EPISODE 4 NOW AVAILABLE!
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OUR MISSION
The Policy Connecting Communities podcast, produced by AG Consulting & Media, highlights the efforts and strategies used to empower and grow community and policy development. In addition to the discussions we host with a range of guests in health, education, and local government, we examine the most pressing issues impacting cultural communities here in Minnesota, assess and compare policies and ideas, and determine the best ways to better our community.
EPISODES
Podcast
The Silent Co-infections: Understanding the Relationship between Hepatitis B and 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
Episode 03
Health Equity & 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.
Episode 02
Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy
In this episode, we invite a panel of community members, leaders and experts to engage in a discussion about the impact of vaccines in disease prevention and the multidimensional contributing factors resulting from vaccine decline and hesitancy, as well as the recent measles outbreak disproportionately impacting the Somali community in Minnesota.
Episode 01
A Look at the State of Mental Health
Policy Connecting Cultural Communities host, Anab A. Gulaid, explores the intersection between disparity gaps in the culturally diverse communities of Washington County, Minnesota and mental health. Thought leaders, practitioners, and policy makers weigh in on what we’re learning from the data points, where our resources are making a difference, and road blocks unique to this community that local organizers can address.
ABOUT US
MEET THE HOST:
Anab A. Gulaid, MPA
Highly dedicated, innovative, and goal-driven, Anab Gulaid is a spearheading Public Health/Community Development Leader and Entrepreneur.
Currently based in Minnesota, Anab was born and raised in Somalia and was the youngest of 11 children. During the Civil War, she and her family migrated to Toronto, Canada, and the cultural adaptation and country transition processes were certainly a challenging time in her life.
Fast forward to today, Anab earned a Public Health and Occupational Health degree from Ryerson University in 1998, a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs in 2010, received her Certificate of Disability Policy and Services from the University of Minnesota, was awarded a prestigious Bush Leadership Fellowship, and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. from University of Minnesota. In addition, she is the first Somali woman to hold the highest office in the current State Administration in Minnesota and serves on the board of Park-Nicollet Foundation, which is one of the largest health organizations in the state.
As the Founder and President of AG Consulting & Media, Anab leverages her extensive and diverse background within the public, higher education, and nonprofit sectors to cultivate positive transformational impacts within individuals and for society as a whole.
UPCOMING TOPICS
A LOOK AT THE STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH
Thought leaders and policymakers weigh in on what we’re learning from the data points, where our resources are making a difference, and road blocks unique to cultural communities that local organizers can address.
UNDERSTANDING VACCINE HESITANCY
Understanding and addressing immunization hesitancy in cultural communities.
CANCER & CULTURE
Exploring cultural factors and considerations related to breast and prostate cancer perceptions, risk, treatment and knowledge.
DENTAL HEALTH DISPARITIES
Issues impacting access to adequate dental care, and the equitable policies and programs attempting to improve availability.
HEALTH EQUITY & DIABETES
What is Health Equity? How is current Research Shaping policy and public health practice for patients with diabetes in Minnesota?