It's National Health Center Week - a time to recognize and celebrate the role of health centers in our communities. These nonprofit clinics provide affordable, high-quality care to more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders. At a time when primary care is at a critical shortage in Rhode Island, the community health center model may be just what the doctor ordered. In this episode, Dr. Elena Kwetkowski, chief medical officer at Comprehensive Community Action Program in Coventry and Karen LaChapelle, medical director and nurse practitioner at Tri County Community Action Agency in Johnston fill us in on their critical work and how funding challenges and low reimbursement rates may hinder their ability to serve.

There has been a lot of talk about cannabis in the news lately and some people question whether cannabis is the answer to a wide variety of health conditions, including pregnancy-related morning sickness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. But what should you know about cannabis products if you are planning a family?

In this episode, Dr. Mara Coyle, a neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School, joins Dr. Chan to share some of her clinical experience and research-based insight into the effects of cannabis on babies, both during, and after pregnancy.

Every community has its own story. These stories are shaped by it’s residents, as well as policies and systems that influence community well-being. Comparing data by neighborhood or zip code, can not only help tell that story, but can also help shape policies that better serve those communities. In this episode, RIDOH's Michelle Wilson, chief of the Health Equity Institute and JoAnna House, a manger on the COVID Data Team join Dr. Chan to give specific examples of why data is critically important, especially when it comes to health equity.

Resources: Rhode Island COVID-19 Tiers Data Brief