Vitalyst Spark

VitalystHealth
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NON-PROFIT

The Vitalyst Spark podcast explores what it means to create a healthy community in Arizona.

  1. 11/26/2025

    Episode 150: 2025 Healthcare Marketplace Open Enrollment Updates

    There have been lots of changes to the HealthCare Marketplace this year. From staff cuts to subsidy end dates, there is a lot to discuss to ensure Arizonans who need health care coverage know where to get help and what they can expect. Joining us from the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers is Claudia Maldonado, who oversees Arizona’s navigator grant from the Federal government. Links: Cover Arizona Connector to Schedule an Appointment Find a community health center - AACHC Health insurance plans & prices | HealthCare.gov

    27 min

  2. 09/30/2025

    Episode 149: Vitalyst Update with Susan Pepin, Interim CEO and Board Chair

    On today’s episode, we are back after a hiatus. A lot has happened in the world of community health, and at Vitalyst. We are catching up with Interim CEO and Board Chair Susan Pepin.

    27 min
  3. Episode 148: Medicaid’s Impending Cuts

    06/26/2025

    Episode 148: Medicaid’s Impending Cuts

    The U.S. Senate is currently considering a budget proposal that includes significant changes to Medicaid, building upon the House-passed "Big Beautiful Bill." While the Senate version is still under negotiation, some of the proposed changes to Medicaid, or AHCCCS in Arizona, include work requirements, provider tax limits, prohibitions on gender-affirming care, and increasing the frequency of eligibility verification to twice a year, among others. On this episode, we delve into the specifics of what this budget could mean for Medicaid with Vitalyst Trustees Will Humble, Ann-Marie Alameddin, and Wendy Armendariz, as they view it from various public health perspectives.    Links:  Will's Blog on Medicaid  AZFamily Story About Impact on Rural Communities and Hospitals Meidcaid Matters Video by NOAH

    57 min

  4. 06/18/2025

    Episode 147: Medicaid’s Impact on Rural Communities

    Medicaid has significantly improved access to health care for rural communities in Arizona by providing coverage to low-income individuals, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities. It has helped sustain rural hospitals and clinics by offering crucial funding, reducing uncompensated care costs. As a result, Medicaid has played a vital role in maintaining health care infrastructure and improving health outcomes in these underserved areas. Dr. Jonathan Melk, medical doctor and chief executive officer of Chiricahua Community Health Centers based in southeastern Arizona in Cochise County, joined us to shed light on rural health care.

    57 min

  5. 05/29/2025

    Episode 146 - Partnering With Faith-Based Organizations to Build Housing

    Partners across the nation have found an untapped resource of land: churches. Vitalyst has been working with churches as part of an evolution of its school districts and housing work. LISC has been working with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to provide information and tools to support faith-based organizations as they explore housing development. In this episode, we will explore how these two initiatives intersect and what opportunities are available. Links and Resources Guide:Working With Faith-Based Organizations on Affordable Housing Development Webinar: Building in God's Backyard  UCSD Housing Center for Policy and Design Housing Development Training Institute ARCHES Report (Arizona Research Center for Housing Equity and Sustainability)

    48 min

  6. 05/09/2025

    Episode 145: The Arizona Justice Reinvestment Fund

    After the passage of Prop 207 in 2020, The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) was charged with creating the Justice Reinvestment Program. The proposition legalized recreational marijuana use for adults 21 and older and created the Justice Reinvestment Fund, which funds initiatives to increase safety and community resilience around arrest and incarceration, including the Justice Reinvestment Program. There are approximately $10 million in grants across four priority areas: Public and behavioral health initiatives for substance use prevention, treatment, and early intervention services. Restorative justice, jail diversion, workforce development, and mentoring services for economically disadvantaged individuals in communities disproportionately affected by higher arrest and incarceration rates. Addressing the root causes of crime, reducing drug-related arrests, and lowering the prison population. Developing technology and programs to restore civil rights and expunging criminal records. All information is at www.azjusticegrants.org

    42 min

  7. 03/25/2025

    Episode 144 PAUSE - Taking a Step Back with Heather Hiscox

    Nonprofits and professionals all across the country are on edge right now. With federal grants pausing and unpausing, the limbo must be a whirlwind for so many people working in the nonprofit sector. We all get into this work because we want to help people. But along the way, stuff gets in the way. The organizations and systems we all work with can be cumbersome and lead to frustration. How can we get out of our way? Heather Hiscox tells us on this episode.  Heather Hiscox - PAUSE for Change Website  Discover the Five Skills to Address Uncertainty Top 20 Questions to Ask Your Collaborative Partner

    45 min

  8. 03/07/2025

    Episode 143 - YIGBY: Yes, in God's Backyard Initiative

    On today's mini-episode, Vitalyst's Gabriel Jaramillo sits down with Nicole Newhouse of the Arizona Housing Coalition and Pastor Jeff Procter-Murphy of Dayspring UMC in Tempe to discuss the YIGBY initiative.  This innovative proposal would allow faith-based organizations to develop affordable housing on their properties without burdensome rezoning requirements. This initiative addresses one of Arizona's major obstacles: restrictive zoning that limits land availability for multi-family housing development.  Yes, in God's Backyard Initiative - Arizona Housing Coalition

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Vitalyst Spark podcast explores what it means to create a healthy community in Arizona.

Information

  • Creator
    VitalystHealth
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 Vitalyst Health Foundation. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Vitalyst Spark