Your Health Equity Matters

Lehman College School of Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing

Elgloria Harrison, Dean of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing and Director of the CUNY Institute for Health Equity, hosts Your Health Equity Matters, a monthly podcast that explores health topics important to the Bronx community and beyond, with a special focus on equity. Each month, she welcomes experts to discuss key issues impacting Black and Brown communities and examines how health equity plays a role in addressing them. Lehman College School of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing https://lehman.edu/academics/health-human-services-nursing/

  1. Oct 26

    Food Insecurity

    In episode 11 of Season 1 of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison sits down with Nick Freudenberg, Distinguished Professor of Public Health at CUNY and director of the Urban Food Policy Institute, and Dr. William Suarez II, Assistant Professor at the Health, Administration, Research, and Technology (HART) Institute, to explore food insecurity in New York City. The conversation highlights why food insecurity matters, the challenges communities face in getting enough nutritious food, and practical ideas for improving access.00:00 Introduction to Health Equity Matters: Dean Elgloria Harrison introduces the podcast and sets the focus on food security and equity.01:09 Food Insecurity Statistics: Review of USDA data regarding US households experiencing food insecurity and very low food security.01:54 Introduction of Guest Experts: Welcoming Dr. Nicholas Freudenberg and Dr. William Suarez II to discuss local food insecurity research.04:23 Defining Food Security and Hunger: Breaking down technical versus everyday definitions of food security, poverty, and hunger.05:43 The Four Dimensions of Food: Dr. William Suarez outlines affordability, accessibility, availability, and adequacy.07:44 Diet and Chronic Health Conditions: Examining the connection between unhealthy food, undernutrition, and premature deaths in urban areas.10:54 Cultural Preferences and Food Industry Impact: Discussing how cultural food alignment and corporate profit-driven food marketing affect health choices.18:45 Policy Solutions and Government Programs: Exploring public supermarkets, free school meals, and the importance of SNAP benefits.25:07 The Role of Food Pantries: Discussing food banks, pantries, and campus initiatives (like CUNY Cares) versus systemic poverty solutions.32:06 Community Activism and Democracy: How neighborhood groups, food policy councils, and civic engagement can shape local food environments.lehman.edu/hs2n

  2. Sep 29

    Oral Care and Your Personal Health

    In Episode 10 of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison talks with Diana Macri, Assistant Professor in the Dental Hygiene Unit at Hostos Community College, and Dr. George Jenkins, a nationally recognized dentist with over 20 years of experience, about the link between oral care and overall health. Drawing on their experiences, they share practical tips for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and explain how good dental habits contribute to long-term well-being.lehman.edu/hs2nTime Stamps00:00 - Introduction to Your Health Equity Matters01:05 - Statistics on US Dental Care Shortages01:50 - Guest Introductions: Prof. Diana Macra & Dr. George Jenkins04:19 - The Connection Between Oral Hygiene and Systemic Health05:49 - Real-World Impacts of Oral Health on Well-Being08:00 - How Oral Inflammation Relates to Mental Health11:03 - Mobile Dental Clinics and Community Outreach15:46 - Representation and Workforce Shortages in Dentistry24:12 - Financial Barriers and Barriers to Accessing Care31:37 - Essential Oral Hygiene Tips & Preventive Advice

    Oral Care and Your Personal Health

  3. Sep 15

    BONUS EPISODE: Heat Health with Dr. Julian Watkins

    In this bonus episode of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison speaks with Dr. Julian Watkins about how to stay safe during heat waves.00:00:00 - Introduction to Your Health Equity Matters00:01:26 - Introducing Guest Dr. Julian Watkins00:02:43 - Why Extreme Heat Impacts Health00:03:34 - Populations Most Vulnerable to Heat Waves00:05:42 - Chronic Health Conditions & Medication Risks00:06:53 - Urban Heat Islands & City Temperatures00:08:05 - Tips to Safely Navigate Hot Summer Weather00:09:41 - Understanding Heat Stress & Its Warning Signs00:11:04 - Accessing Cooling Centers & City Tree Cover00:13:56 - Community Connection & Checking on Neighbors

    BONUS EPISODE: Heat Health with Dr. Julian Watkins

  4. Jul 27

    Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Men

    In Episode 9 of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison talks with Roger Ball, a licensed clinical social worker, about why mental health is a critical issue for men, especially among Black and Latino men in the U.S.Drawing on his years of working with individuals and groups, Roger shares practical advice for promoting well-being and breaking stigma. Together, they explore the challenges men face and the ways communities can provide support.lehman.edu/hs2nTime Stamps00:00:00 – Introduction & Health Equity Focus00:01:04 – Key Statistics on Black Mental Health Disparities00:01:57 – Introducing Guest Expert Dr. Roger Ball00:03:30 – Defining Mental Health Beyond the Basics00:05:00 – How COVID-19 Exposed Existing Infrastructural Crises00:07:00 – Dr. Roger Ball on His Book & Lived Experiences00:10:35 – Conditioning, Masculinity, & Emotional Suppression00:14:00 – Differences in Community Support & Retreating in Isolation00:16:05 – Where Men Can Find Care Beyond Clinical Spaces00:21:06 – Breaking the Stigma Around Seeking Mental Health Support

    Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Men

  5. Jun 30

    Prostate Cancer

    In Episode 8 of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison sits down with Carl Kirton, editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Nursing, for an in-depth conversation about prostate cancer and the importance of men’s health. Together, they talk about awareness, prevention and why speaking openly about health matters.https://www.lehman.edu/academics/health-human-services-nursing/

    Prostate Cancer

  6. Jun 2

    Mammogram Screening

    In Episode 7 of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison discusses mammogram screening and early detection with Associate Professor Alsacia Pacsi and Department Chair and Associate Professor Collette Brown. The episode highlights screening guidelines, barriers to access, and the importance of equitable breast health care for all communities.https://www.lehman.edu/academics/health-human-services-nursing/

    Mammogram Screening

  7. May 25

    Navigating Health Insurance Changes

    Understanding and navigating changes in health insurance coverage is the focus for Episode 6 of Your Health Equity Matters, Dean Elgloria Harrison and Assistant Professor Amy White (Health, Research, Administration, and Technology -HEArT) discuss what individuals need to know when their insurance changes and how access, affordability, and equity impact health outcomes.lehman.edu/hs2n 00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview 02:15 - Navigating Changes in Health Insurance 05:00 - What to Do When Your Coverage Changes 07:45 - Understanding Health Equity & Healthcare Access 10:30 - Addressing Affordability & Out-of-Pocket Costs 13:15 - How Insurance Shifts Impact Health Outcomes 16:00 - The Role of Research, Tech & Administration (HEArT) 18:45 - Actionable Steps for Individuals & Families 21:30 - Resources & Navigating Institutional Support 24:15 - Key Takeaways & Closing Remarks

    Navigating Health Insurance Changes

  8. May 19

    National Nurses Month - Bonus Episode!

    On this bonus episode of Your Health Equity Matters, host Elgloria Harrison, Dean of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing, celebrates National Nurses Month with a conversation on the impact of nursing on health equity.She speaks with journalist and author Sarah DiGregorio about her new book, Taking Care: The Story of Nursing and Its Power to Change Our World, exploring the stories behind nursing and its vital role in caring for communities.Tune in and subscribe, and let us know what health topics you’d like to hear next.https://lehman.edu/academics/health-human-services-nursing/

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About

Elgloria Harrison, Dean of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing and Director of the CUNY Institute for Health Equity, hosts Your Health Equity Matters, a monthly podcast that explores health topics important to the Bronx community and beyond, with a special focus on equity. Each month, she welcomes experts to discuss key issues impacting Black and Brown communities and examines how health equity plays a role in addressing them. Lehman College School of Health Sciences, Human Services, and Nursing https://lehman.edu/academics/health-human-services-nursing/

Information

  • Creator
    Lehman College School of Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lehman College School of Health Sciences, Human Services and Nursing
  • Show Website
    Your Health Equity Matters