HC3 Podcast

In this episode of the HC3 podcast, Andrea Sáenz, President and CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, and Andraya Yousfi, Chief of Partnerships and Development at By the Hand Club for Kids, discuss innovative partnerships reshaping Chicago's communities and addressing the racial wealth gap.  The Chicago Community Trust, drawing on its century-long history of community support, shares insights from their recent "Color of Wealth in Chicago" study and discusses how initiatives like We Rise Together support community-led development projects across Chicago. While By the Hand Club for Kids outlines their holistic approach to youth development, combining education, nutrition, health care, and family support services.  The pair also detail the inspiring story of the North Austin Center, a 10-acre sports campus that has transformed a long-vacant brownfield into a vibrant community hub and how  their personal journeys have shaped their commitment to community development. Andrea Sáenz's immigrant background informs her approach to addressing wealth disparities, while Andraya Yousfi's two-decade journey from volunteer to leadership at By the Hand Club for Kids demonstrates the power of sustained community engagement.  Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3  This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizon.co   Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/3rdhorizon YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxRuhTIL2IIB5XxdaQ6AT8g  Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@3rdhorizon   For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we are proud to feature Dr. Elaine Morrato, the Founding Dean of the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health at Loyola University Chicago. Since taking on this role in 2019, Dr. Morrato has been instrumental in shaping a new model of public health education that emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches and innovation.Dr. Morrato's diverse background in academia, industry, and public health provides unique insights into the field's evolving challenges. She reflects on the Parkinson School's first five years, highlighting its response to the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to advance health equity through programs like the Loyola Health Equity Quest. Her experience in consumer-focused industries has shaped her approach to public health communication, trust-building, and addressing issues like climate change and pharmaceutical safety, while her work in implementation science has contributed to improvements in drug safety and regulation.Looking ahead, Dr. Morrato shares her vision for the Parkinson School, focusing on workforce development, social mobility, and creating partnerships to meet the health care sector's changing demands. She offers guidance to aspiring public health professionals and reflects on key leadership lessons from her career in higher education.Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizon.coFollow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/3rdhorizonFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

To mark National Health Center Week, which took place during the first week of August, In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we explore the vital role that Community Health Centers play in providing high-quality, whole-person care to medically underserved areas across Illinois we’re thrilled to have Ollie Idowu, the President and CEO of the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA), join us for a deep dive into the exceptional work of Illinois' Community Health Centers. We explore the vital role that Community Health Centers play in providing high-quality, whole-person care to medically underserved areas across Illinois. These centers serve as reliable medical homes for 1.5 million residents in the state, welcoming all patients regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status.  Ollie Idowu’s Bio: Ollie joined IPHCA as President + CEO in May 2021, following more than 10 years of continuous leadership as a health care business leader and development strategist.  Ollie led growth at a broad range of organizations, from two Fortune 500 managed care companies to a start-up data analytics company. He previously served as the Director of State Governmental Affairs at IPHCA. He is excited to be back at IPHCA and hopes to put into practice many of the lessons learned from the last decade of innovation in health care.  Chicago-born Ollie grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and lives in Geneva, Illinois, with his family. He received his bachelor’s degree from Eureka College, his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Springfield, and a juris doctor from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School.  Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3   This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com   Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategies For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

In this episode of the HC3 podcast, we are proud to feature A.J. Wilhelmi, the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). Since taking on this role in 2016, A.J. has been instrumental in representing hospitals and health systems across the state of Illinois. With a strong background in both government relations and law, he has supported and championed significant legislative achievements, including the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. In addition to discussing some of A.J.’s personal contributions to the health care landscape, we explore how IHA has tackled major challenges and achieved substantial progress in areas such as COVID-19 response, health equity, and improving health care quality and access statewide. A.J. also shares insights into the legislative impacts on hospitals and health systems and previews IHA's future advocacy efforts to continue enhancing health services and outcomes across Illinois. A.J. Wilhelmi became the President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) on January 1, 2016. IHA, with offices in Chicago, Naperville, Springfield, and Washington D.C., represents over 200 hospitals and health systems, advocating for a sustainable, patient-focused healthcare system.Previously, Wilhelmi served as IHA's Chief Government Relations Officer from 2012 to 2015, directing IHA's state and federal advocacy and policy agendas. During that time, IHA achieved major advocacy accomplishments, including landmark legislation on hospital tax exemption, Medicaid expansion, and securing ACA access payments.Wilhelmi is enhancing IHA's ability to meet the needs of its members, collaborating with state leaders and stakeholders to support patients and the state's healthcare system.Wilhelmi graduated cum laude from Loyola University Chicago in 1990 with a BA in English, and from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 1993. He practiced law with the McKeown Law Firm, specializing in real estate and business law, before joining Murer Consultants, Inc. as a senior consultant and later Vice President.In January 2005, Wilhelmi was appointed to the Illinois Senate, representing the 43rd Senate District. He was re-elected in 2006 and 2010. He served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Agriculture & Conservation Committee, among other roles.Wilhelmi has been involved in community service in Will County, co-sponsoring the 13th Will County Habitat for Humanity home and serving in various roles for the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce and other organizations.Born and raised in Joliet, IL, Wilhelmi resides there with his wife, Michelle, and their three daughters. Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3  This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com  Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategies For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.  

In this special Pride Month episode of the HC3 Podcast, Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld reflects on the conclusion of his tenure as AMA president, his remarkable career and leadership experiences, and the personal values driving his sense of purpose for change in health care. A nationally recognized advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals, Dr. Ehrenfeld made history as the AMA’s first openly gay president. His unwavering commitment to health equity and equality has earned him numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to research and advocacy.  Resources from the AMA mentioned in this episode:   Pulse oximeter background AMA Ed Hub AMA Center for Health Equity   Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH Bio: Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld was inaugurated as president of the American Medical Association (AMA) in June 2023, marking a historic moment as the first openly gay president of the organization. He is a senior associate dean, tenured professor of anesthesiology, and director of the "Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment" at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Ehrenfeld has been a member of the AMA Board of Trustees since 2014.  Balancing a multifaceted career, Dr. Ehrenfeld dedicates his time to clinical practice, teaching, research, and overseeing a $560-million statewide health philanthropy. He holds adjunct professorships in anesthesiology and health policy at Vanderbilt University and in surgery at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. His expertise is further recognized through his role as a consultant to the World Health Organization's Digital Health Technical Advisory Group, and his previous positions as co-chair of the Navy Surgeon General’s Taskforce on Personalized and Digital Medicine, and special advisor to the 20th U.S. Surgeon General.  With over 275 peer-reviewed publications and 22 clinical textbooks to his name, Dr. Ehrenfeld is a prolific contributor to medical literature. He is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Medical Systems and has received numerous awards for his research and teaching excellence. In recognition of his contributions to LGBTQ+ advocacy and research, he received the inaugural Sexual and Gender Minority Research Investigator Award from the NIH in 2018.  A combat veteran, Dr. Ehrenfeld served in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom and the Resolute Support Mission. His work documenting and supporting LGBTQ+ lives earned him a White House News Photographers Association award in 2015 and an Emmy nomination in 2016. Dr. Ehrenfeld and his husband, Judd Taback, are proud parents of two children.  Follow HC3 on LinkedIn This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies, a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.com  Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedInFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health. 

In this edition of the HC3 Podcast, we dive into the intricate challenges at the crossroads of access to quality health care and public health, particularly as they shape the future of health in Chicago and Illinois. The interplay between health care access and public health is profound, with disparities in one realm often compounding issues in the other. As we gaze into the future of health in Chicago and Illinois, addressing these intertwined challenges becomes paramount Joining us in this episode is Dr. Ngozi Ezike, a distinguished health care leader who has firsthand experience navigating these complexities. Dr. Ezike’s insights will shed light on the intersection of health care access and public health, influencing the path of health outcomes in our communities.Dr. Ngozi Ezike began serving as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sinai Chicago, the largest private safety net health system in the state of Illinois, in June 2022. Dr. Ezike is the immediate past Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), where she valiantly navigated the state through the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Ezike is a board-certified internist and pediatrician, who worked at Cook County Health, serving for more than 15 years in various direct patient care and administrative roles, including medical directorships at the Austin Health Center and the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center. She also delivered inpatient care at Stroger Hospital and primary and preventive care in community and school-based clinics.Dr. Ezike is a nationally recognized healthcare and public health leader fueled with passion for health equity. In addition to her degrees from Harvard University and the University of California – San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Ezike holds honorary doctorates from Knox College, Southern Illinois University, and Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine. She earned a business management certificate from Harvard Business School.Dr. Ezike is the recipient of dozens of awards and accolades including the 55th Annual Harvard Club of Chicago Award, the Lester H. McKeever Individual Service Award from the Chicago Urban League, Motorola Civic Service Award, the Jane Addams Medal of Freedom, and USA Today’s Inaugural Women of the Year Award for the State of Illinois.An advocate for promoting self-care and healthy living, particularly in challenging times, Dr. Ezike loves spending time with her husband and four children, playing tennis, and traveling.Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

For Women's History Month, we explore the often-overlooked issue of women's reproductive health. Despite societal progress, just 2% of medical research funding addresses this crucial area, revealing a significant gap requiring urgent attention. Since the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling nearly two years ago, the Supreme Court revoked reproductive freedom, a protected right. While Chicago and Illinois have enacted progressive policies, challenges like access barriers and high maternal-child mortality persist. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Kai Tao, a leading public health advocate in women's reproductive health. As co-founder of ICAN! and a certified nurse midwife, Dr. Tao brings extensive clinical and leadership experience. Together, we explore contraception access, pregnancy, and infertility treatments, fostering a comprehensive understanding of this vital topic. Kai Tao, ND, MPH, CNM, Co-Founder and Principal, Impact and Innovation, ICAN! (Illinois Contraceptive Access Now) Bio: Dr. Kai Tao has extensive experience in women’s health programs and clinical operations, opening a birth center for underserved women in Arizona and leading a midwifery group at Erie Family Health Center.  For the last 18 years, she has been on faculty with Northwestern School of Medicine, working clinically per diem at Prentice Women’s Hospital. Kai also served as VP of Clinical Operations and Associate Medical Director for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, where she oversaw 17 health centers, the Quality Assurance Department, Community Education, and started male services including vasectomies. In 2013, she was a Senior Policy Advisor to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Director. Kai is the co-author of the Illinois Family Planning Action Plan – a multi-pronged approach to advance contraceptive equity with the goal of supporting all people to get the care they need to decide if, when, and under what circumstances to be pregnant. She co-founded ICAN! in 2021 to support accessing high-quality birth control without financial barriers. She also served as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Program Officer for the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). Kai received her Master of Science and Doctorate of Nursing from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and her Master of Public Health from Harvard School of Public Health. Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.

Illinois is frequently regarded as a stronghold for promoting and enhancing health care access. The state’s commitment to fostering health care access is evident through progressive initiatives and legislation, creating a secure environment for diverse populations. This commitment extends to immigrants, women’s reproductive health, LGBTQ+ affirming care, and equitable care for diverse communities. Despite these efforts, the ongoing economic instability and the phasing out of various COVID-19 emergency relief funding sources pose challenges for the state and the health care ecosystem as they chart a course ahead.In this installment of the HC3 Podcast, HC3 collaborated with Nixon Peabody LLP for a live discussion recorded on January 25 addressing the Future of Health In Illinois.Opening Remarks: David Smith, Co-Founder, HC3 and Founder and CEO, Third Horizon StrategiesKeynote Address: Grace Hou, Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, State of Illinois (Confirmed)Moderator: April E. Schweitzer, Partner, Nixon Peabody (Confirmed)Featured Panelists:Kristen Schultz, Chief Strategy and Operations Officer, Planned Parenthood of IllinoisSteph Willding, CEO, CommunityHealthMichael Ziri, Director of Policy, Equality Illinois---Views and opinions expressed are solely those of the individual speakers and do not reflect HC3's positions or policies. Furthermore, the episode contains discussions and references to stories that may be triggering, so we advise listening at your own discretion. If there are young adults or children nearby, please be mindful that some of the topics or content may not be suitable.---Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon Strategies. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon Strategies. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shapingthe future state of health care. www.ThirdHorizonStrategies.comFollow Third Horizon Strategies on X (formerly Twitter) @3rdHorizonStrat and on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/third-horizon-strategiesFor more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.