or expand health programs. 7. Continuously evaluate and refine health initiatives to enhance their impact. To learn more about how PHAs are advancing equity and health in their communities, check out this resource: https://lnkd.in/e6_F8RJv #AffordableHousing #HealthyHomes #PublicHousing #AmericanHeartMonth

Celebrating National Public Health Week! From bustling metropolises to serene rural landscapes, public health touches every corner of our nation. It ensures safety, promotes wellness, and fosters equity for all communities. This week, we honor the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to safeguard our health and well-being. But National Public Health Week is a call to action. It's a reminder that our health is interconnected, and that by investing in public health, we're investing in a brighter, healthier future for all. So let's come together to celebrate, advocate, and prioritize public health. Whether it's supporting local initiatives, advocating for policy changes, or simply spreading awareness, each of us plays a vital role in building healthier, more resilient communities. Here's to a week of reflection, appreciation, and action. Together, we can create a healthier world for generations to come. #NationalPublicHealthWeek #HealthEquity #CommunityWellness #ruralhealthcare #healthcare #simulation #Montana

It's #CHIWeek! Learn more about #CHIWeek: aha.org/chiweek