Policy Connecting Communities

AG Consulting & Media

The Policy Connecting Communities podcast, produced by AG Consulting & Media, highlights the efforts and strategies used to empower and grow community and policy development within and among the diverse cultural communities of Minnesota.  Hosted by Anab A. Gulaid, a Somali-American public health consultant, educator, and community development leader, the Policy Connecting Communities podcast exists to create a space for state and local community members to come together to give voice to the real-time, lived-experience of public health issues and solutions across cultural communities in Minnesota. With engaging discussions that include culturally diverse policymakers, advocates, business and community leaders, service providers, practitioners, parents, students and community and state stakeholders at all levels, Policy Connecting Communities provides a 360-degree examination of public health issues through a cultural and linguistic lens, and serves as a forum for shaping and amplifying innovative, culturally-minded advancements.

Episodes

  1. 12/19/2024

    S01ep04: Silent Co-infections: Understanding the Relationship between Hepatitis B, C and HIV

    In this episode, we are grateful for the opportunity to have a conversation with a panel of experts from Mayo Clinic about Hepatitis B and C, and their relationship with HIV. Given the disparity in how these viruses are infecting immigrant communities and African-American communities in Minnesota, we wanted to shed light on the work that is being done to better understand the prevalence of these illnesses in the African population, and how equitable research is leading to improved community-based education and intervention.  These three distinguished researchers-providers-educators share their lived experiences growing up in a healthcare system that's hobbled by a scarcity of resources, and where the intersectionality and comorbidity of liver and auto-immune illnesses has devastating effects. In addition, we'll learn about: Current data regarding racial disparities in rates of Hepatitis B and C, and HIV, Endeavors to ensure equal representation of women and racial ethnic minorities in medical and scientific research and clinical trials. Outreach efforts to address cultural and social stigma around illnesses such as Hepatitis B, C and HIV, and Community-based networks to provide early detection, early intervention, and early treatment Additional Resources, including: the Center for Disease Control, the MN Department of Health, Mayo Clinic, and the local Somali Health Advisory Committee

    59 min
  2. 12/06/2024

    S01ep03: Exploring Health Disparities, Leadership, and Legislative Advocacy with Ruth Richardson

    In this episode, we interviewed Ruth Richardson–lawyer, health equity champion, and trailblazer. Ruth made history in 2018, becoming the first Black person elected to represent her district in the Minnesota House. Additionally, Ruth is the first Black woman to serve as President and CEO of Planned Parenthood in the North Central States in its over 100-year history. From the story of Ruth’s mother’s varied experiences of giving birth with Ruth’s great grandmother as midwife, compared to her birthing experience in a segregated Mississippi hospital, to the recent stories of traumatic birthing experiences endured even by wealthy, famous individuals like Serena Williams, Ruth dives into some of the most prevalent issues around health care inequity impacting African and Black community members, and more specifically, women and mothers. Join us for an in-depth conversation spanning several topics, including: Insights from Ruth’s unique journey in health equity awareness, advocacy and leadership. Language and misconceptions around health disparities and health inequity. Real data and disparities related to African and Black women’s maternal mortality, infant maternal health, domestic violence, human trafficking and more. The importance of educating people about systemic errors like the Black race coefficient and its effects on Black mortality rates. How community collaboration, patient stories and personal experiences shape legislative policy and build better systems. Ensuring legislative policy translates into day-to-day practice. Tips for getting involved in issues important to you!

    1h 12m

About

The Policy Connecting Communities podcast, produced by AG Consulting & Media, highlights the efforts and strategies used to empower and grow community and policy development within and among the diverse cultural communities of Minnesota.  Hosted by Anab A. Gulaid, a Somali-American public health consultant, educator, and community development leader, the Policy Connecting Communities podcast exists to create a space for state and local community members to come together to give voice to the real-time, lived-experience of public health issues and solutions across cultural communities in Minnesota. With engaging discussions that include culturally diverse policymakers, advocates, business and community leaders, service providers, practitioners, parents, students and community and state stakeholders at all levels, Policy Connecting Communities provides a 360-degree examination of public health issues through a cultural and linguistic lens, and serves as a forum for shaping and amplifying innovative, culturally-minded advancements.