EquiTEA

Latest Episodes:

From Surviving to Thriving: Empowering Communities through Self-Sufficiency Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Lupita and Dorothy have an insightful conversation with Karla López del Río, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership (CAP). Their mission is to facilitate opportunities towards self-sufficiency through education, wealth building, energy assistance, and advocacy. In recognition of Poverty Awareness Month, they discuss the root causes of poverty specific to Riverside County and the wide breadth of resources that CAP offers to promote self-sufficiency and upward mobility for people of all backgrounds. For a list of services and programs offered through CAP, please visit:

https://capriverside.org/

World AIDS Day: Breaking Stigma, Building Strength Dec 01, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, our special guest host, DuJuan James has the chance to speak with Dr. Carlos Calderon, the Medical Director for the HIV/STD Early Intervention Program at Riverside University Health System – Public Health. In recognition of World AIDS Day, they discuss the significance of this awareness day, highlighting the importance of continued efforts in the fight against HIV. The discussion spans from the diverse range of HIV symptoms and the importance of regular testing, as well as addressing barriers to care.

To get connected with HIV/STD resources, please visit:

HIV Care | Riverside University Health System

Indigenous Voices: Building Trust and Cultural Understanding Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of EquiTEA, Greg delves into an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Sean Milanovich, the Native American Cultural Competency Liaison at Riverside University Health System-Behavioral Health and tribal member of the Agua Caliente Cahuilla Band of Indians. Together, they explore the unique health disparities faced by Indigenous communities, focusing on the importance of trust, collaboration, and understanding cultural history in creating effective healthcare approaches.

Transgender Visibility: Invisible No More Nov 14, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg sits down with Dr. Jon Paul Higgins (They/Them) and Gustavo Hurtado (She/They) of Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance (RPYA), a vital non-profit supporting LGBTQ+ youth and allies in the Inland Empire. This conversation is centered around their personal journeys, critical challenges faced by trans individuals- including access to gender- affirming care and mental health support- and resources and services offered by the organization.

To find out more about Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and learn ways you can get involved, please visit:

https://rainbowprideyouthalliance.org

Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Building Support Networks and Addressing Breast Cancer Disparities Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Dorothy and Lupita had a chance to connect with breast cancer survivor, Kara Adams and Pink Ribbon Place Health Educator, Davi Wilson. This conversation explores how breast cancer disproportionately affects communities of color and highlights the importance of early detection and preventative measures, including self-exams, mammograms and regular check ups. Listen as Kara shares her personal journey with breast cancer and Davi shares available resources and support Pink Ribbon Place offers to those impacted by cancer and their families.

To find out more about Pink Ribbon Place and how to get involved, please visit:

https://pink.rchf.org/

Centering Lived Experiences: The Heart of Harm Reduction Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of EquiTEA, host Greg is joined by special guest co-host Wendy Hetherington, Branch Chief of the Riverside University Health System (RUHS) Public Health department. Together, they engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Audrey and Edif, representatives from Inland Empire Harm Reduction (IEHR), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals affected by drug use in the Inland Empire. The conversation revolves around the core principles of harm reduction, IEHR's efforts to combat stigma, support marginalized communities, and adapt their services amidst the pandemic and beyond.

To find out more about IEHR’s services and how to get involved, please visit:

Overview – Inland Empire Harm Reduction (ieharmreduction.org)

To receive free Narcan, visit one of our facilities or reach out directly to RODA at roda@ruhealth.org.

Riverside Overdose Data to Action | Riverside University Health System (ruhealth.org)

Food for Thought: Addressing Food Insecurity in the Inland Empire Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Lupita engaged in an insightful conversation with the CEO of Feeding America Inland Empire, Carolyn Solar and Susan De la Cruz, a beneficiary of the organization’s vital services. Feeding America Inland Empire is a nonprofit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger by offering innovative programs to support diverse groups, including seniors, college students and veterans. Carolyn sheds light on the extent of food insecurity in the region and shares some of the creative solutions that Feeding America has developed to address these challenges. Susan provides a personal perspective, discussing her experience with accessing food resources and the importance changing the narrative on food insecurity one conversation at a time.

To find out more about Feeding America and how to get involved, please visit:

Home | Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino (feedingamericaie.org)

From Chains to Change: Exploring the Intersection of BIPOC Mental Health and Incarceration Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg and Peter had the chance to talk to Javier Baños and Ivan Serrano, Peer Support Specialists at Starting Over, Inc. This nonprofit organization provides transitional housing, re-entry services, policy advocacy and civic engagement for individuals experiencing homelessness, incarceration and/or substance abuse. Both individuals share their firsthand experience with the judicial system and how incarceration impacts one’s mental health.

To find out more about Starting Over, Inc. please visit:

https://www.startingoverinc.org

Resources:

Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective (BEAM): BEAM is dedicated to removing the barriers that Black people experience getting access to or staying connected with emotional health care and healing.

Website: beam.community

California Black Health Network (CBHN): CBHN advocates for health equity for Black Californians and offers resources and support for mental health.

Website: cbhn.org

The Safe Black Space: This organization provides culturally specific support, education, and resources to African Americans dealing with racial trauma.

Website: safeblackspace.org

NAMI California: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) California chapter offers support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for mental health in minority communities.

Website: namica.org

Fatherhood Unfiltered: Real Talk with Real Fathers. "Ain't no hood, like fatherhood!" Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg had the chance to talk to Larry Butler, a previous participant turned Program Facilitator and Outreach Specialist of the Fatherhood Services Program with Sigma Beta Xi (SBX) Youth and Family Services. Eric Willis, a program participant program, joined the discussion to share his own experience. Both highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and community support systems. The fatherhood program was established to support the Perinatal Equity Initiative which aims to reduce Black infant mortality rates and improve health outcomes for Black mothers.

To find out more about the SBX Black Fatherhood Program please visit:

https://www.sigmabetaxi.com/black-fatherhood

For The Nurturing Fathers Program, open to all fathers, please visit:

https://www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/parent-support-training-program.

Supervisor Spotlight: Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez May 30, 2024

Show notes

On this episode of EquiTEA, Greg and Lupita had the opportunity to have an engaging conversation with Dr. Yxstian Gutierrez, the Riverside County Supervisor for District 5. He shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings, extensive background in education and challenges he faced as a young, elected official. Dr. Gutierrez emphasizes how crucial it is to have community voices heard and shares ways to become more involved in local politics.

To find out more about District 5's initiatives, resources and ways to get involved, check out the links below:

Home | Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, District 5 (rivcodistrict5.org)

https://rivcodistrict5.org/volunteer