The Rhode to Health: A Podcast from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

The Rhode to Mental Health Revisited

Fri, 31 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400

The Rhode to Protecting Healthcare Spaces

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode we'll be exploring three examples of folks fighting to protect healthcare spaces in Rhode Island.

This April, we acknowledge Black Maternal Health Week. We'll hear a recent conversation between Dr. Farah Shafi, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s chief medical officer; Ana Sofia de Brito, a certified nurse midwife at Women & Infants, and Stacy Waters, executive producer of the RI PBS docuseries, "The Risk of Giving Birth", as together, they highlight the inequities in maternal health outcomes for black and brown birthing people and offer recommendations on what can be done within the healthcare system to address this crisis.

Next, we revisit the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Safe Zone program, protecting healthcare spaces for the LGBTQIA+ population with the add of five exciting new facilities certified.

Finally, we sat down with Libby Swan, Executive Director of Rhode Island Mission of Mercy, to discuss their no-cost, two-day clinic, providing needed access to oral healthcare for Rhode Islanders with barriers to this care.

Click here to watch "The Risk of Giving Birth" on RIPBS.

Learn more about Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island's Safe Zone program.

Find out more about RIMOM two-day dental clinic here.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Women Advancing Health Equity

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:00:00 -0400

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, we are joined by two women who are passionate about addressing health equity. Carolyn Belisle is Blue Cross’s Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Carrie Bridges is Vice President of Community Health and Equity for Lifespan Health System. We sat down for a frank discussion about the state of women’s health equity, health equity overall, and the tremendous work needed to turn change into transformation.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Angie Bannerman Ankoma: Equity Leadership Initiative

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 13:00:00 -0500

We're in the last few days of Black History Month, and during this time, we look back on and celebrate Black leaders from the past. But it's just as important to think about future leaders. Needed change can only happen when representation exists in the rooms where decisions happen. Today, on this episode, we hear from a Rhode Island leader who is building a pipeline of leaders of color for positions of influence throughout the state. Angie Bannerman Ankoma is vice president and executive director of the Equity Leadership Initiative (or ELI) at the Rhode Island Foundation. Angie sat down with Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, diversity, equity, and inclusion manager at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. They talked about the great work that ELI is doing to strengthen the leadership landscape in the Ocean State.

Learn more aboutThe Equity Leadership Initiative here.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Heart Health

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:00:00 -0500

February is Heart Health Awareness Month, and today, we'll be engaging in conversations, and tackling some difficult topics on how to make your heart healthier. You'll hear from a Blue Cross associate who has learned to turn loss into activism. We'll be joined by Michelle Clark from the American Heart Association. And finally, a Blue Cross & Blue Shield Rhode Island dietitian will share insights on how to eat more heart-healthy without the heartbreaking decision to give up all your favorite foods.

Learn how you can help the American Heart Association here.

To meet with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island dietitian call, click, or come by one of our five Your Blue Store Locations.

Be healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Joy – 2023 Edition

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 21:00:00 -0500

Join us as we look back on the 2023 Road to Health podcast season, reliving moments of happiness, connection, and community strength. In this episode, we'll chat with a Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island dietitian for tips on sticking to dietary resolutions. We'll hear from two practitioners using creative play to improve children's mental health. Explore the diverse definitions of joy from our employee business resource groups. Learn from a Rhode Island institution safeguarding dignity and hygiene health. Finally we'll celebrate the 20th birthday of the BlueAngel Community Health Grant. It's a journey through the year's inspiring stories and valuable insights on the road to wellness.

Here some of the episodes we featured segments from:

The Rhode to Resolution

20 Years: BlueAngel Community Health Grant

The Rhode to Black Health

The Rhode to Women's Health

The Rhode to Creativity

Rhode to LGBTQIA+ Allyship

The Rhode to Latinx Health

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Introducing New Safe Zones

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:00:00 -0500

For the past eight years Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has been working to create health settings that are transparently inclusive, safe, affirming and welcoming to LGBTIA+ people through the Safe Zone Program. We believe LGBTQIA+ Rhode Islanders deserve to be cared for by providers who show a commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Safe Zone certification has blossomed to include a wide variety of healthcare settings that meet the unique needs of this population where they are. The program now boasts 117 Safe Zone locations, 37 of which joined in our fall 2023 cohort. Scott Gowrie, Safe Zone program lead, cohosts, as we hear from several of these new Safe Zone providers and learn about their ongoing journey toward LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the pursuit of Safe Zone certification.

If you are a provider interested in learning more about the Safe Zone program go to:
www.bcbsri.com/providers/safezone-program

If you'd like to find a Safe Zone participating health care provider go to:
www.bcbsri.com/safezones

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Healthy Aging

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Blue Cross is dedicated to helping Rhode Islanders stay healthy as they age. And for good reason. Rhode Island's population is one of the oldest in the United States. And healthy aging means more than just maintaining physical health as we get older. It means aging with dignity, mental well-being, and secure access to social determinants of health like housing and food. Ensuring healthy aging is a big job. Of course, aging affects all of u. And that's why we're dedicating today's episode to this important topic. We'll speak with Maria Cimini, Director of the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, learn about everything available to older Rhode Islanders at a Your Blue Store, and hear from a chef and a dietitian about how we can eat smarter as we age.

To learn more about the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging go to oha.ri.gov. If you need to report elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and self-neglect call 401-462-0555. Reports can also be entered via a secure Web Intake line.

Click here to learn more about Your Blue Stores.

View the schedule of upcoming events such as exercise, education, or nutrition classes here.

You can find more information about the MIND diet here.

Rhode Island Community Food Bank: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0400

Today we're continuing our celebration of 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants with a beloved institution; The Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The Food Bank was a recipient of two BlueAngel Community Health Grants, one in 2004-2005 for "Eating Well" and the other in 2009-2010 for "Raising the Bar on Nutrition." I got to sit down with Flannery Sullivan – Community Nutrition Manager, and Yesenia Barnier – Program Manager of the Food Bank's Kids Cafe, and we discussed the many ways this critical Rhode Island organization keeps folks fed and healthy.

The Rhode to Health is a podcast presented by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island. It's produced and hosted by me, Mark Sheldon and Mason Im is our sound engineer, with additional support from David Montalvo. I'd like to thank our guests Flannery Sullivan and Yesenia Barnier from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

El Camino a La Salud de Latinos

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0400

Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, Gerente de Diversidad, Equidad, y Inclusión y voy hacer su presentadora en lo que exploramos la salud de Latinos durante el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Van a oir las perspectivas de Latino@Link, nuestro grupo de recursos para empleados en el estado de salud. Vamos hablar con Oscar Alexis Mejias, director ejecutivo de la Cámara de Comercio Hispana de RI y vamos a volver a visitor una conversación con Marcela Betancour, Directora Ejecutiva de la institución de Politica Latino y Jennifer Gaviria, cofundadora de la red Latina de salud mental.

Sigan saludable. Sigan bien. Y sigan con sus ojos en el camino.

The Rhode to Latinx Health

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:00:00 -0400

Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager will be your guest host as we explore Latinx health during Hispanic Heritage Month. You'll hear thoughts from our Latin@ Link EBRG on the state of healthcare. We'll talk with Oscar Alexis Mejias, CEO of the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and we will revisit a piece featuring Marcela Betancour, Executive Director of the Latino Policy Institute, and Jennifer Gaviria, Co-Founder of Latino Mental Health Network of Rhode Island.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BACKRHODES: Rhode Island Student Assistance Services

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 20:00:00 -0400

Welcome to the Rhode to Health Back Rhodes. Now that kids are back at school and settling in we’re revisiting a segment from our Rhode to Learning episode from a year ago, where we sat down with Sarah Dinklage, CEO of Rhode Island Student Assistance Services, about how RISAS is working to protect Rhode Island youth from behavioral health and substance use risks. Recently, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island committed one million dollars over three years to fund this critical work. Let’s listen as Sarah explains how RISAS is removing kids' barriers to well-being.

Westbay Community Action: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 20:00:00 -0400

We're continuing our celebration of 20 years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants with a 2023 grantee, Westbay Community Action, which opened its doors in 1966. Since that time, they have served Kent County with an impressive range of services. One of these services stemmed from a pilot program known as Hoarding Intervention Response and Evaluation, or HIRE. HIRE sits at the crossroads of multiple health crises in Rhode Island, most notably the current crises involving housing and behavioral health. Sarah Lopatka-Faria, Westbay’s chief program officer, and Kelly McHugh, director of case management, sat down with me and spoke about HIRE as well as everything Westbay Community Action is doing for their community.

Learn more about West Bay Community Action here.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BACKRHODES: Healthy Summer BBQ

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Today we're revisiting a segment from July of 2022. As summer rolls to an end there are still a few outdoor barbecues left in the season, so we've got some summer eating tips with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island dietitian Laura Beltz.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Veteran's Health

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:00:00 -0400

In the month that we celebrate our independence, we’re taking a moment to acknowledge the folks who protect it. Today we're learning about Rhode Island’s veteran population by sitting down with an organization that protects their health and well-being in so many ways.

Erik Wallen served as a United States Air Force Captain in the Department of the Judge Advocate General. Since 2011 he has served as the full-time executive director and general counsel for Operation Stand Down Rhode Island. The organization offers a wide range of life-changing services including supportive permanent and transitional housing, legal and VA benefit representation, intensive case management, basic human needs assistance and employment training programs. Erik sat down with us and discussed the many ways Operation Stand Down is helping to support Rhode Island’s most vulnerable veterans.

To learn more about Operation Stand Down Rhode Island go to www.osdri.org.

Be healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Clínica Esperanza /Hope Clinic: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:00:00 -0400

The party continues as we celebrate 20 years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants, and in honor of today's guest, we're making it a bit of a Quinceañera. For the last 15 years, Clínica Esperanza has made it their mission to provide culturally attuned and linguistically appropriate medical care and preventive health services to uninsured Rhode Islanders. And in that time Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has supported the Clínica in a number of ways, notably as a BlueAngel Community Health Grant recipient in 2010 and 2011 and then again in 2015 and 2016. Morgan Leonard, Clínica Esperanza's executive director, sat down with us and we talked about everything they do.

Learn more about Clínica Esperanza at aplacetobehealthy.org.

Be healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BACKRHODES: Beach Safety with Dr. Victor Pinkes

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 16:00:00 -0400

We're revisiting an episode from summer of 2022, when we met with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Medical Director and surf enthusiast Dr. Victor Pinkes, who shared with us some great tips on how to stay safe on Rhode Island's beautiful beaches.

Be healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 12:00:00 -0400

We’re continuing our celebration of 20 years of the Blue Angel Community Health Grant with a first-time partner: West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation (WEHDC).

By providing high quality home buyer education and foreclosure prevention support, WEHDC helps first time homebuyers to transition from tenancy to acquire their first homes and supports long term housing and economic stability. Hear from Candace Harper, WEHDC Executive Director and Jessenia Tolentino, WEHDC’s new Bilingual Housing Counselor as they share with us the ways that they’re tackling Rhode Island’s growing housing crisis. With Jessenia onboard, WEHDC can now offer these resources in Spanish, helping to reach the 62% of Latino residents that call the West End home.

Learn more about West Elmwood Housing Development Corporation at westelmwood.org and their educational programing classes by clicking here.

Rhode to LGBTQIA+ Allyship

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

June is Pride month. Unfortunately, in social media, the news, and, scariest of all, in places that affect lives, livelihoods and the future of our underrepresented friends and neighbors, anti-LGBTQIA discourse is on the rise. And so now, more than ever, it's time to show up in ways that go beyond rainbow-washing and can help protect the health and wellness of a community that is so ingrained in the fabric of our state. This podcast is dedicated to making us all better allies.

Joining us are members of Blue Cross's BluepRIde employee business resource group to discuss the challenges for the LGBTQIA+ community and the best way for allies to be genuinely helpful.

Learn more about BCBSRI's Employee Business Resource Groups.

For the past eight years, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island has been working with healthcare providers to make that ally-ship measurable and visible through our Safe Zones program. Scott Gowrie, Safe Zone program lead, joins the latest cohort of providers to become Safe Zone certified as they reflect on what it means to create a safe space to seek medical care.

Learn more about the Safe Zone program.

And finally, we are joined by Elise Strom, Jason Preciphs and Jodi Glass from Aldersbridge Communities. This organization has been providing services to older adults throughout Rhode Island ranging from long-term care to skilled nursing to independent and assisted living services for more than 50 years. They discuss their newest community, which is conceived to be LGBTQ friendly from the ground up, and why the intersection of this population, aging and housing vulnerability make for an opportunity for ally-ship of the highest order.

Learn about Aldersbridge Communities.

You can find music and more information about the Candace Brooks Band at thecandacebrooksband.com.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BACKRHODES: Juneteenth with Aneesah Cameron

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0400

In this BACKRHODES episode, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island's own Aneesah Cameron shares a unique perspective on the intersection of Juneteenth and healthcare in the African American community. Aneesah sheds light on issues of trust and equity, reminding us that in order to look ahead and make progress, we must understand and acknowledge the past.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep you're eyes on the Rhode.

Farm Fresh: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0400

We are continuing our year-long celebration of 20 Years of the BlueAngel Community Health grants with a Rhode Island institution that has been awarded the grant three times: Farm Fresh Rhode Island.

Farm Fresh is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. In the past two decades, the organization has made it their mission to connect eaters with the locally and honestly produced foods and flavors of our area. This work to make Rhode Island’s people and land healthier has required methods and actions that are at times both creative and surprising.

We sat down with Farm Fresh’s Executive Director, Jesse Rye, and talked about everything Farm Fresh is doing to cultivate the best possible farm to table experience.

Lear more about Farm Fresh RI at www.farmfreshri.org.

Be Healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Your Mental Health

Sat, 20 May 2023 10:00:00 -0400

May is mental health month and today’s episode was chosen by you, our listeners. We reached out on social media and you told us what you wanted to hear. So, we’re going to have an overview of the pediatric behavioral health crisis and how we’re responding. From Rosaly Cuevas, Manager of Behavioral Health Quality, Network and Policy; Sarah Fleury, Director of Behavioral Health; and back from the top of the show, Rena Sheehan, Vice President of Clinical Integration.

We sit down for a round table discussion with Jenny Bautista-Ravreby, Amber Dicks, Shikenya Gough, Chante Foster, Marissa Rodrigues, and Scott Gowrie. Together, we talked about how their diverse backgrounds have played a significant role in how they each perceive the behavioral health space and how having these important conversations can shed light on the need for greater variety in approaches to care.

Finally, we’ll talk with Dr. Eric B. Loucks, an Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Associate Professor of Medicine, and Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health, on the effectiveness of mindfulness and meditation on your overall health.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BACK RHODES: Jim Gillen Teen Center

Thu, 11 May 2023 14:00:00 -0400

We’re reflecting upon a segment from last May’s Rhode to Mental Health episode in which we discussed the state of Rhode Island’s behavioral health landscape and how its youth are being affected. In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, we sat down with guest Laurie DeLuca, a Substance Abuse Counselor at the Jim Gillen Teen Center, to talk about the roles both she and the larger organization are playing in helping teens beat substance dependency.

For information about the Jim Gillen Teen Center, go to teenanchor.providencecenter.org.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Creativity

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 21:00:00 -0400

Today, we're breaking out our palettes and brushes as we paint a picture of creativity and the role it plays in your well-being. We sit down with an actor-turned-public servant, Joe Wilson Jr., Director of the Office of Art, Culture and Tourism for the city of Providence, to look into the future of a more well-creative capital. We talked to Mark Kravatz, interim Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay, about a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to creatively build a new home. And we are visited by art therapy practitioners, Kristen Spencer and Maggie Veiga, from Lincoln's Social Sparks.

Read the "PVDx2031" plan: PVDx2031: A Cultural Plan For Cultural Shift

Learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence and East Bay and ways you can volunteer here.

Find out more about Social Sparks.

Eden Casteel is a singer/songwriter, piano player, livestreamer, and voice coach based in Wakefield, RI. You can learn more at edencasteel.com.

Be heathy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Adoption RI: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:00:00 -0400

We’re continuing our celebration of 20 years of the Blue Angel Community Health Grant with a first-time grantee: Adoption RI. Adoption RI is a Providence-based organization whose services range from adoption and family support to counseling and adult services. But they don’t stop there.

We sat down with Darlene Allen, CEO and Executive Director of Adoption RI, and discussed the future of Adoption RI, including the Copley Chambers project, a project that is being supported by the Blue Angel Community Health Grant. Developed by Marathon Construction and Development, Copley Chambers will provide affordable housing to young adults with past foster care experience who are facing homelessness or housing insecurity. In addition to that, these individuals will also have access to onsite supportive services provided by partners House of Hope and Providence Community Health Center.

Learn more about Adoption RI at www.adoptionri.org.

BACK RHODES: City Farm

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 11:00:00 -0400

We’re revisiting a segment from April 2022 in which we celebrated Earth Day by taking a trip to Southside Community Land Trust’s City Farm. There, we sat down with guests Jazandra Barros and Jake Stanton to discuss how they’re transforming city blocks into farm space.

SCLT’s annual Plant Sale features thousands of vegetable, herb and fruit plants grown from seed (without chemicals) in their greenhouse, as well as hundreds of sought-after perennials. It takes place Saturday and Sunday, May 20-21, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm, at City Farm in South Providence.

Learn more here.

Be healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Youth in Action: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:00:00 -0400

We're continuing our celebration of 20 years of the BlueAngel Community Health Grant with an organization that was a grantee back in 2002 and 2003: Youth In Action. Youth In Action is a Providence-based organization working to create opportunities for youth to become agents of change through transformative leadership opportunities.

Join us as we sit down with Youth In Action's Executive Director Elliot Rivera as well as a few team leaders as they discuss the organization's goal to not only mold its youth to be the leaders of tomorrow but also empower them to take charge of their environment today.

Learn more about Youth In Action and ways you can support their work here.

To learn more about the BlueAngel Community Health Grant go to https://www.bcbsri.com/about/blueangel.

Join us for more episodes in this series as we look back and forward on the impact of the BlueAngel Community Health Grant during a yearlong celebration.

The Rhode to Women's Health

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0400

It’s Women’s History month. As March comes to a close, we’ll be talking about the issues, challenges and triumphs that affect women and their health. And once again I’ve called on some co-hosts to help me navigate these waters. We’ll hear from Kelly Nevins, CEO of Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, an organization investing in women and gender equity; talk about efforts to promote access to women’s mental health through PCPs and OBGYNs with Lifespan’s Maggie Bublitz; and sit down with with Liz Duggan, founder and executive director at Amenity Aid, a non-profit organization protecting vulnerable Rhode Islanders' dignity and menstrual health.

You can learn more about Women's Fund of Rhode Island at wfri.org.
And explore the RI Women's Well-Being Index.

Find out more about Women's Medicine Collaborative .

Go to amenityaid.org to learn how to help this amazing organization.

You can find music and more information about the Candace Brooks Band at thecandacebrooksband.com.

Be heathy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Colorectal Cancer Screenings with Dr. Gonzalo Paz-Soldán

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0400

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. One in 23 men and one in 25 women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. It’s a cancer that often begins as a growth called a polyp. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer or catch it early, when it’s easier to treat. Yet, this seems to be a screening that many of us put off or avoid. And the statistics on who gets screened for colorectal cancer reveal some unsettling disparities.

But Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is taking steps to change the trend of these numbers and we're making great strides. One of the folks making this their mission is Dr. Gonzalo Paz-Soldán. He is Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s senior medical director for clinical transformation. And he has a lot to say about this absolutely critical screening.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes, on the Rhode.

BACK RHODES: Dr Victor Pinkes and Stigma in Behavioral Health

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0500

In last month's Rhode to Black Heath podcast one of the topics our Black Council at Blue discussed was stigma and how it can be a real barrier to folks accessing behavioral health services. So on this BACK RHODES episode we're going to explore the topic a little deeper with a discussion we had back in May with Dr Victor Pinkes. I started us off with a story that gets a little personal.

The Rhode to Health is a podcast presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. It’s produced and hosted Mark Sheldon, and Mason Im is our sound engineer with additional support from Yasmin Diaz.

Be Heathy Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Jonnycake Center for Hope: 20 Years of BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Last month on the Rhode to Health, we started our look back at twenty years of BlueAngel Community Health Grants (BACHG). Today, we hear from the first of our 2023 BACHG Grantees, Jonnycake Center for Hope. Join us to hear from Executive Director Kate Brewster about the ambitious new project Jonnycake has embarked on to address housing access in southern Rhode Island.

Jonnycake has spent nearly 50 years serving Rhode Islanders. The Center has made a big step into housing and has begun to renovate three of the 15 to 19 units of service-enriched housing it plans to offer to local, low-income families experiencing unstable and/or unaffordable housing.

Two BACHG grantees, including Jonnycake, were recently featured in the North Kingston Standard Times- you can read more about this work here.

Learn more about Jonnycake Center for Hope and ways you can support their work here.

To learn more about the BlueAngel Community Health grant go to https://www.bcbsri.com/about/blueangel.

Join us for more episodes in this series as we look back and forward on the impact of the BlueAngel Community health grant during a yearlong celebration.

The Rhode to Black Health

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 11:00:00 -0500

It's Black history month and we're exploring issues important to Rhode Island's African American community. We join a lively discussion with Blue Cross's Black Council @ Blue, as they discuss the state of health and wellness in their community. We hear from Kaitlyn Rabb of Rhode Island Kids Count as she talks about a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island funded brief entitled Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal, Infant, and Young Children's Health in Rhode Island. And we’re joined by Ray Rickman, who heads an organization dedicated to protecting black history and healthy futures.

Read the Rhode Island Kids Count brief, funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island: Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Maternal, Infant, and Young Children's Health in Rhode Island.

Learn more about Stages of Freedom

Pawtucket-based recording artist The Alona Decade provided our closing credit song, Keep on. Their music can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.

Be Healthy. Be Well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BACK RHODES: Anna-Marie Folan – Love & Family

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500

In this month’s BACKRHODES episode, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Care Manager Anna-Marie Folan details her journey of starting a family through fertility treatment with her wife. Delving further, she touches upon the barriers the couple faced throughout the process and how, despite these challenges, her desire to become a mother never wavered.

Anna-Marie Folan shared her thoughts for members seeking to coordinate care, be it for fertility needs or any time care coordination is a challenge.

"In care management we use an integrated health approach to provide members with a personal experience while empowering them to achieve their health goals. We offer comprehensive support to our members with complex medical and behavioral health issues by directing them to resources, education and tools. Our care managers work collaboratively with the member’s current healthcare team to help set and achieve personal health goals. The care management team includes experts such as registered nurses, dietitians, social workers, medical directors and health advocates, who work together to provide the member with assistance managing their health. This assistance can include navigating the healthcare system, collaborating with providers and helping members to access the care they need at the right time. Care management supports the mission of improving member health, the quality of healthcare services they receive and their overall satisfaction. You can reach a care manager by calling 401-459-2273 (CARE) or emailing triage_group@bcbsri.org."

A Heart to Heart Conversation with Martha Wofford and Melissa Cummings

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 16:00:00 -0500

It’s February, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and as kids are cutting out paper hearts in classrooms we’re going to talk about cutting out heart disease. We’re here promoting two amazing events, both associated with saving hearts and by extension saving lives. I’m speaking of course of the GoRed for Women luncheon on February 10 and the American Heart Association Heart walk on June 10, which you can sign up for now. My guests are two women well known in this fight. Martha Wofford is President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island (she’s also the Heart Walk Chair). Melissa Cummings has a long history with GoRed for Women and currently chairs the board of the Southern New England chapter of the American Heart Association.

Learn more about the GoRed for Women Luncheon here.

Sign up for the American Heart Association Heart Walk here.

You can learn more about protecting your families' heart health here.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

20 Years: BlueAngel Community Health Grant

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500

We’re having a birthday party as the BlueAngel Community Health Grant program turns 20 years old.

Even if you’ve never heard of The BlueAngel Community Health Grant program, chances are someone you know has been touched by its funding – we’re talking about an annual, competitive grant program focused on addressing critical health issues in Rhode Island. The program achieves this by partnering with community–based agencies trying to improve the health of Rhode Islanders. This funding program is the cornerstone of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s community investment activities at BCBSRI, and they’re proud of the organizations they’ve worked with and the results achieved since it began 20 years ago.

We’re joined by special guests Linda Newton and Carolyn Belisle. Linda is the former VP, Community Relations, Corporate Social Responsibility & Diversity, at Blue Cross and when she while she was in that role she both founded the program and hired our second special guest Carolyn Belisle. Carolyn is Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode island. The two worked together for many years before Linda's retirement.

To learn more about the BlueAngel Community Health grant go to https://www.bcbsri.com/about/blueangel.

Join us for more episodes in this series as we look back and forward on the impact of the BlueAngel Community health grant during a year long celebration.

The Rhode to Resolution

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 21:00:00 -0500

The start of a new year ushers in feelings of hope and motivates us all to become better versions of ourselves. In this episode of the Rhode to Health, our host, Mark Sheldon, and our guests discuss how to strengthen the resolve to build a better you physically, emotionally, and even as part of your community.

For tips on how to improve our physical well-being, we were joined by Laura Beltz, a registered dietician who helps Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) members make healthy food choices at Your Blue Store. You’ll also hear from Robin Lussier – a Your Blue Store fitness coach and instructor who helps to keep our members moving all year long.

Looking to improve your emotional well-being this year? In this episode, you’ll hear from John Davia, BCBSRI manager of well-being solutions, and Sarah Fleury, BCBSRI director of behavioral healthcare. John and Sarah gave us some self-care tips to incorporate into a daily routine.

If you’ve resolved to get more involved in your community this year, listen to hear Jessica Barry, United Way of Rhode Island’s director of corporate relations, and Jennifer Remmes, director of resource operations, spotlight ways you can help your fellow Rhode Islanders. Learn more at unitedwayri.org.

Interested in visiting a Your Blue Store near you? Click here to find our four locations across the state and click here to register for a fitness class or educational workshop.

Our closing credits music is “For a Sunny Day” by John Davia and Bad Larry.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Back Rhodes: Gratitude Journaling with Nicole Grace

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0500

In this look back, we're joined by wellness expert Nicole Grace who will teach us to put words to our thankful thoughts in a gratitude journal.

More information about Nicole Grace and Cultivate Wellness can be found at cultivatewellnessri.com.

The Rhode to Joy

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:00:00 -0500

RI Life Index: A community conversation

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 22:00:00 -0500

The 4th annual RI Life Index launched on November 14. A presentation of the findings was followed by a conversation with RI Life Index Coalition members and other community leaders facilitated by Lifespan’s Vice President of Community, Health and Equity, Carrie Bridges Feliz. This episode features an excerpt from that conversation.

The Rhode to Gratitude

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 17:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we gather to count all our blessings as we pause to think about what it means to give thanks. We're joined by wellness expert Nicole Grace who will teach us to put words to our thankful thoughts in a gratitude journal. We'll visit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and talk to Lisa Roth Blackman, the Food Bank's chief philanthropy officer, about gratitude in the form of altruism. And we'll speak to Melissa Cummings, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island executive vice president and chief customer officer, about a wellness program that incorporates gratitude as one of its pillars of health.

Donations to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank can be made at rifoodbank.org.

Information about Take 5 for You can be found on rhodeahead.com.

More information about Nicole Grace and Cultivate Wellness can be found at cultivatewellnessri.com.

Information about Granite Theatre's A Christmas Carol can be found at granitetheatre.org.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Your Blue Store

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 19:00:00 -0400

Today we’re talking about how an innovative approach to retail ensures that Blue Cross of Rhode Island members get the most value from their health plans. How that same space can get help them with tough health questions, and how Your Blue Store can even get them up and moving. I’m Mark Sheldon and this is the Rhode to Health, a podcast from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. Today's episode: The Rhode to Your Blue Store.

You can learn more about Your Blue Stores here.

Thanks to our guests Michael Fernandez, Nytasha Watson, Ericka Newman, Robin M Lussier as well as Eric Rodrigues and Melissa Cummings who could be heard with the Blue Bus at the top of our show. I’d also like to thank Carilyn Flynn who can be heard singing under our closing credits.

Special thanks to Paul Ryan, Chantel Cuthbert, Mel Coon and all of our hard working Your Blue Store associates.

Be well, Be healthy, and keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Especial de Salud Conductual Latino

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

¡Hola a todos y bienvenidos al Rhode to Health, un pódcast presentado por Blue Cross y Blue Shield de Rhode Island! Yo soy Rosaly Cuevas. Mi amigo Mark Sheldon me pidió el favor de ser su presentante para este episodio especial en honor del Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Estoy aquí con Marcela Betancour, Directora Ejecutiva del Latino Policy Institute, y Jennifer Gaviria, Cofundadora del Latino Mental Health Network de RI, para discutir los desafíos actuales y de larga data que enfrenta la comunidad Latinoamericana hoy. Ellos también van ofrecer a nosotros algun información sobre lo que sus organizaciones están haciendo activamente para apoyar la comunidad Latina.

Si no lo sabías ya, el Latino Policy Institute es una organizacion que estimula discurso politico como resultado de examinando y comunicando el desarrollo de la experiencia Latina en Rhode Island, mientras que el Latino Mental Health Network of RI busca reclutar y retener profesionales multilingües de la salud mental. Aunque abordan diferentes necesidades en la comunidad Latina, sus misiones alinean cuando se trata del deseo de crear un mejor estado de vida para todos los Latinos en Rhode Island.

Latino Behavioral Health Special

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:00:00 -0400

Hello everyone and welcome to the Rhode to Health a podcast presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island! I’m Rosaly Cuevas. My friend Mark Sheldon asked me to be your host for this special episode in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. I’m here with Marcela Betancour, Executive Director of the Latino Policy Institute, and Jennifer Gaviria, Co-Founder of Latino Mental Health Network of RI, to discuss both current and longstanding challenges facing the Latin American community today. They’ll also be providing us with some insight into what their respective organizations are actively doing to support the Latino community.

If you aren’t aware already, the Latino Policy Institute is an organization that stimulates policy discourse by examining and communicating the developing Latino experience in Rhode Island, while Mental Health Network of RI seeks to recruit and retain multilingual mental health professionals. Though addressing different needs in the Latino community, their missions align when it comes to the desire to create a better state of livelihood for all Latinos in Rhode Island.

Blue Across Rhode Island Special

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400

On Friday September 16th, hundreds of Blue Cross employees mobilized across the ocean state for the company’s annual day of service, Blue Across Rhode Island. In this special episode, we’re going to hear stories from organizations whose service projects ranged from painting fences to sorting shoes.

We'd like to thank all the organizations that participated in this years Blue Across:

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Learning

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400

It’s back to school time and we’re discussing health and wellness in Rhode Island’s school kids. We’re joined by Sarah Dinklage, CEO of Rhode Island Student Assistance Services, about how RISAS is meeting RI kids’ mental health needs and helping to prevent substance use disorder in our schools. We’ll also talk to BCBSRI senior medical director and pediatrician, Dr. Gonzalo Paz-Soldan, and manager of behavioral health clinical operations at BCBSRI and social worker, Jessica Walsh, LICSW. They offer some healthy tips for kids to manage school day stress. And finally, we’ll talk to Kelly Starliper-Morris, M.Ed., NBCT, special educator for Cranston Public Schools and Project SEARCH lead instructor. Project SEARCH is a national organization which partners with Cranston Public Schools; the Rhode Island Office of Rehabilitation Services; and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals. The primary goal of the program is to prepare young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities for success in competitive, integrated employment. BCBSRI has been a proud supporter of Project Search since 2015, with 38 interns serving in a variety of roles since then.

You can learn more about Rhode Island Student Assistance Services at risas.org.

Learn more about Project Search on the national level at projectsearch.us.

Special Episode: Monkeypox

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 19:00:00 -0400

In this special episode of the Rhode to Health, we speak with Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s newest senior medical director, LouAnne Giangreco, M.D., about monkeypox, which the World Health Organization declared a public health emergency of international concern on July 23, 2022.

An emergency medicine physician and former vice president and chief medical officer of Cayuga Health System in Ithaca, N.Y., Dr. Giangreco is a fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

Dr. Giangreco recommends several resources, including the Rhode Island Department of Health, for updated information on vaccination against and treatment of monkeypox, a rare but potentially serious viral infection. We also learn how monkeypox is spread and who is most at risk for contracting the virus.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Monkeypox: Department of Health

The Rhode to Summer

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 11:00:00 -0400

It’s summertime in Rhode Island. And that means something different for each of us. For Blue Cross Medical Director Dr. Victor Pinkes, it’s all about the beach, and he’s got some tips for us to be safe and have fun. For two Rhode Island organizations, summertime is a time for kids. One makes sure they stay fed and healthy and the other is keeping young minds sharp. We’ll talk to them both. And we’ve got Blue Cross dietician Laura Beltz with us talking about healthy alternatives and strategies for summer cook-outs.

The Summer Food Service Program funds primarily lunches and breakfasts and, in some cases, suppers or snacks for children in needy areas when school is not in session during the summer. These meals are provided at no cost. You can learn more on the Rhode Island Department of Education website.

The Summer Learning Initiative is just one way United Way of Rhode Island focuses on inspiring children to fall in love with education and ensuring that all Rhode Island children walk into the classroom with the tools to learn. Learn more at unitedwayri.org.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

All trademarks unless otherwise noted are the property of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island or the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

BONUS: A Fertility Journey with guest Anna-Marie Folan

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 13:00:00 -0400

In this month’s bonus episode, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island Care Manager Anna-Marie Folan details her journey of starting a family through fertility treatment with her wife. Delving further, she touches upon the barriers the couple faced throughout the process and how, despite these challenges, her desire to become a mother never wavered.

Anna-Marie Folan shared her thoughts for members seeking to coordinate care, be it for fertility needs or any time care coordination is a challenge.

"In care management we use an integrated health approach to provide members with a personal experience while empowering them to achieve their health goals. We offer comprehensive support to our members with complex medical and behavioral health issues by directing them to resources, education and tools. Our care managers work collaboratively with the member’s current healthcare team to help set and achieve personal health goals. The care management team includes experts such as registered nurses, dietitians, social workers, medical directors and health advocates, who work together to provide the member with assistance managing their health. This assistance can include navigating the healthcare system, collaborating with providers and helping members to access the care they need at the right time. Care management supports the mission of improving member health, the quality of healthcare services they receive and their overall satisfaction. You can reach a care manager by calling 401-459-2273 (CARE) or emailing triage_group@bcbsri.org."

The Rhode to Pride

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Rhode to Health we will be celebrating the OUTEST, LOUDEST and PROUDEST of all Rhode Islanders: Our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. We've invited some of my favorite people to help tell us along.

Scott Gowrie is joined by Erin O’Donnell, a physician assistant at Narragansett Bay Pediatrics, who tells us why LGBTQ+ inclusive care is so critical in a pediatric care setting, and why this standard of care advances Narragansett Bay Pediatrics’ vision to provide patient-centered care.

Also joining Scott are Suzanne Fortier and Mara Feingold-Link from HopeHealth, which provides home care, palliative care, and hospice care, among other services. They offer insights into how LGBTQ+ inclusive care supports caring for the “whole person.”

Nicole Haas-Rodriguez sits down with Youth Pride, Inc. to discuss the protection and promise of Rhode Island's next generation LGBTQ+ leaders.

Nicole also speaks with Open Door Health, a clinic created to respond to an unmet need for primary and sexual health services in Rhode Island’s LGBTQ community.

Finally, our very own sound engineer, Mason Im, shares their story of coming out, transition and growth.
Narragansett Bay Pediatric and HopeHealth have recently received BCBSRI’s LGBTQ Safe Zone certification.

Learn more about the services HopeHealth provides, ways to give, and check out their blog posts and online resources.

Visit the Narragansett Bay Pediatrics webpage to meet the providers, schedule an appointment, and learn more about their approach to patient-centered care.

Find inclusive and affirming care at a LGBTQ Safe Zone near you. If you are a facility offering health services, you can learn more about the Safe Zone certification and how to apply here.

Learn more about Youth Pride, Inc at their website, www.youthprideri.org and help stock their pantry via PayPal or their Amazon Wish list: www.youthprideri.org/donate/

Open Door Health is accepting new patients. Call them at (401) 648-4700 to make an appointment. Learn more and see hours available for quick and accessible walk-in STI testing at their website, odhpvd.org. See their beautiful three-story mural at 7 Central St., Providence, Rhode Island.

Mason Im supports Providence Youth Student Movement, an organization that mobilizes queer Southeast Asian youth, families, and allies to build grassroots power and organize collectively for social justice.

You can learn more about the The Rhode Island Gay Men’s Chorus at rigmc.org.

BONUS: Juneteenth with guest Aneesah Cameron

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:00:00 -0400

In this bonus episode, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island's own Aneesah Cameron shares a unique perspective on the intersection of Juneteenth and healthcare in the African American community. Aneesah sheds light on issues of trust and equity, reminding us that in order to look ahead and make progress, we must understand and acknowledge the past.

The Rhode to Mental Health

Mon, 23 May 2022 23:00:00 -0400

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health is the topic we’ll be discussing today. We’ll be talking about the behavioral health landscape in Rhode Island, learning what we all can do to combat stigma against mental illness, meet with behavioral health professionals and the pediatricians they partner with to help meet kids behavioral health needs, and visit an organization helping teens beat substance dependency.

Information about the Jim Gillen Teen Center can be found at teenanchor.providencecenter.org.

Kid Lunar's new Single "Read Between the Lines" is available on all major platforms.

Scott Hacker plays a guitar built by Alan Chapman of Amherst, MA, built in 1992.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

Bonus Episode: Green Life Hacks

Mon, 09 May 2022 20:00:00 -0400

We're back with a bonus episode showcasing some simple ways to live a little greener. Last time you heard from us in our Rhode to Green Episode, we spoke to some brilliant folks who have made environmental responsibility part of their everyday life. We asked them to share their favorite green life hacks and they did not disappoint.

Give back with a snack can be found here:
http://givebackwithasnack.gq/

Southside Community Land Trust is having their annual plant sale on May 14-15. Information can be found at their website https://www.southsideclt.org.

Read the City of Providence Climate Justice Plan here.

Little Sister is located at 737a Hope Street (corner of Rochambeau) in Providence. You can find their menu and more information at www.littlesisterpvd.com.

Our closing credits music is "Jerimoth Hill Blues" by Rhode Island bluegrass band Ocean State Ramblers, off their album "In a Circle." More music from the Ocean State Ramblers can be found at https://oceanstateramblers.com.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

The Rhode to Green

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 21:00:00 -0400

We’re talking about how the environment affects your health this earth day. We’ll be visiting Southside Community Land Trust's City Farm, where guests Jazandra Barros and Jake Stanton are transforming city blocks into farm space. We’re joined by Emily Koo, director of sustainability for the City of Providence, on how climate changes affect vulnerable populations. We talk to Milena Pagan of Little Sister, a café making delicious green practices a priority. And, we’ll speak with Martha Wofford, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s president and CEO, about her time with the EPA and in the White House, fighting for a safe and sustainable environment.

Southside Community Land Trust is having their annual plant sale on May 14-15. Information can be found at their website https://www.southsideclt.org.

Read the City of Providence Climate Justice Plan here.

Little sister is located at 737a Hope Street (corner of Rochambeau) in Providence. You can find their menu and more information at www.littlesisterpvd.com.

Our closing credits music is "Jerimoth Hill Blues" by Rhode Island bluegrass band Ocean State Ramblers, off their album "In a Circle". More music from the Ocean State Ramblers can be found at https://oceanstateramblers.com.

Be healthy. Be well. And keep your eyes on the Rhode.

BlueAngel of the Year 2021: Sarah Murray (s4, ep18)

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 08:45:50 -0500

Each year since 2001, the BlueAngel of the Year Award has honored BCBSRI employees who make a difference by serving the local community through their passionate participation in the BlueAngel Community Investment Program. Nominations are submitted by BCBSRI employees to honor a peer who has gone above and beyond. This year, that person is Sarah Murray, an executive assistant in BCBSRI's customer division! Sarah joins us to discuss what drives her to serve others and is joined by Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI's managing director of corporate social responsibility, who shares more about the community commitment that runs through the company's DNA.Resources mentioned in this episode:- www.volunteer.uwri.org- www.bcbsri.com/about/volunteers- www.bcbsri.com/about/community-investment

The Duals difference: helping Rhode Islanders with special healthcare needs (s4, ep17)

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 08:33:53 -0500

BCBSRI has entered Rhode Island’s dual eligible market for this fall’s annual enrollment period. What does that mean? Dual eligible means those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. There are approximately 37,000 Rhode Island residents who are eligible for what’s called a dual special needs plan or D-SNP. This is a special Medicare Advantage plan that provides health benefits for this group, and BCBSRI’s D-SNP plan is BlueRI for Duals. In this episode, we’ll talk with Christina Pitney and Leanna Moran who manage BCBSRI’s Duals and Government Programs to discuss the WHY behind BCBSRI’s entry into the Duals market, who is Duals eligible and what it means to be Duals eligible, because it can be critically important to you or a loved one in receiving the care you deserve.Resources mentioned in this episode:www.bcbsri.com/medicarewww.ripin.orgwww.cms.govSenior Health Insurance Program (SHIP): www.oha.ri.gov/Medicare

Veterans in the Workplace (s4, ep16)

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 10:27:38 -0500

This is the fifth in our series highlighting BCBSRI’s employee business resource groups, or EBRGs. Our employee led groups at Blue Cross are doing great work that impacts how our company operates and the connections we have with our members and the Rhode Island community. In this episode we will talk with Michael Fernandes and Priscilla Santos from our Military Services EBRG about strengths and challenges for service members in the workplace, and the personal connections among those who have served.Resources mentioned in this episode:vets.ri.govosdri.org

Ask the Doc - Delta Variant (s4, ep15)

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 09:42:14 -0400

BCBSRI executive vice president and chief medical officer Matt Collins, M.D., M.B.A., joins us for another round of Ask the Doc Q&A around COVID-19. This time we discuss the Delta variant, as a powerful strain of COVID-19 raises more questions around masking, breakthrough cases in vaccinated people, and possible side effects of the vaccine.Resources mentioned in this episode:health.ri.govcdc.govbcbsri.com/keepinformed

Bonus Minisode: Cheers to 10 years! (s4, ep14)

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 07:26:31 -0400

It’s the 10th annual Blue across Rhode Island! Before we hit the road for BCBSRI’s signature statewide day of service to partner with nonprofits all across RI, let's take a few minutes to chat with Martha Wofford, BCBSRI’s president & CEO, as she experiences her first Blue across Rhode Island event, and Bob Defelice, director of IT, architecture and design at BCBSRI, who will share his experiences as he celebrates his 10th Blue across Rhode Island, having been here from the start!Here's the full list of all the local nonprofit organizations receiving support today - we invite you to learn more and consider supporting their vital work:134collaborative.orgamenityaid.orgbgcnri.orgcfsri.orggottahavesole.orghabitatpvd.orgsouthcountyhabitat.orgmessageofhopefoundation.orghopealzheimerscenter.orgneighborworksbrv.orgprovidenceparks.orgplayworks.org/new-englandriverzedgearts.org

"Walk a mile in their shoes. Understand who you're serving" - a discussion with Latin@Link(s4, ep13)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:30:45 -0400

The Hispanic community is the largest minority group in Rhode Island. Let's understand more about how things like health literacy and even cultural dietary differences can impact health disparities experienced by this community. This is the fourth in our series highlighting BCBSRI’s employee business resource groups, or EBRGs. Our employee led groups at Blue Cross are doing great work that impacts how our company operates and the connections we have with our members and the Rhode Island community. In this episode we will talk with Marcy Reyes and Ivette Luna from Latin@Link about their ongoing initiatives and the company’s plans for Hispanic Heritage Month.Resources mentioned in this episode:clinicaesperanza.orgartculturetourism.com/mi-gentecookingconomi.comconexionlatinanewport.orgrihispanicchamber.orgunnaturalcauses.orgcdc.gov/healthequity/racism-disparities/index.html

You "Gotta Have Sole" when supporting Rhode Island kids (s4, ep12)

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:42:43 -0400

Meet Lori Lowinger and her son Nicholas Lowinger from Gotta Have Sole, a Rhode Island nonprofit organization that has participated in 9 of the past 10 Blue across Rhode Island statewide day of service events. In this episode we’ll learn more about the mission of Gotta Have Sole, and about BCBSRI’s plans for the 10th anniversary signature event this September 24th from Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI’s managing director of corporate social responsibility. Discussed in this episode:www.gottahavesole.org@gotta_have_sole_ on Instagram@GottaHaveSoleFoundation on Facebook@gottahavesol on Twitter

"It's always nice to have a nurse in your back pocket" (s4, ep11)

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 07:51:54 -0400

Did you know BCBSRI has an entire team of nurses on staff to help you work on specific health goals? Our Care Management team has long worked with members to improve their health, and now they have launched a free, secure virtual platform to meet face to face with members in the convenience of their home, or preferred location. Rhonda Somyk, RN, manager of the BCBSRI care management team joins us to discuss how this new virtual offering can enhance communication and strengthen the nurse-patient relationship.

"At the end of the day, they just want to stay in their home" (s4, ep10)

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 10:37:04 -0400

The CDC's research shows that home modifications and repairs may prevent up to 50% of all home accidents among aging adults, including falls in older homes. Habitat for Humanity of Rhode Island-Greater Providence (HabitatPVD) recently received a $610,000 grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to support HabitatPVD's new Aging in Place home modification and improvement program. Designed for Rhode Islanders who are 65 or older and are dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, the Aging in Place program helps people who would like to remain in their homes to do so in a healthy and safe space. Joining us for this episode are Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of corporate social responsibility, and Mark Kravatz, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Providence to discuss the critical need for safe and affordable housing in Rhode Island and how we can help support our neighbors in need.Resources mentioned in this episode:•habitatpvd.org•rilifeindex.org•RIHousing.com•United Way 2-1-1

"It's not just a celebration for Black people, it's a celebration of American history" (s4, ep9)

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 07:33:47 -0400

Let's talk about Juneteenth! This is the third in our series highlighting BCBSRI’s employee business resource groups, or EBRGs. Our employee led groups at Blue Cross are doing great work that impacts how our company operates and the connections we have with our members and the Rhode Island community. In this episode we talk with Aneesah Cameron and Chante Foster from the Black Council @ Blue about their ongoing initiatives and the company’s decision to observe Juneteenth as an official company holiday for the first time.Resources mentioned in this episode: - https://www.juneteenthri.com/ - https://fortune.com/2020/06/19/what-to-watch-juneteenth-netflix-amazon-hulu/ - https://www.amazon.com/Juneteenth-Annette-Gordon-Reed/dp/1631498835 - https://www.bcbsri.com/about/diversity

Ask a Doc - COVID-19 Q&A with Dr. Collins (season4-ep8)

Wed, 26 May 2021 08:43:06 -0400

Many of us are now vaccinated or in the process of getting vaccinated for COVID-19, but we still have SO. MANY. QUESTIONS. So, BCBSRI's own Dr. Matthew Collins, M.D., M.B.A., executive vice president and chief medical officer, is back for another round of Ask the Doc where we discuss questions like, "what happens if I miss my second dose?", "is the vaccine safe for kids?", "am I going to need to keep getting COVID boosters like a flu shot?" and "could a pandemic like this happen again?"Resources mentioned in this episode: - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/vsafe.html - https://www.stitcher.com/show/american-scandal/episode/tuskegee-syphilis-study-first-do-no-harm-1-61826369 - https://www.amazon.com/Warmth-Other-Suns-Americas-Migration/dp/0679763880 - https://www.bcbsri.com/keepinformed/ - https://covid.ri.gov/**As of publication time on 5/26/21, all information was accurate and current. The contained information may become outdated as new information becomes available.**

The invisibility of disability (season 4, ep.7)

Mon, 17 May 2021 14:24:23 -0400

This is the second in our series highlighting BCBSRI’s employee business resource groups, or EBRGs. Our employee led groups at Blue Cross are doing great work that impacts how our company operates and the connections we have with our members and the Rhode Island community. In this episode we will talk with Katie Taylor from Disability Inclusion Network and Rosaly Cuevas from our behavioral health team about disabilities and the EBRG’s work around Mental Health Month. Resources:•CDC information on disability inclusionhttps://bit.ly/3tIB5CR•RespectAbility - A resource for employers and employees https://www.respectability.org/•Disability:In - A resource for disability etiquettehttps://disabilityin.org/resource/disability-etiquette/

"It's not about dying, it's about living the best day in front of you today"(season 4, ep. 6)

Tue, 04 May 2021 10:04:11 -0400

Advance directives, palliative care, hospice care – what do these terms mean to you? Do they feel like uncomfortable topics? Do you know what your loved ones want if the day comes that they receive a difficult diagnosis and might need a care plan? Does what you would want match what provides the best quality of life for your loved one? Many of us have never considered these questions in advance of family crisis. But some of these may be the most important questions you’ll ever ask or be asked. Gus Manocchia, M.D., senior clinical consultant at BCBSRI, and Jennifer Ritzau, M.D., medical director and director of palliative care at Hope Health, join us to discuss having the tough conversations around end of life care.Resources discussed in this episode: - https://www.hopehealthco.org/ - https://health.ri.gov/lifestages/death/about/advancedirectives/ - https://www.hopehealthco.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/RI-DurablePowerOfAttorneyForHealthCare.pdf - https://molst.org/

Q&A with Martha Wofford, BCBSRI's new President & CEO (season 4, ep 5)

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:40:45 -0400

After a national search, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island recently announced the appointment of Martha L. Wofford as the eighth president and CEO in the 82-year-old company's history. She graciously agreed to sit down with us for a Q&A as she begins her tenure at BCBSRI. Join us as we learn more about her background, her leadership style, what drives her and more!Links mentioned in this episode:https://www.bcbsri.com/newsroom/press-releases/bcbsri-announces-new-president-and-ceohttp://www.rhodeahead.com/howto/unboxing-healthcare

The power of pronouns (season 4, ep 4)

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 13:23:40 -0400

This is the first in our series highlighting BCBSRI’s employee business resource groups, or EBRGs. Our employee led groups at Blue Cross are doing great work that impacts how our company operates and the connections we have with our members and the Rhode Island community. In this episode we talk with Jason Furlan and Mason Im from BluepRIde and highlight a really great campaign they’ve launched around gender identifiers.Resources mentioned in the episode:pflag.orgpflag.org/glossaryglaad.orghrc.orgsage-ri.orglgbtqiahealtheducation.org/publication/textbook/wpath.org

The journey toward diversity, equity and inclusion (season4-ep3)

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 12:10:30 -0500

On the heels of BCBSRI's 7th consecutive score of 100 on the annual Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Jenny Bautista, BCBSRI’s new diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) manager, joins us to talk about the various dimensions of diversity, what DEI looks like across our company, goals for the future, and how to be more inclusive both at home and at work. For more information about some of the topics discussed in this episode:https://www.diversitybestpractices.com/https://www.ywcari.org/https://www.bcbsri.com/about/diversityhttps://www.bcbsri.com/safezones

Ask a Doc - COVID-19 vaccine (season4-ep2)

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 10:21:36 -0500

We finally have a COVID-19 vaccine starting to roll out to the public - rejoice! But, as with all unfamiliar things, this comes along with a lot of questions from people. When and where can I get the vaccine? Do I have to pay for it? Can I catch COVID-19 from the vaccine? Do I still have to wear a mask if I'm vaccinated? BCBSRI's own Dr. Matthew Collins, M.D., M.B.A., executive vice president and chief medical officer, joins us for this Ask the Doc episode where we discuss some common questions around the COVID-19 vaccine, provide some insight into the vaccine process and the vaccine itself, and maybe also dispel some of those vaccine myths that you may have heard.**As of publication time on 1/29/21, all information was accurate and current. The contained information may become outdated as new information becomes available.**

The Greatest Generation is the Forgotten Generation when it comes to Recovery (season4-ep1)

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 11:28:36 -0500

The use of peer support has proven to be incredibly successful in helping people in their recovery journey from substance use disorders. But what about Rhode Islanders aged 65+? It’s not a group often associated with substance use disorders, but BCBSRI is now expanding peer recovery coverage to Medicare members, and with good reason. Lisa Conlan Lewis, executive director of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island; Michelle Harter, community liaison and training and consultation manager at Anchor Recovery; and Dr. Victor Pinkes, medical director at BCBSRI discuss the changing face of recovery and why older Rhode Islanders need our support.

Ask a Doc - Cutting through the COVID confusion (season3-ep8)

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 12:51:07 -0500

Are you tired of listening to the armchair "experts" on your Facebook newsfeed? Let's ask a real, live doctor all your burning questions about COVID-19! BCBSRI's own senior clinical consultant, Gus Manocchia, M.D., answers questions like, "Am I safe going to the doctor’s office or should I continue to wait? If I've had COVID-19 am I immune? What about the flu shot?" Dr. Manocchia will point you toward some reliable resources for COVID-19 information, including a really cool COVID risk assessor app. Check it out and send us any questions or comments @BCBSRI on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

The changing face of the house call (season3-ep7)

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 10:50:05 -0500

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing has illustrated important gaps in care, and the solutions developed in response to the pandemic can extend beyond the current public health crisis to improve geriatric care in the decades to come. Featuring BCBSRI’s own chief medical officer, Dr. Matt Collins, joined by special guest Dr. Anthony Zizza, senior medical officer and geriatrician from Landmark Health, this episode will explore HouseCall by Blue, an in-home care program offered to Rhode Island seniors.

Finding new ways to help - volunteerism in a pandemic (season3-ep6)

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:05:29 -0400

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, many Rhode Islanders have been safely isolating at home. But what does this mean for the Rhode Island nonprofit organizations providing critical support to Rhode Islanders in need? Join guests Meghan Grady, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and Carolyn Belisle, managing director of corporate social responsibility at BCBSRI, as they discuss the changing face of volunteerism in a pandemic, and how BCBSRI and others can get creative in their support of those who need us now more than ever.

Safe, but alone - The mental health side effects of COVID-19 (season3-ep5)

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 08:59:33 -0400

The senior population is especially vulnerable to COVID-19, but isolating at home can lead to some unfortunate side effects. What are the negative impacts of social isolation on older Rhode Islanders, and what tips and resources are available for seniors and their caregivers as they continue to weather the pandemic?Special guest Rekha Rao, MD, VP medical director, Northeast Region, Beacon Health Options is joined by the BCBSRI behavioral health team: Rena Sheehan, managing director of clinical integration, BCBSRI; Sarah Fleury, manager of behavioral health, BCBSRI; and Rosaly Cuevas, behavioral health program manager, BCBSRI.

Pride - more than a month (season3-ep4)

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:52:43 -0400

Most of us are well aware that certain groups are at high-risk due to COVID-19 – the elderly, healthcare workers – but have you considered the disproportionate impact COVID-19 has had on the LGBTQ+ community? This episode will tackle some of the issues that might be exacerbated during the pandemic. Guests Guillaume Bagal, diversity and inclusion lead at BCBSRI; Nicole Rodriguez, brand and marketing executive assistant at BCBSRI; and Wade Barbera from BCBSRI's employee care center discuss why Pride has transcended the month of June and is a conversation we can all have year-round.

Bonus episode - 5 minute mindfulness practice (season3-ep3.2)

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 12:02:05 -0400

Did you enjoy our last episode? Want to try practicing mindfulness? Vanessa Weiner from Center for Resilience shares a quick mindfulness exercise. Check it out!Learn more about Center for Resilience at www.centerforresilience.org

Toxic productivity - finding mindfulness amid the work-from-home chaos (season3-ep3)

Fri, 29 May 2020 13:30:29 -0400

As many Rhode Islanders are working from home during the pandemic, an unfortunate side effect has been people feeling like they must be more productive because they have more time. There are more available hours to fill without a commute and extracurricular activities. But, when they aren’t more productive (because we’re all just doing our best to survive a difficult set of circumstances!) it leaves them feeling worse than they already do. How can we stop this cycle of toxic productivity? And how can mindfulness help?Special guest Vanessa Weiner, executive director from Center for Resilience joins the BCBSRI behavioral health team including Rena Sheehan, managing director of clinical integration; Sarah Fleury, manager of behavioral health; and Rosaly Cuevas, behavioral health program manager for a discussion about not being so hard on yourself and how to use mindfulness to focus on what's important.

The Challenges of Recovery in a Pandemic (season3-ep2)

Wed, 27 May 2020 13:19:22 -0400

Behavioral health challenges haven't gone away just because there’s a pandemic going on. Connecting with resources and treatment can be even more challenging now, especially for those in recovery. Join guests from the BCBSRI behavioral health team including Dr. Victor Pinkes, medical director; Rena Sheehan, managing director of clinical integration; and Sarah Fleury, manager of behavioral health for a discussion about overcoming the challenges of social distancing to stay healthy and well, and resources available to help.For more information about many of the resources discussed, visit: https://www.bcbsri.com/medicare/member/mentalhealth

BlueAngel of the Year 2019 - Stephanie serves with heart (season3-ep1)

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:25:51 -0400

Each year since 2001, the BlueAngel of the Year Award has honored Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island employees who make a difference by serving the local community through their passionate and long-term participation in the BlueAngel Community Investment Program. Nominations are submitted by BCBSRI employees who then vote to select the honoree. Let's meet Stephanie Santoro, the 2019 BlueAngel of the Year.

The Value of Data & Analytics (season2-ep11)

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 11:03:00 -0500

Data and analytics is becoming increasingly more important in the world of healthcare, as it allows us to better understand our health needs, offer better healthcare, and save money. Join host AJ Pirri, manager of employer analytics, and guest, Amar Gurivireddygari, vice president and chief data and analytics officer, as they discuss how Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is using data to influence how best to ensure the health of all Rhode Islanders.

BlueAngel of the Year – Greg Lupica (season2-ep10)

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 14:49:26 -0500

Each year since 2001, the BlueAngel of the Year Award has honored BCBSRI associates who make a difference by serving our community through their passionate, long-term participation in the BlueAngel Community Investment program. Host Stef Vito, manager of provider relations and a previous BlueAngel of the Year, is joined by guest Greg Lupica, director of system support and the current BlueAngel of the Year, to discuss Greg’s work over the past 20 years with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information on the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please visit www.cff.org.

2019 BlueAngel Grantees – Farm Fresh Rhode Island (season2-ep9)

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:11:23 -0500

The BlueAngel Community Health Grant program is the cornerstone of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s community investment activities and helps the company address critical health issues in Rhode Island. Since the program launched 18 years ago, local nonprofits have received more than $3.8 million in support, impacting 300,000 Rhode Islanders. In this episode, host Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of community relations, chats with Thea Upham, community access program director at Farm Fresh Rhode Island, one of the recipients of a 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant. The $22,000 grant has helped Farm Fresh Rhode Island provide parents and children with resources to shop and prepare healthy meals with the farmers-market-based education program “Healthy Foods, Healthy Families.” For more information about Farm Fresh Rhode Island, please visit farmfreshri.org.

A New Model for Care - Oak Street Health comes to RI (season2-ep8.2)

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 08:36:20 -0400

In a move designed to provide Medicare members with access to high-quality, personalized care in a community-center setting, BCBSRI has entered an exciting new primary care delivery partnership in Rhode Island with Oak Street Health, a network of primary care centers exclusively caring for Medicare patients. Host Dr. Gus Manocchia, BCBSRI chief medical officer, is joined in the studio by Dr. Griffin Myers, Oak Street Health’s chief medical officer, to discuss the three Oak Street Health locations opening in Rhode Island this year.

A New Model for Care - Oak Street Health comes to RI (season2-ep8.1)

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 08:36:06 -0400

2019 BlueAngel Grantees - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (season2-ep8)

Thu, 15 Aug 2019 10:51:41 -0400

Join host Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of community relations, as she talks with Heather Strout, executive director of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. The community center received a $25,000 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grant to further their mission of fighting hunger, promoting health, educating young and school-age kids, supporting families and engages seniors all across Newport County. Listen in to learn more about the great work they do!

Becoming better EQUIPPED to reduce adverse drug events (season2-ep7)

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 11:07:46 -0400

Thirty-five percent of adults aged 65+ experience an adverse drug event every year, accounting for one out of every three hospital admissions and resulting in estimated costs of $30 billion each year. Elizabeth Goldberg, M.D., ScM, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Brown University, joins Matt Colins, M.D., BCBSRI vice president of clinical integration, to discuss her work to address this issue through the EQUIPPED program. The EQUIPPED program, short for Enhancing Quality of Prescribing Practices for Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department, intends to reduce the prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) that could cause side effects for older patients and lead to preventable health care use.

Ask the Doctor - Measles (season2-ep6)

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 14:13:43 -0400

Since January 1, 2019, 981 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 23 states. The number continues to grow every single week. This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. BCBSRI Chief Medical Officer Gus Manocchia joins host Jill Flaxington to discuss the severity of measles, how and why it has returned and the critical importance of vaccinations and herd immunity.

Changing Direction on Mental Health (season2-ep5)

Mon, 20 May 2019 09:52:38 -0400

As part of Mental Health Month, BCBSRI recently became the first health insurer in Rhode Island to join the Campaign to Change Direction. This is a national public health initiative that works to “change direction” on mental health and addresses common barriers to understanding mental health. Leading the charge here locally in Rhode Island for the Campaign to Change Direction is the Hospital Association of Rhode Island (HARI). Lisa Tomasso, HARI’s vice president of strategy and public relations, and Kayla Mudge, HARI’s communications coordinator, join host Sarah Fleury, LICSW, to discuss the campaign and its promotion of the Five Signs of emotional distress, which can help recognize a loved one's need for help.

2019 BlueAngel Grantees - Rhode Island Community Food Bank (season2-ep4)

Fri, 10 May 2019 10:21:28 -0400

At the heart of BCBSRI’s philanthropy is a commitment to addressing the critical issue of childhood overweight and obesity. To achieve this goal, BCBSRI awards BlueAngel Community Health Grants to local nonprofits - totaling more than $3.8 million over the past 18 years, impacting more than 300,000 Rhode Islanders. In this episode, host Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of community relations, chats with Melissa Martland-Kile, nutrition education manager at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, one of the recipients of BCBSRI's 2019 BlueAngel Community Health Grants. With an $11,000 grant BCBSRI will help support the Food Bank’s program “Healthy Habits: Eating Well on a Budget,” which strives to provide nutrition education to under-served populations.For more information about the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, please visit rifoodbank.org.

It's What We Live For (season2-ep3)

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 10:02:15 -0400

Host Philip Hawthorne is joined by guests Carolyn Belisle, BCBSRI managing director of community relations, and Melissa Cummings, BCBSRI executive vice president and chief customer officer, to discuss a momentous occasion - the 80th anniversary of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island! BCBSRI has been serving its fellow Rhode Islanders for 80 years, and this episode delves into the company’s Rhode Island legacy and deep-rooted local commitment, which has even led to its new brand campaign, “It’s What We Live For.”

Urinary incontinence - The conversation you should have (season2-ep2)

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:04:39 -0400

BCBSRI's Charlotte Crist is joined by Michael Ross, MD, a geriatrician and director of geriatric inpatient services at Kent Hospital, to discuss an issue that we’ve heard is a big concern for many of our senior members, but one that they may not talk about or ask for help with due to embarrassment or stigma: urinary incontinence, or issues with bladder control.

Local support for important issues - connecting with behavioral health treatment (season2-ep1)

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 10:13:13 -0500

We are still very much at the start of 2019, and the need for behavioral health services in Rhode Island is on course to increase yet again this year. In this episode, we take some time to discuss some of the programs and services available here in Rhode Island for mental health and substance use disorders. Host Rosaly Cuevas, the administrative coordinator for Delivery System Innovation at BCBSRI, is joined by guests Rena Sheehan, Blue Cross’ managing director of clinical quality and behavioral health, and Sarah Fleury, the lead clinical program specialist who works alongside Rena and Rosaly on BCBSRI's behavioral health programming.

Reducing Avoidable Emergency Room Visits - Meet our Task Force (season1-ep15)

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 11:50:31 -0500

Based on BCBSRI claims data 40 percent of emergency department (ED) visits are low-acuity, non emergent, which means they don’t always require emergency care. For Rhode Island, that 40 percent attributes to $90 million annually in preventable ED visits for symptoms such as back pain, flu symptoms, ear or sinus pain, muscle sprains or bumps, cuts or scrapes. Many of these complaints can be addressed by a PCP, at retail health clinics, or at urgent care centers. Join host Dave King, as he discusses BCBSRI's ED task force with guests Matt Collins, M.D., and Charlotte Crist, RN.

Watch Your Mouth! Why dental health is so important to overall health (season1-ep14)

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 10:28:27 -0500

Did you know that the health of your mouth is directly tied to the health of your whole body? Join host Patrick Connors as he leads a discussion on the “mouth/body connection.” To explain more about this, and what steps you can take to be your healthiest, Patrick is joined by Dr. Yvonne Wolny, dental director at BCBSRI.

A Prescription for Privacy - protecting your personal data, part 2 (season1-ep13.2)

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 12:32:30 -0500

The healthcare industry has lots of personal information floating around, making it a big target for criminals. What are some of the most common traps, and how can you avoid them?Join host Rebecca Webber, chief of staff to the president and CEO at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, as she tackles the topic of protecting personal information against fraud and theft. To talk about common scams that attempt to access your protected health information, Rebecca is joined by former Rhode Island State Police Superintendent Colonel Brendan Doherty, director of BCBSRI's special investigations unit, and former Rhode Island State Police Captain Brian Casilli, fraud investigator at BCBSRI.

A Prescription for Privacy - protecting your personal data, Part I (season1-ep13.1)

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 11:58:31 -0500

More Than a Store - A Place for Wellness (season1-ep12)

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 13:56:30 -0500

You may have heard in a previous episode of the Rhode to Health Podcast that you can take an array of fitness classes at Your Blue Store. BUT, did you know we also offer a wide range of classes and seminars in-person at our retail store locations in Warwick, East Providence and Lincoln? Join host Erika Pietrunti, senior program manager in continuous improvement at BCBSRI, as she interviews guests Catherine O’Horo, a senior case manager at Blue Cross, and Charlotte Crist, BCBSRI managing director of clinical programs. Cathy and Char serve as instructors for two of the most popular and well-received classes at our retail stores: nutrition classes with cooking demonstrations, and healthy aging workshops.

The Case for Quality (season1-ep11)

Wed, 31 Oct 2018 13:45:46 -0400

Join host Rebecca Webber, BCBSRI's chief of staff to the president and CEO, as she discusses one of the MOST important (and easiest!) ways to pick a good health plan. We’re talking about quality ratings. Rebecca is joined by Karen Stenhouse, BCBSRI accreditation manager, and Rebecca Mallette, BCBSRI director of customer experience, to help us better understand what quality ratings are, why they matter and how all of this relates to you as a customer.

Being Out in the Workplace - Part 2 (season1-ep10.2)

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 11:53:20 -0400

A survey conducted by the Human Rights Campaign found that 50 percent of employees in the United States are not out in their place of employment. Join host Guillaume Bagal, lead diversity and inclusion consultant at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island, as he discusses BCBSRI’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community. Guillaume is joined by a panel of BCBSRI colleagues for this two-part episode: Charlotte Crist, managing director of clinical programs, Michelle Im, account coordinator, and Jason Furlan, manager of contact center oversight.

Being Out in the Workplace - Part 1 (season1-ep10.1)

Wed, 10 Oct 2018 11:52:10 -0400

Wellness - Fit for any size employer (season1-ep9)

Tue, 02 Oct 2018 13:24:14 -0400

Did you know you can earn rewards for participating in a wellness program? Join Jessica Marfeo, Director of Product Strategy at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and George Tager, Director of Small Business Sales at BCBSRI as they discuss wellness plans, why they’re so important, and how you can incorporate a wellness plan into any size company.

Blue across Rhode Island - a day of service (season1-ep8)

Mon, 17 Sep 2018 09:54:29 -0400

BCBSRI President and CEO Kim Keck spends some time talking about the 7th annual Blue across Rhode Island, a statewide day of service. On September 21 hundreds of BCBSRI employees will fan out across the state to serve at community projects supporting local nonprofit organizations. Kim is joined in this episode by Michelle Clark, director of development at the March of Dimes, and Jason Furlan, the BCBSRI associate serving as one of the project captains for the March of Dimes project.

Making an Impact - Part 2 (season1-ep7.2)

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 11:46:56 -0400

Please join us for the second half of our discussion around BCBSRI's social mission...Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is a health insurance company. But we are so much more than that. We are deeply committed to the health and well-being of our fellow Rhode Islanders. It's all part of BCBSRI’s social mission. In this episode host Philip Hawthorne, director of creative services at BCBSRI, welcomes guests BCBSRI President & CEO Kim Keck, and Carolyn Belisle, managing director of community relations at BCBSRI, to discuss the organization’s community investments, specifically those targeting childhood obesity.

Making an Impact - Part 1 (season1-ep7.1)

Fri, 07 Sep 2018 11:43:42 -0400

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is a health insurance company. But we are so much more than that. We are deeply committed to the health and well-being of our fellow Rhode Islanders. It's all part of BCBSRI’s social mission. In this episode host Philip Hawthorne, director of creative services at BCBSRI, welcomes guests BCBSRI President & CEO Kim Keck, and Carolyn Belisle, managing director of community relations at BCBSRI, to discuss the organization’s community investments, specifically those targeting childhood obesity.

A Member Story - The Rhode to Motherhood (season1-ep6)

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 11:44:29 -0400

The first time Shannon Pierce and Kristina DiMatteo Fields met at Your Blue Store, they cried together out of sadness. The second time, out of hope. And the third time? Pure joy.

Reimagining Retail (season1-ep5)

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 12:59:46 -0400

BCBSRI's Erika Pietrunti hosts this discussion about BCBSRI's three Your Blue Store locations in East Providence, Lincoln and Warwick. To explain why BCBSRI has physical storefronts and how they can help customers, Erika is joined by guests Melissa Cummings, BCBSRI executive vice president and chief customer officer, and Paul Ryan, director of retail strategy and operations at BCBSRI.

Why the Rhode gets rough – addressing mental health in R.I. (season1-ep4)

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 10:25:39 -0400

This episode highlights a very important topic that affects an increasing number of Rhode Islanders - mental and behavioral health. To discuss the current state of behavioral health in Rhode Island and what’s being done to address this need, Rena Sheehan, BCBSRI's managing director of behavioral health, interviews Dr. Karyn Horowitz, director of outpatient child psychiatry and behavioral health services at Lifespan and director of outpatient services at Bradley Hospital, and Dr. Matt Collins, vice president of clinical integration at BCBSRI.

The Pharmacist Will See you Now (season1-ep3)

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:04:30 -0400

BCBSRI’s Char Crist and Mike Kolodij join clinical pharmacist Jen Leavitt to discuss the Patient-Centered Pharmacy Program, which promotes improved medication practices by better integrating pharmacists into the healthcare delivery system. Since its launch in 2014, the program has created $15.9 million in total health care cost savings, but more importantly, it has helped patients on-site in real time during their primary care practice visits.

Health and Wellness - There's an App for That (season1-ep2)

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 11:03:40 -0400

In this episode host Dan Xavier speaks with John Auger and Bill Maxwell about the wide array of digital solutions available to help manage your health and wellness.

Nurses Where You Least Expect Them (season1-ep1)

Tue, 08 May 2018 16:30:24 -0400

Did you know BCBSRI offers full time on-site nurse case managers at all Your Blue Store locations? Smita Wadhwani and Jill Curren discuss the many ways the nursing team is available in the community to help encourage and support customers in reaching their health goals.