1 00:00:01,025 --> 00:00:02,965 - We actually know that today as we speak, 2 00:00:03,395 --> 00:00:05,885 half the world's population lacks access to healthcare. 3 00:00:06,385 --> 00:00:10,605 And about 2 billion people lack access to care simply due 4 00:00:10,605 --> 00:00:11,725 to geographic distance. 5 00:00:12,025 --> 00:00:14,485 And the approach we bring to that is really 6 00:00:14,545 --> 00:00:16,485 around looking at the health workforce 7 00:00:16,905 --> 00:00:18,005 and really looking at 8 00:00:18,225 --> 00:00:21,085 how community-based primary care can be better delivered. 9 00:00:26,155 --> 00:00:28,245 - Welcome to balancing Life's issues. 10 00:00:28,265 --> 00:00:30,765 The podcast Today we are celebrating World Health Day 11 00:00:30,765 --> 00:00:32,285 and this year's theme of my health, 12 00:00:32,425 --> 00:00:35,125 my right reading from the World Health Organization, 13 00:00:35,675 --> 00:00:38,245 this year's theme was chosen to champion the right 14 00:00:38,245 --> 00:00:40,605 of everyone everywhere to have access 15 00:00:40,625 --> 00:00:42,685 to quality health services, education, 16 00:00:42,705 --> 00:00:45,805 and information, as well as safe drinking water, clean air, 17 00:00:45,915 --> 00:00:48,765 good nutrition, quality housing, decent working 18 00:00:48,865 --> 00:00:50,245 and environmental conditions, 19 00:00:50,465 --> 00:00:52,005 and freedom from discrimination. 20 00:00:52,625 --> 00:00:54,405 But why do we need to care about World Health? 21 00:00:55,525 --> 00:00:58,165 A topic that seems so far removed from the safety 22 00:00:58,265 --> 00:01:00,325 and comfort of my home and my community? 23 00:01:00,915 --> 00:01:03,485 Well, as it turns out, I recently became friends 24 00:01:03,485 --> 00:01:06,325 with someone in my community who happens to be the CEO 25 00:01:06,385 --> 00:01:10,525 of Last Mile Health, a global organization whose mission is 26 00:01:10,525 --> 00:01:12,565 to invest in those closest to the community, 27 00:01:12,955 --> 00:01:14,005 community health workers, 28 00:01:14,545 --> 00:01:16,445 and the systems that enable their success. 29 00:01:17,345 --> 00:01:18,645 Her name is Alicia McCormick, 30 00:01:18,785 --> 00:01:19,805 and she's here today 31 00:01:19,805 --> 00:01:22,165 to tell us exactly why this is such an important topic. 32 00:01:22,265 --> 00:01:24,045 And spoiler alert is 33 00:01:24,045 --> 00:01:26,245 because the world isn't as big as we think. 34 00:01:26,245 --> 00:01:26,525 It's 35 00:01:31,865 --> 00:01:33,165 Hi, Alicia. Welcome to the podcast. 36 00:01:33,625 --> 00:01:35,165 - Hey, Kai, it's so great to be with you. 37 00:01:35,625 --> 00:01:36,685 - I'm so glad to have you. 38 00:01:36,785 --> 00:01:38,965 And you know, it's World Health Day is being 39 00:01:38,965 --> 00:01:40,245 celebrated on April 7th. 40 00:01:40,905 --> 00:01:43,765 And you know, from what I've learned about you 41 00:01:43,955 --> 00:01:46,085 through our times of hanging together 42 00:01:46,505 --> 00:01:48,245 and becoming friends, uh, 43 00:01:48,325 --> 00:01:49,645 I knew you did something really important. 44 00:01:49,705 --> 00:01:54,125 You were often traveling, uh, to throughout the world, um, 45 00:01:54,425 --> 00:01:57,885 in advocation of some sort of health related thing. 46 00:01:57,965 --> 00:02:00,245 I wasn't really sure. And then, you know, I just kind 47 00:02:00,245 --> 00:02:01,765 of asked you, Hey, would you be interested 48 00:02:02,625 --> 00:02:04,525 to do this World Health Podcast with me? 49 00:02:04,525 --> 00:02:06,285 And you're like, sure. And then you sent me over 50 00:02:06,365 --> 00:02:07,405 a link to your organization. 51 00:02:07,505 --> 00:02:11,405 And not only is your mission just incredible, 52 00:02:11,585 --> 00:02:14,485 but you're the CEO of the organization. 53 00:02:14,545 --> 00:02:17,325 So can you just tell me more about, you know, 54 00:02:17,325 --> 00:02:20,525 what is your organization and the role you play in World 55 00:02:20,525 --> 00:02:21,525 - Health? 56 00:02:21,525 --> 00:02:23,365 Absolutely. Well, I'm so fodder 57 00:02:23,365 --> 00:02:24,765 that you invited me to have this conversation. 58 00:02:24,925 --> 00:02:27,165 I think, uh, universal health coverage 59 00:02:27,305 --> 00:02:29,165 and access to healthcare is something 60 00:02:29,245 --> 00:02:30,605 that really matters to me. 61 00:02:30,785 --> 00:02:32,525 Mm-Hmm. , um, you know, 62 00:02:32,605 --> 00:02:33,845 I think we've touched on, 63 00:02:33,865 --> 00:02:35,845 but my journey is really one where 64 00:02:36,565 --> 00:02:38,085 I grew up in North America. 65 00:02:38,205 --> 00:02:40,125 I grew up just outside of Washington DC 66 00:02:40,265 --> 00:02:44,525 and I think I was very fortunate I had regular access 67 00:02:44,525 --> 00:02:47,645 to healthcare throughout the entirety of my life. 68 00:02:48,025 --> 00:02:49,485 Um, as did my family. 69 00:02:50,065 --> 00:02:52,805 And I had expected that I would actually study medicine. 70 00:02:52,965 --> 00:02:54,165 I went to university 71 00:02:54,305 --> 00:02:57,685 and, um, took all the course pre-reqs so 72 00:02:57,685 --> 00:03:00,525 that I could become a doctor and Okay. 73 00:03:00,525 --> 00:03:04,245 Wow. Yeah, and I, I think much to my father's chagrin, 74 00:03:04,605 --> 00:03:06,765 I made the decision before starting medical school 75 00:03:06,865 --> 00:03:07,885 to take a gap year. 76 00:03:08,115 --> 00:03:12,405 Okay. Um, and in that gap year, I realized something, 77 00:03:12,645 --> 00:03:15,885 I realized that the way in which we structure 78 00:03:16,545 --> 00:03:18,805 how healthcare is accessed Yeah. 79 00:03:19,065 --> 00:03:22,285 Um, many people are really suffering 80 00:03:22,505 --> 00:03:23,805 and unable to access care. 81 00:03:23,905 --> 00:03:25,205 Not necessarily because there are, 82 00:03:25,205 --> 00:03:27,245 are inadequate clinical interventions, but 83 00:03:27,245 --> 00:03:30,725 because the way that our health systems are structured Yeah. 84 00:03:30,875 --> 00:03:33,965 Kind of really looks to reinforce marginalization. Sure. 85 00:03:33,965 --> 00:03:36,565 So did a bit of a shift, um, yeah. 86 00:03:36,865 --> 00:03:38,045 And actually shifted over 87 00:03:38,045 --> 00:03:39,965 to really focus on public health with Oh, wow. 88 00:03:40,125 --> 00:03:41,725 A particular focus on 89 00:03:42,105 --> 00:03:46,405 how health services can be made available to people that 90 00:03:46,475 --> 00:03:48,245 otherwise would go without access. 91 00:03:48,505 --> 00:03:50,685 - And this, this started in like your local community 92 00:03:50,685 --> 00:03:52,645 outside of dc like community health or? 93 00:03:53,355 --> 00:03:54,525 - Yeah, it's a great question. 94 00:03:54,865 --> 00:03:57,005 So, uh, actually in New York City, okay. 95 00:03:57,005 --> 00:03:59,685 I kind of moved, moved to the big bad city from Colorado, 96 00:03:59,735 --> 00:04:01,205 which is where I did my undergrad. 97 00:04:01,545 --> 00:04:06,445 And, um, got a job doing direct service, uh, 98 00:04:06,445 --> 00:04:08,085 in case management as a community health worker. 99 00:04:08,395 --> 00:04:10,565 Okay. Uh, and as a community health worker, 100 00:04:10,565 --> 00:04:13,885 what I was doing is I was actually going to folks' homes, 101 00:04:14,305 --> 00:04:18,325 um, that were navigating different issues, be it sort of, 102 00:04:18,865 --> 00:04:21,485 um, mental health challenges Mm-Hmm. 103 00:04:21,525 --> 00:04:24,405 or substance, uh, use disorders. Yeah. 104 00:04:24,425 --> 00:04:26,965 Or, you know, other non-communicable diseases like 105 00:04:26,965 --> 00:04:30,085 hypertension or diabetes, or maybe folks were HIV positive. 106 00:04:30,085 --> 00:04:34,485 Mm-Hmm. . Um, and a lot of what I saw was that 107 00:04:35,135 --> 00:04:37,805 these folks both deserved access to care. 108 00:04:37,935 --> 00:04:42,925 Right. And often the system was not structured in a way to, 109 00:04:43,785 --> 00:04:44,965 um, meet them where they were. 110 00:04:45,305 --> 00:04:49,005 Um, and I think the absence of the, 111 00:04:50,215 --> 00:04:52,725 their, their ability to, to access the care 112 00:04:52,725 --> 00:04:55,765 and the services that they deserved in a dignified way, um, 113 00:04:56,665 --> 00:04:58,965 really, uh, changed my trajectory. 114 00:04:59,035 --> 00:05:01,085 Yeah. Uh, in terms of what I pursued for, 115 00:05:01,265 --> 00:05:02,285 for what I'm doing now. 116 00:05:02,465 --> 00:05:05,205 - And, you know, it's a beautiful segue into 117 00:05:05,395 --> 00:05:07,485 what this year's theme is for World Health Day. 118 00:05:07,595 --> 00:05:09,445 It's my health, my right. Mm-Hmm. . 119 00:05:09,705 --> 00:05:12,285 And it feels like you just are embodying that. 120 00:05:12,305 --> 00:05:14,645 So can can you tell us what, what does that mean to you? 121 00:05:15,365 --> 00:05:17,485 - Absolutely. So, you know, I think Kai, 122 00:05:17,545 --> 00:05:18,605 we know one another now, 123 00:05:18,625 --> 00:05:21,645 and the, the role that I currently sit in is actually 124 00:05:21,645 --> 00:05:23,565 leading an organization by the name of Last Mile Health. 125 00:05:23,675 --> 00:05:24,805 - Last Mile Health. I just 126 00:05:24,805 --> 00:05:26,285 wanna make sure our listeners heard that, right? Yep. 127 00:05:26,395 --> 00:05:28,445 - Last Mile Health. - Okay. Fantastic. 128 00:05:28,705 --> 00:05:33,485 - And, and our focus really is on recognizing 129 00:05:33,485 --> 00:05:37,005 that I is universal and access to care is not Mm-Hmm. 130 00:05:37,045 --> 00:05:39,165 and figuring out ways in which we can go the 131 00:05:39,165 --> 00:05:40,365 last mile to make sure 132 00:05:40,515 --> 00:05:43,405 that every patient has access to the care that they deserve. 133 00:05:43,705 --> 00:05:46,605 Um, to put some numbers behind this, we actually know 134 00:05:46,605 --> 00:05:47,965 that today as we speak, 135 00:05:48,355 --> 00:05:50,885 half the world's population lacks access to healthcare. 136 00:05:51,865 --> 00:05:56,085 And about 2 billion people lack access to care simply due 137 00:05:56,085 --> 00:05:57,245 to geographic distance. 138 00:05:58,065 --> 00:06:02,845 So a lot of what I do and my incredibly capable colleagues 139 00:06:02,905 --> 00:06:05,885 and sort of the community that I'm part of look at is 140 00:06:06,545 --> 00:06:08,165 how do we ensure that the way 141 00:06:08,165 --> 00:06:12,405 that health systems are designed, um, are inclusive 142 00:06:12,785 --> 00:06:16,565 of integrated services, particularly for those that would 143 00:06:16,565 --> 00:06:18,045 otherwise be out of reach of care. 144 00:06:18,945 --> 00:06:21,565 And the approach we bring to that is really 145 00:06:21,705 --> 00:06:23,645 around looking at the health workforce 146 00:06:24,105 --> 00:06:25,205 and really looking at 147 00:06:25,265 --> 00:06:28,005 how community based primary care can be better delivered. 148 00:06:28,425 --> 00:06:31,245 - So, I mean, you said community based and, 149 00:06:31,545 --> 00:06:34,245 but that's was exactly your experience in New York. 150 00:06:34,385 --> 00:06:36,765 So like, is there a correlation there? 151 00:06:36,795 --> 00:06:39,885 Like does it feel the same? Is it different? 152 00:06:40,225 --> 00:06:42,845 - So I think that there are absolutely, uh, 153 00:06:42,855 --> 00:06:43,885 clear correlations 154 00:06:44,025 --> 00:06:46,645 and lessons that can be learned between North America, 155 00:06:46,705 --> 00:06:48,205 Europe, Africa, Asia, 156 00:06:48,945 --> 00:06:52,405 and when we think about delivery of care 157 00:06:52,985 --> 00:06:54,685 to people in the community, actually 158 00:06:54,745 --> 00:06:57,965 by community health workers, by professionalized members 159 00:06:57,985 --> 00:06:59,365 of the community on the 160 00:06:59,365 --> 00:07:00,845 - Ground to - Exactly 161 00:07:01,185 --> 00:07:03,365 who like really get their community's needs, 162 00:07:03,625 --> 00:07:06,165 who are often representative of the communities 163 00:07:06,165 --> 00:07:09,685 that they serve, um, we know that that actually yields 164 00:07:09,685 --> 00:07:12,965 to one, a path towards achieving universal health coverage, 165 00:07:12,975 --> 00:07:15,205 especially in settings that might 166 00:07:15,205 --> 00:07:17,525 otherwise be more economically disadvantaged. 167 00:07:17,525 --> 00:07:18,805 Mm-Hmm. . Um, but it also 168 00:07:18,805 --> 00:07:20,085 yields improved health outcomes. 169 00:07:20,235 --> 00:07:24,685 Like we see tremendous increases in terms of access to 170 00:07:25,275 --> 00:07:29,125 immunizations or maternal health care, um, you know, 171 00:07:29,235 --> 00:07:31,565 proactive health screenings, um, 172 00:07:31,825 --> 00:07:33,645 by community health workers and that matters. 173 00:07:33,995 --> 00:07:37,205 - Yeah. Yeah. And so I guess focusing on that community, 174 00:07:37,205 --> 00:07:38,645 so your mission is to make sure 175 00:07:39,155 --> 00:07:43,165 that those community based programs are rich, vibrant, 176 00:07:43,785 --> 00:07:46,245 and like as up to date as possible. 177 00:07:46,245 --> 00:07:48,125 Would that be a good way to frame the work you do? 178 00:07:48,675 --> 00:07:50,565 - It's a great way of thinking of it. Okay. Perfect. 179 00:07:50,885 --> 00:07:52,365 I think that when we think about 180 00:07:52,835 --> 00:07:57,005 what a exemplar community health system looks like, we know 181 00:07:57,275 --> 00:07:59,565 that that health system needs 182 00:07:59,665 --> 00:08:01,085 to have community health workers 183 00:08:01,155 --> 00:08:05,005 that are operating at national scale, that are, uh, 184 00:08:05,005 --> 00:08:07,165 integrated into systems of financing 185 00:08:07,345 --> 00:08:09,605 and also how data is used and administered. 186 00:08:09,745 --> 00:08:11,645 And those community health workers also need 187 00:08:11,645 --> 00:08:13,485 to get the inputs that they need Yeah. 188 00:08:13,785 --> 00:08:16,685 To do their jobs. So they need the skills, the supplies, 189 00:08:16,865 --> 00:08:20,125 the supervision, and the salaries, um, to make sure 190 00:08:20,125 --> 00:08:22,405 that they're able to show up every day 191 00:08:22,585 --> 00:08:25,125 and deliver care to their neighbors. 192 00:08:25,465 --> 00:08:27,325 - Ah, do you, do you feel like it's ever 193 00:08:27,325 --> 00:08:28,445 like just insurmountable? 194 00:08:29,735 --> 00:08:30,855 - I don't, um, 195 00:08:31,525 --> 00:08:34,575 because the, the solutions 196 00:08:35,395 --> 00:08:37,335 are proven and demonstrated. 197 00:08:37,335 --> 00:08:39,255 Mm-Hmm. , you know, I, I look at a country like 198 00:08:39,285 --> 00:08:43,255 Liberia in West Africa, um, where I've lived off and on 199 00:08:43,255 --> 00:08:46,015 and worked for at this point a quarter of my life. 200 00:08:46,355 --> 00:08:50,295 And Liberia is regularly ranked among one 201 00:08:50,295 --> 00:08:51,495 of the most economically 202 00:08:51,495 --> 00:08:53,215 disadvantaged countries in the world. 203 00:08:53,595 --> 00:08:57,085 And what I can tell you is that Liberia is on track 204 00:08:57,145 --> 00:08:59,325 to achieve universal health coverage by the end 205 00:08:59,325 --> 00:09:00,765 of calendar year 2025. 206 00:09:00,985 --> 00:09:05,485 - Oh my gosh. Are you serious? - 100%. So, go 207 00:09:05,485 --> 00:09:06,485 - Ahead. 208 00:09:06,485 --> 00:09:07,845 Well, I was just gonna say, I mean, if when, when you, 209 00:09:07,845 --> 00:09:10,645 when you, I guess the, the stigma associated with, you know, 210 00:09:11,115 --> 00:09:13,085 poor countries Mm-Hmm. 211 00:09:13,125 --> 00:09:14,685 , you would just assume that the healthcare 212 00:09:15,705 --> 00:09:17,605 is less adequate than our own. 213 00:09:17,715 --> 00:09:20,325 - Yeah. I mean, there can be that presumption 214 00:09:20,665 --> 00:09:22,045 and I think Mm-Hmm. 215 00:09:22,085 --> 00:09:23,605 , what we've seen in Liberia is 216 00:09:23,605 --> 00:09:26,005 that there has been a clear-eyed commitment, um, 217 00:09:26,505 --> 00:09:31,485 by the government to bring on community health workers, um, 218 00:09:31,875 --> 00:09:35,245 over 4,000 of them to date, uh, to serve a population 219 00:09:35,465 --> 00:09:36,965 of a little under 5 million. 220 00:09:37,745 --> 00:09:40,685 And those community health workers every day are present 221 00:09:40,975 --> 00:09:43,165 going door to door to make sure 222 00:09:43,315 --> 00:09:44,845 that kids are getting the care that they need, 223 00:09:44,995 --> 00:09:46,525 that moms are being supported. 224 00:09:46,525 --> 00:09:47,965 Yeah. That people are able to be healthier. 225 00:09:48,505 --> 00:09:50,845 And to me, seeing that 226 00:09:50,945 --> 00:09:52,925 and seeing it, you know, something 227 00:09:52,925 --> 00:09:56,805 that would've been presumed impossible, actually, 228 00:09:57,155 --> 00:10:00,365 like made possible, um, really is a lesson 229 00:10:00,555 --> 00:10:01,925 that I think many other countries 230 00:10:02,065 --> 00:10:03,245 can look to and learn from. 231 00:10:03,555 --> 00:10:05,925 - Yeah. And I guess, you know, why do you think 232 00:10:06,435 --> 00:10:09,085 that community-based program works? 233 00:10:09,185 --> 00:10:11,165 And it might be a leading question. Mm-Hmm. 234 00:10:11,205 --> 00:10:12,925 , because I think what I'm trying to get us 235 00:10:12,925 --> 00:10:14,485 to is this idea of empathy. 236 00:10:14,485 --> 00:10:16,205 Mm-Hmm. and like emotional intelligence. 237 00:10:16,205 --> 00:10:17,365 Mm-Hmm. is, do you, 238 00:10:17,365 --> 00:10:21,405 do you feel like those are some of the traits that are 239 00:10:21,435 --> 00:10:22,925 with a community health worker 240 00:10:23,155 --> 00:10:24,805 that translates into better healthcare? 241 00:10:25,265 --> 00:10:30,165 - 100%. I think the ability to be present, to relate, to 242 00:10:30,935 --> 00:10:33,685 understand the social determinants in the context 243 00:10:33,955 --> 00:10:38,725 that a individual or a family is navigating matter, um, 244 00:10:39,025 --> 00:10:42,405 and the ability to deliver services, um, 245 00:10:43,015 --> 00:10:45,085 healthcare is one of 'em. 246 00:10:45,785 --> 00:10:47,805 Um, context matters. Yeah. 247 00:10:47,905 --> 00:10:51,765 And, you know, I think that we are regularly seeing that 248 00:10:52,775 --> 00:10:56,365 mom's willingness to listen to advice for their kid, 249 00:10:56,585 --> 00:11:00,165 or their ability to even just physically access the 250 00:11:00,715 --> 00:11:03,485 treatment for malaria that their child so deserves 251 00:11:03,835 --> 00:11:05,125 that is made possible 252 00:11:05,125 --> 00:11:07,605 because of community led primary care 253 00:11:07,605 --> 00:11:08,965 and community health workers. Wow. 254 00:11:08,995 --> 00:11:10,205 - It's such a beautiful mission 255 00:11:10,465 --> 00:11:12,405 and it just kind of brings along this idea that 256 00:11:12,985 --> 00:11:16,005 how connected the world actually is. 257 00:11:16,745 --> 00:11:19,045 Um, and I feel like we really felt that during covid. 258 00:11:19,445 --> 00:11:21,965 - I think you said it so Well. You know, I, I think that 259 00:11:21,995 --> 00:11:25,085 what Covid really reinforced is that there 260 00:11:26,535 --> 00:11:29,755 is no them, there's only us and Mm-Hmm. 261 00:11:29,795 --> 00:11:31,875 the interconnectivity of 262 00:11:32,485 --> 00:11:35,115 truly global health at this point. 263 00:11:35,615 --> 00:11:39,555 It means that, you know, I, I lived 264 00:11:39,575 --> 00:11:41,155 and worked in Liberia 265 00:11:41,155 --> 00:11:45,155 and West Africa during the 2014, 2015 Ebola outbreak, 266 00:11:45,165 --> 00:11:46,755 which I think was a very scary time. 267 00:11:47,095 --> 00:11:51,395 And what we saw was that a 2-year-old child 268 00:11:51,935 --> 00:11:56,085 in the rainforest of Guinea fell ill with fever, vomiting, 269 00:11:56,825 --> 00:11:58,365 and pretty shortly thereafter, 270 00:11:58,595 --> 00:12:00,485 that child's aunties fell ill. 271 00:12:00,785 --> 00:12:02,605 And then before we knew it Mm-Hmm. 272 00:12:02,645 --> 00:12:05,125 , we actually had an Ebola outbreak 273 00:12:05,195 --> 00:12:07,405 that spread across West Africa, 274 00:12:07,745 --> 00:12:11,565 but also where we saw people getting sick, 275 00:12:11,955 --> 00:12:13,605 like in our very own New York City. 276 00:12:13,605 --> 00:12:14,765 Yeah. Um, 277 00:12:15,105 --> 00:12:17,885 and I think Covid really reinforced the fact 278 00:12:17,915 --> 00:12:19,605 that illness is universal. 279 00:12:19,785 --> 00:12:21,245 Access to care is not Mm-Hmm. . 280 00:12:21,305 --> 00:12:24,365 And some of the best approach in terms 281 00:12:24,365 --> 00:12:25,925 of pandemic prevention 282 00:12:25,925 --> 00:12:29,205 and detection is by making sure that there are well-equipped 283 00:12:29,915 --> 00:12:31,365 supported community health workers 284 00:12:31,585 --> 00:12:32,645 in each and every community. 285 00:12:32,675 --> 00:12:35,245 - Yeah. Because I think what you hear now, it's not a matter 286 00:12:35,245 --> 00:12:37,245 of if, but when it happens again, 287 00:12:37,985 --> 00:12:39,365 - You're spot on there. Yes. 288 00:12:39,945 --> 00:12:42,445 - And I, I just, I don't know, just personally 289 00:12:42,545 --> 00:12:43,685 as your friend, it, 290 00:12:43,705 --> 00:12:46,725 it feels like this is a really heavy, heavy job. 291 00:12:47,225 --> 00:12:49,525 Or maybe you can help me better understand like, what's, 292 00:12:49,525 --> 00:12:51,765 what's the emotional weight you carry 293 00:12:51,785 --> 00:12:53,725 and like, how do you maintain work-life balance? 294 00:12:53,925 --> 00:12:55,685 'cause that, that's what we do at balancing life's issues. 295 00:12:56,025 --> 00:13:00,565 We try to make sure an employee, a manager, A CEO is 296 00:13:01,385 --> 00:13:03,005 taking care of themselves as well. 297 00:13:03,015 --> 00:13:06,005 Right. Because ideally you pour yourself into your work 298 00:13:06,065 --> 00:13:07,405 and it's a lifelong mission, 299 00:13:08,025 --> 00:13:10,245 but you can get wrapped up in that, you know, how 300 00:13:10,305 --> 00:13:12,285 how do you maintain a sense of self with, 301 00:13:12,285 --> 00:13:14,285 with all this going on on around you. 302 00:13:14,985 --> 00:13:16,845 - You know, I think working in mission driven 303 00:13:16,875 --> 00:13:18,565 work is a privilege. 304 00:13:18,905 --> 00:13:21,685 Um, and you're right that it's something where so much 305 00:13:21,685 --> 00:13:22,845 of our identity 306 00:13:22,905 --> 00:13:25,205 and our sense of purpose can get tied up in 307 00:13:25,205 --> 00:13:26,325 that mission driven work. 308 00:13:27,385 --> 00:13:29,745 I think something I've come to learn is 309 00:13:29,745 --> 00:13:31,985 that there are really three things that matter 310 00:13:32,005 --> 00:13:34,545 to me in my professional endeavors. 311 00:13:34,725 --> 00:13:36,425 Um, one is being able 312 00:13:36,425 --> 00:13:37,985 to work on things that are values aligned. 313 00:13:38,325 --> 00:13:40,665 And in my core, I truly believe 314 00:13:40,665 --> 00:13:41,905 that nobody should be left out. 315 00:13:42,685 --> 00:13:44,865 So working on something 316 00:13:45,015 --> 00:13:47,625 that is really focused on inclusive access 317 00:13:47,625 --> 00:13:49,665 to healthcare fuels me. Yeah. 318 00:13:50,155 --> 00:13:51,185 - Think it gets you up in the morning. 319 00:13:51,245 --> 00:13:53,105 If it was a really hard day, you know, 320 00:13:53,105 --> 00:13:55,625 you can get up tomorrow because that value is aligned 321 00:13:55,805 --> 00:13:57,065 - One 100%. 322 00:13:57,325 --> 00:13:59,825 And I think, you know, the point you just made, Kai also 323 00:13:59,825 --> 00:14:01,665 around like working on things that are hard. 324 00:14:02,765 --> 00:14:07,185 Um, you know, we we're doing this work, not, not 325 00:14:07,185 --> 00:14:09,065 because it's easy, but because it is hard. 326 00:14:09,085 --> 00:14:10,865 Mm. If these, if these were challenges 327 00:14:10,865 --> 00:14:14,585 that people had already addressed, there would be no need 328 00:14:14,645 --> 00:14:15,705 to wake up every day 329 00:14:15,705 --> 00:14:17,185 and to tackle these things that are difficult. 330 00:14:17,185 --> 00:14:20,505 It's hard to work in remote areas, it's hard to work Right. 331 00:14:20,765 --> 00:14:23,065 In communities that have often been neglected, 332 00:14:23,065 --> 00:14:25,025 it can be hard to work with government partners. 333 00:14:25,725 --> 00:14:27,305 Um, and still it's really important. 334 00:14:27,565 --> 00:14:29,665 And that kind of brings me to the third thing 335 00:14:29,665 --> 00:14:33,225 that I regularly focus on and that I think is so critical. 336 00:14:33,525 --> 00:14:36,145 And for me, and I think for so many that do this type 337 00:14:36,145 --> 00:14:38,105 of mission oriented work is the 338 00:14:38,105 --> 00:14:39,145 community that you're part of. 339 00:14:39,805 --> 00:14:44,425 And I, you know, stand in service with a team of, 340 00:14:44,525 --> 00:14:47,185 you know, over 200 health professionals 341 00:14:47,295 --> 00:14:48,905 that are getting up every single day 342 00:14:48,905 --> 00:14:51,380 because they believe that people have access to, to, uh, 343 00:14:51,380 --> 00:14:52,420 should have access to care. 344 00:14:52,625 --> 00:14:54,565 Mm-Hmm. and more broadly, we're part 345 00:14:54,565 --> 00:14:58,285 of a broader and growing ecosystem of people that believe 346 00:14:58,465 --> 00:15:00,645 and know that healthcare is a human right. 347 00:15:00,905 --> 00:15:03,165 And that we have it within our power 348 00:15:03,545 --> 00:15:05,445 to, to realize that vision. Yeah. 349 00:15:05,795 --> 00:15:07,965 - Yeah. I'm, I'm so glad you ended with community 350 00:15:07,965 --> 00:15:10,405 because, you know, it's one of the five buckets 351 00:15:10,555 --> 00:15:14,405 that over here at BLI that we, that we empower people 352 00:15:14,505 --> 00:15:16,485 to put some water into every once in a while. 353 00:15:16,485 --> 00:15:18,045 Like, the importance of your community and, 354 00:15:18,425 --> 00:15:21,205 and the fact that I just ended up meeting you 355 00:15:21,205 --> 00:15:22,885 through some friends down at a brewery 356 00:15:22,885 --> 00:15:24,645 around the corner is just kind of speaks to this, 357 00:15:24,955 --> 00:15:27,525 this whole idea of community and what, what fuels you up 358 00:15:27,785 --> 00:15:29,405 and keeps you energized. 359 00:15:29,465 --> 00:15:32,005 And I think the last thing I wanted to ask you, 360 00:15:32,245 --> 00:15:35,845 'cause I know your time is extremely valuable, um, is 361 00:15:37,035 --> 00:15:39,845 this can all feel so removed from Mm-Hmm. 362 00:15:39,885 --> 00:15:41,925 the self, like, for me, like, I'm imagining 363 00:15:42,555 --> 00:15:45,085 like world health, like, it's insurmountable. 364 00:15:45,085 --> 00:15:47,725 It's huge. And I think for a lot of listeners, 365 00:15:47,755 --> 00:15:49,005 it's probably a similar feeling. 366 00:15:49,585 --> 00:15:52,125 Um, however, like what's, 367 00:15:52,125 --> 00:15:54,845 what do you feel is like one thing someone like myself 368 00:15:55,455 --> 00:15:57,845 could do to be more engaged in world health 369 00:15:57,865 --> 00:15:59,485 or to be a better advocate for it? 370 00:15:59,875 --> 00:16:01,685 - Well, the types of solutions 371 00:16:01,685 --> 00:16:03,885 that we're looking at in the majority world, 372 00:16:04,065 --> 00:16:08,965 or, you know, in Asia and Africa are equally relevant here. 373 00:16:09,225 --> 00:16:11,045 You know, just outside of New York City. 374 00:16:11,425 --> 00:16:12,765 Um, the notion 375 00:16:12,765 --> 00:16:17,405 that community led community driven primary care is the path 376 00:16:17,595 --> 00:16:19,765 that is going to help us achieve universal health 377 00:16:20,085 --> 00:16:21,125 coverage is no longer a debate. 378 00:16:21,155 --> 00:16:22,245 It's just a truism. 379 00:16:22,705 --> 00:16:26,325 And I often reflect upon the idea of like, pray 380 00:16:26,325 --> 00:16:27,525 for peace, work for justice. 381 00:16:28,145 --> 00:16:30,645 And the path for each 382 00:16:30,645 --> 00:16:33,925 and every one of us, I think really can be, um, 383 00:16:34,005 --> 00:16:36,805 thinking about ways in which communities 384 00:16:36,805 --> 00:16:38,645 that maybe had previously not had a voice 385 00:16:38,785 --> 00:16:41,005 or that had been excluded from services be 386 00:16:41,005 --> 00:16:42,565 that healthcare otherwise. 387 00:16:42,575 --> 00:16:44,045 Right. Like education. Yeah. 388 00:16:44,045 --> 00:16:45,485 So, so much of the work that you're doing is 389 00:16:45,485 --> 00:16:46,765 so important in terms 390 00:16:46,765 --> 00:16:49,405 of whose voices are represented in these conversations 391 00:16:49,405 --> 00:16:50,765 related to work life balance. 392 00:16:50,955 --> 00:16:55,365 Yeah. Um, defining paths to make sure that those that 393 00:16:55,365 --> 00:16:57,605 otherwise might not be invited to the table 394 00:16:57,825 --> 00:17:00,405 or invited to the healthcare screening are, 395 00:17:01,205 --> 00:17:03,245 I think is a really admirable 396 00:17:03,245 --> 00:17:06,445 and important way for all of us to play in a part in, 397 00:17:06,705 --> 00:17:08,765 you know, building a healthy future. 398 00:17:09,075 --> 00:17:11,365 Yeah. That, you know, we all wanna be part of. 399 00:17:11,755 --> 00:17:13,325 - Yeah. No, it's, it's so well said. 400 00:17:13,325 --> 00:17:15,285 And I think maybe what I heard in there was, you know, 401 00:17:15,505 --> 00:17:17,925 pay attention to health rights this year and, 402 00:17:17,945 --> 00:17:21,405 and vote in, in that direction of, of health. 403 00:17:21,405 --> 00:17:23,885 Right. And advocate for health rights for all. 404 00:17:24,465 --> 00:17:28,525 Um, and Lecia, I can't thank you enough for being here. 405 00:17:28,685 --> 00:17:30,365 I know you're in between moving 406 00:17:30,465 --> 00:17:32,205 and traveling and all of this. 407 00:17:32,225 --> 00:17:33,925 So thank you so much for your time and energy. 408 00:17:33,925 --> 00:17:35,165 It's, it's been wonderful to have you. 409 00:17:36,065 --> 00:17:37,525 - Hi. It's been such a joy. 410 00:17:37,735 --> 00:17:40,885 Thank you so much for inviting me and for being a friend. 411 00:17:41,345 --> 00:17:43,605 - Of course. Until next time, everyone, take care. 412 00:17:53,595 --> 00:17:56,045 This has been a production of Balancing Life's Issues 413 00:17:56,045 --> 00:17:57,725 with your hosts, Kai Sorenson 414 00:17:57,745 --> 00:18:01,045 and Wendy Wallner, produced by me Kai Rate. 415 00:18:01,055 --> 00:18:02,925 Leave a review and subscribe to the podcast 416 00:18:03,485 --> 00:18:05,165 wherever you listen so you can get brand new 417 00:18:05,165 --> 00:18:06,285 episodes as they drop. 418 00:18:06,825 --> 00:18:08,005 Got an idea for the show. 419 00:18:08,455 --> 00:18:12,885 Email me, k i@balancinglifesissues.com. Anything to add? 420 00:18:12,885 --> 00:18:13,125 Miles.