Episodes
-
Our country is experiencing a maternal mental health crisis. Mental health conditions are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 mothers every year.
May is Maternal Mental Health Month, an important time to think about the millions of women experiencing postpartum depression or PPD.
These feelings are more intense and last longer than the baby blues. Many cases go undiagnosed, but we can help change that by recognizing the symptoms and supporting each other along the way. If you or a new mom in your life has feelings of guilt or helplessness, it may be due to PPD.
Time matters! Acting now can help improve or even save a life. A variety of treatment options exist, and the first step is talking with a healthcare provider. Most people get better with early diagnosis and treatment, the best thing for a new mom and baby.
For more, visit WomenInGovernment.org.
••••• ••••• •••••
Women In Government Foundation, Inc., headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a national non-profit, non-partisan organization of women state legislators that provides leadership opportunities, expert forums, and educational resources to address and resolve complex public policy issues to all women state legislators across the country.
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
State as a Model Employer to Engage a More Diverse and Representative Workforce
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, there are more than 42-million Americans with disabilities. Across all age groups, these folks are more likely to be unemployed. That’s why state leaders, government agencies, and task forces are uniting to help advance inclusive policies and best practices that lead to increased employment opportunities for disabled people, and a stronger, more diverse American workforce and economy.
This episode highlights how states can send a clear message that employment of people with disabilities is a high priority by implementing a comprehensive set of policies, practices, and processes, known collectively as State as a Model Employer (SAME) policies, to increase representation of people with disabilities within their own public-sector workforce. When acting as model employers, the states also have an opportunity to serve as test cases for private employers, demonstrating the economic and organizational benefits of hiring people with disabilities.
Now is the time for leaders to take action.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Women In Government Board Director, Oklahoma Senator, Jessica Garvin
GUEST #1: Minnesota Representative, Liz Reyer
GUEST #2: Chief of Staff for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), United States Department of Labor, Anupa Geevarghese
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Missing episodes?
-
Women In Government Podcast
Mental Health Matters
We’ve learned a lot over the past few years, especially about our nation’s resiliency and ability to come together in times of crisis. However, we continue to uncover the hard truths about some people who regularly suffer and live with disadvantages based on their overall health and well-being.
One area of interest that’s certainly capturing our nation’s attention is mental health. As it has been reported, more than 50-million Americans live with a mental health condition, and over half of adults don’t receive treatment.
Untreated mental health conditions can negatively impact employee performance, rates of illness, absenteeism, accidents and turnover. People often quit their jobs, and some may entirely drop out of the workforce. This doesn’t just hurt our country on the human-level, but there are other consequences, like a smaller tax base, a reduced workforce and increased social expenditures for states and local communities.
For all these reasons, and many others, (SEED) the State Exchange on Employment & Disability launched the Mental Health Matters National Task Force to develop a series of frameworks to help state and local policymakers craft and adopt policies to promote the inclusion of people with mental health conditions in the workplace and bolster the behavioral health workforce.
What's more, the CDC finds over half of Americans are diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point in their lives, and one in five will experience a mental health condition in a given year. These are more than numbers and statistics. These are the faces of our neighbors, friends and family members.
This episode highlights how state and local lawmakers can work on policy and strategies that lead to the best and most promising practices that advance legislation which supports, promotes, and enriches the lives of those living with a mental health condition.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Women In Government Board Member, Colorado Representative, Dafna Michaelson Jenet
GUEST #1: Oklahoma Representative, Ajay Pittman
GUEST #2: Arkansas Representative, DeAnn Vaught
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
The Cost of Osteoporotic Fractures
Low bone mass and the deterioration of bone tissue are two ways to describe Osteoporosis. More the 53 million people either have this bone disease or are at high risk of bone fractures due to low bone mass. How does this affect us on the state-level, and what does this mean for our country’s overall health and wellness?
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the action steps we can take today to address the differences in the clinical and economic impact of fractures suffered by Americans on Medicare.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Hawaii Representative, Lauren Matsumoto, WIG Board Vice Chair
GUEST #1: Illinois State Senator, Julie Morrison
GUEST #2: Claire Gill, CEO, Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
Cancer is comprised of more than 100-diseases affecting all population groups in the United States. However, due to social, environmental, and economic disadvantages, a few groups bear a disproportionate burden of cancer.
Hispanic/Latino and Black women have higher rates of cervical cancer. American Indians/Alaska Natives have higher death rates from kidney cancer. Those numbers are surprising and hopefully eye-opening to many in the medical community.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the unique barriers that women and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) face in accessing screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
#AccessToHealthCare
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Omeria Scott, Mississippi State Representative and Women In Government's Newest State Director
GUEST #1: Dr. Gary Puckrein, Ph.D., President National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF)
GUEST #2: Dr. Liza Kunz, M.D., Medical Affairs Leader, Roche
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Type 2 Inflammation: Health Disparities & Impact on Minority Populations
People living with type 2 inflammatory diseases often feel limited by unpredictable symptoms and isolated in their experiences. For example, the condition can contribute to the debilitating itch of atopic dermatitis or (AD), and sometimes life-threatening asthma attacks, or the loss of smell and taste associated with chronic rhinosinusitis or (CRS) with nasal polyps. Living with these chronic diseases and searching for control, people have looked for answers and found few.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the health disparities of this chronic condition, the disproportionate impact on minority populations, and the prevalence of this disease across the country.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Illinois State Senator, Mattie Hunter, Midwestern Regional Director, WIG Board of Directors
GUEST #1: Dr. Gary Puckrein, Ph.D., President, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF)
GUEST #2: Kenny Mendez, CEO and President, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
GUEST #3: Dr. Debra Sierka, PharmD., Head of Dermatology, US Medical Affairs, Sanofi Genzyme
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
New Normal, Same Cancer
COVID-19 has also brought with it a challenge to those facing a cancer diagnosis. Within less than 2 months following the start of the pandemic, average weekly new cancer cases dropped by about 46% across six major types of cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal cancer combined.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the ways we can work to identify cancer earlier through improving screening and testing capabilities, ensuring equitable care, while leveraging digital platforms and prioritizing personalized medicine.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Massachusetts State Representative Kim Ferguson
GUEST: Camille Hertzka, Vice President, Head of Medical, US Oncology at AstraZeneca
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Alzheimer’s Disease: The Importance of Early Detection & Diagnosis
Quality care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias starts with an early, documented and disclosed diagnosis. However, less than 50% of people with dementia are diagnosed and of those who are—less than 50% are told.
According to the World Health Organization, tens of millions of people worldwide live with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to grow in the coming years, outpacing the healthcare resources needed to manage it and costing billions of dollars.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses why it's important for states to consider policies that promote early detection and diagnosis - including public awareness programs and health care professional education and training that creates the infrastructure necessary to address the growing public health crisis.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Massachusetts Representative, Danielle Gregoire
GUEST #1: Catherine Freiman, Medical Director – Alzheimer’s, Biogen
GUEST #2: Jennifer Rosen, Director of State Affairs, Alzheimer’s Association
GUEST #3: Minnesota State Senator, Carla J. Nelson
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Lessons Learned: Caring for Employees, Patients and the Community During COVID-19
To say that the COVID-19 pandemic made us readjust to a “new normal” is an understatement. Over the past several months, we’ve grown accustomed to social distancing, wearing masks everywhere we go, working from home and attending multiple virtual meetings throughout the day.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the lessons learned while caring for employees, patients and the community during these uncertain times.
Over the past few months, we have seen unprecedented levels of collaboration, increased use of technology, and new ways of working that we would never have thought possible. 2020 may have been a year like no other, but it has certainly transformed our workforce and health care community into stronger versions of themselves.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Idaho State Senator, Abby Lee
GUEST: Lauren Duprey, Head of HR U.S. for Takeda
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
The Co-Pandemic: Breaking Down Barriers to Mental Health Access in the Age of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is making an existing mental health crisis worse. Experts are warning mental health issues and substance use disorders will be exacerbated for people who already have these conditions, and may lead to new mental health and substance use issues in the general population.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses how methods to restrict access to lifesaving medications can hurt patients and state budgets. Health outcomes data shows that prior authorization policies for psychotropic medications in Medicaid patient populations have led to poorer outcomes for patients, including medication discontinuation, lapses in care, homelessness, emergency room visits, incarceration and an increased use of crisis services.
Mental health treatments are not one size fits all. Treatment plans should be designed between a patient and their doctor.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Connecticut State Representative and Women In Government Eastern Regional Director, Christie Carpino
GUEST #1: Reyna Taylor, Vice President of Public Policy & Advocacy, The National Council for Behavioral Health
GUEST #2: Dr. Manpreet K. Singh, MD, MS, Director for the STANFORD Pediatric Mood Disorders Program
GUEST #3: Brenda Gleason, President and Founder, M2 Healthcare Consulting
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org and check out https://www.protectaccesstomhmeds.com/
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Pandemic Preparedness for Public Health Labs
COVID-19 has been a game changer for the healthcare industry. The pandemic has engulfed our work streams and has both highlighted our collective successes, and elevated our inefficiencies.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses how critical it is that we continue to address these challenges and adopt long-term key best practices to support patient care in this critical time and any future preparedness needs.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Dr. Denise Heaney, Senior Scientific Affairs Manager, Diagnostics Information Solutions, Roche Diagnostics
GUEST #1: Dr. Jill Taylor, Senior Advisor for Scientific Affairs, Association of Public Health Laboratories
GUEST #2: Dr. Jennifer Rakeman, PhD, Assistant Commissioner and Laboratory Director, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
GUEST #3: Dr. Wendi Kuhnert-Tallman, Centers for Disease Control Laboratory and Testing Task Force
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Vaccine Development for COVID-19
The past eight months have transformed our daily lives. We’ve seen masks, social distancing, and washing our hands for 20 seconds or more become part of regular routines—all while we wait for a treatment or vaccine for COVID-19.
As we head into the cooler months and the infection rates increase around the country, the biopharmaceutical industry is working around the clock to find solutions.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses one of the most important topics affecting lives around the world, the outbreak of COVID-19, a disease caused by a novel strain of coronavirus, and where we stand in terms of a vaccine.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Laura Blake, Outreach and Development Manager
GUEST: Julia Worcester, Director of State Policy at PhRMA, Mid-Atlantic Region
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Social Justice
Our country has been at unrest for quite some time now, but it seems like everything came to a head the moment an African American man took his last breath while in police custody. George Floyd’s untimely death in Minneapolis, Minnesota sparked outrage all around the U.S. resulting in protests and cries for police reform.
At times, it may seem like no one is listening—but a group of high power chief executives of almost 200 large companies are working hard to move the needle when it comes to “real change.”
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses one of the hottest topics in our country, social justice and how people in influential positions are working with civil rights organizations, law enforcement, elected officials and other businesses on the local, state, and federal levels pushing for change that addresses injustices in law enforcement.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Colorado State Senator, Julie Gonzales
GUEST: Ken McNeely, President of AT&T West
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
BIOEquality Agenda
“All men are created equal.” Five simple words that when put together lay the foundation of what our Founding Fathers had in mind for this great land that we live in.
To make that dream a reality for all people, especially underrepresented populations, like women, people of color, and those in the LGBTQ+ community it takes bold and brave leaders who challenge companies, the government, even ourselves to make diversity more than just a word or program, but a true part of who we are and what we stand for.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the BIOEquality Agenda—ensuring scientific justice by building bridges to minority communities. We’re tackling some big issues by taking on the inequality, injustice and unfair treatment aimed at women and communities of color through the positive force of biotechnology.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: New Jersey Assemblywoman, Shavonda Sumter
GUEST: Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, president and CEO, Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Bridging the Education Divide
COVID-19 has not only turned our healthcare, community, and business landscape upside down, it has also impacted our education system.
Approximately 50 million students will attend school from home for at least part of the 2020/21 school year due to the pandemic. This dynamic shift in the method in which education is delivered has brought with it a host of problems, including the fact that millions of students without connectivity are disconnected from virtual classrooms and are wholely unable to participate in school.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses the digital divide in terms of children’s inability to complete their homework because of the gap in internet access. The situation it creates for students can easily be referred to as the HOMEWORK GAP. Similarly, with so many children now attending all or part of their actual school day virtually, what served as the HOMEWORK GAP has morphed into a more pressing SCHOOLWORK GAP, where students are unable to attend school.
Fortunately, there are industry leaders who are stepping up and helping communities all across the country access the internet. Whether you live in a big city, small town or somewhere in between, where you live should not determine where you go in life. We learn that access to the internet means access to opportunity.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Texas State Representative, Toni Rose
GUEST #1: Dr. Kiesha Taylor, Senior National Education Administrator at T-Mobile
GUEST #2: Gabriella (Gaby) Rowe, Grow Associates LLC, and Project Lead for Operation Connectivity
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Biosimilars & Cost Savings
Science is forever evolving, particularly when it comes to cutting-edge medicines aimed at improving the quality of life for millions of people. It has been a decade since one innovation entered the picture which has helped save lives while being an affordable option for those living with cancer, arthritis, and auto-immune diseases.
Biosimilars are available in almost 100 countries around the world including those in Europe as well as Australia, Canada, Japan, and the US.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses how these medicines expand treatment options and can potentially improve patient outcomes by increasing or providing earlier access to therapies.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: North Carolina State Senator, Natalie Murdock
GUEST #1: Carol Lynch, Sandoz US President, Head Sandoz North America
GUEST #2: Pam Traxel, Senior Vice President, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
GUEST #3: Cheryl Larson, President & CEO of the non-profit Midwest Business Group on Health (MBGH)
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Safe Drug Disposal
Any medicine can cause harm if not taken properly or by the wrong person. No one wants to hear about their grandmother taking expired medicine that no longer treats her illness, or worse someone having to visit the ER. Especially when this could have been prevented.
According to the 2018 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, a majority of abused prescription drugs were obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses why it’s more important than ever to securely store and dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medicines. They also chat about the importance of following the instructions provided with medicine, including labeling information and medication guidelines.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Connecticut Representative, Christie Carpino and Eastern Regional Director, Women In Government Board of Directors
GUEST: Irina Butler, MPP, Vice President of Compliance and Operations for the Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group or(PPSWG)
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
It Takes 2: Type 2 Inflammation
People of all ages, genders, and backgrounds are connected by similar challenges because of one lesser known chronic condition known as Type 2 Inflammation.
Recent scientific developments have shown that this overactive immune system response, underlies different atopic, allergic and inflammatory diseases. What exactly does that mean and how does it affect our families and communities?
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses how the type 2 inflammation connection can help patients work with their doctors to gain control of their chronic disease.
As for policymakers and industry leaders, these chronic conditions impact communities of color and those in underserved communities. Now’s the time to get to work and support measures to address type 2 inflammation.
••••• ••••• •••••
MODERATOR: Melissa Hurtado, California State Senator
GUEST #1: Carole Huntsman, Head, Sanofi Genzyme North America and US Country Lead
GUEST #2: Dr. Mandeep Kaur, Vice President, Head, North America Medical for Dupixent at Sanofi Genzyme
GUEST #3: Dr. Tyra Bryant-Stephens MD, Director and Founder, The Community Asthma Prevention Program, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, including a Spanish-language translation transcript of this podcast, please visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Malnutrition in Vulnerable Populations
So many aspects of our daily lives have changed since COVID-19 entered the picture. As we continue readjusting to the “new normal,” some familiar concerns have remained and come with a set of severe consequences.
Food insecurity has plagued different American populations for decades, but has been compounded by the recent pandemic. The novel Coronavirus is disproportionately impacting older generations. With the closure of congregate meal sites and the increase in newly homebound older adults, there is now a higher demand for Older Americans Act (OAA) programs, such as Home Delivered Meals and other community-based supportive services. However, these much needed resources have been strained and need some relief.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses how food insecurity drives harmful impacts on the health and well-being of older adults, exacerbating many chronic conditions. Important questions are answered, including how leaders can advocate for funding that would provide grants to states, territories, and tribes to help support the delivery of nutritious meals for older adults throughout the country.
••••• ••••• •••••
Moderator: Maura LaGue, Managing Director, Women In Government Foundation, Inc.
Featured Guest: Bob Blancato, Executive Director, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP), and the National Coordinator of the Defeat Malnutrition Today coalition.
••••• ••••• •••••
For more information, visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com -
Women In Government Podcast
Increasing Access & Opportunity: 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
This July 26th marks the 30th anniversary of a landmark decision that changed the lives of people living with disabilities. Back in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act or (ADA) was passed and signed into law. It effectively prohibited discrimination against people with disabilities in all areas of public life.
On this episode of the Women In Government Podcast, our panel discusses how far we've come from the dark days of people being viewed as “defective” and in need of “fixing.”
It’s been an incredible 30 years of breaking down barriers and striving for equality in employment, education, and public access for people with disabilities. The ADA remains a crucial tool in addressing persistent discrimination, and new barriers, like inaccessible websites, online systems, mobile apps, and other forms of information and communication technology.
One thing is certain, what we do today will impact future generations of people looking to live their own American Dream over the next 30 years.
••••• ••••• •••••
Moderator: Connecticut State Representative Christie Carpino, WIG Board Member-Eastern Regional Director
Featured Guests:
GUEST #1: Illinois State Senator, Julie Morrison, Chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and founder of the Special Needs Caucus
GUEST #2: Bobby Silverstein J.D., Principal, Powers Pyles Sutter & Verville, PC and Legislative Counsel, State Exchange on Employment and Disability or (SEED)
GUEST #3: Nadia Mossburg, Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
••••• ••••• •••••
For Transcript, visit https://www.womeningovernment.org/policies_publications/policy-issues/state-exchange-employment-and-disability-seed
For more information, visit www.womeningovernment.org
Audio courtesy of OSUCHLUCK Productions, www.osuchluck.com - Show more
