Enduring together: Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being in health equity work

In this episode of the Partners for Advancing Health Equity Podcast, host Caryn Bell emphasizes the significance of mental and emotional well-being as essential components for sustaining health equity efforts. As advocates face increasing challenges, this episode explores how community care, adaptability, and collective action form the foundation for endurance in this vital work.  

Listeners will reflect on past insights from thought leaders who highlight the importance of connection, vulnerability, and mutual support in overcoming adversity. Key themes include building emotional safety, fostering adaptability, and investing in community initiatives. With inspiring quotes and practical resources, this episode calls on listeners to engage actively, support one another, and contribute to a healthier, more equitable future. Join us as we embark on this important journey of learning and growth, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us.  

Experts highlighted in this episode (in order of appearance): ·        

• Brett Ford, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto; Director of the Affective Science & Health Laboratory
• Leslie Nolan, Behavioral Health Division Director, Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority
• Raquel Martin, Clinical Psychologist; Professor, Tennessee State University
• Mayra E. Alvarez, President, The Children’s Partnership
• Angela Chalk, Founder and Executive Director, Healthy Community Services
• Jennifer Ito, Research Director, USC Equity Research Institute
• Cara James, President and CEO, Grantmakers In Health
• Reginald Tucker-Seely, Principal and Owner, Health Equity Strategies and Solutions     
• Elizabeth Waetzig, Founding Partner and CEO, Change Matrix
• Sharrelle Barber, Director, The Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity at the Dornsife School of Public Health
• Thomas LaVeist, Dean and Weatherford Chair in Health Equity, Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University
• Natasha Phelps, Equity-Centered Policy Manager, The Center for Black Health & Equity 
• Halima Leak Francis, Director & Professor of Practice, Tulane School of Professional Advancement, John Lewis Public Administration Program
• Alma C. Stewart Allen, Founder and President, Louisiana Center for Health Equity (LCHE) 
• Sinsi Hernandez-Cancio, Vice President, National Partnership for Women & Families
• Jonathan Heller, Senior Health Equity Fellow, University of Wisconsin-Madison    

Resources - Webinars and activities highlighted in this episode:  

• Webinar, June 2024: Mental Health in Times of Crisis  
• Webinar, March 2025: Leveraging Policy Change to Address Health Disparities 
• Webinar, November 2024: Overcoming Threats to Health Equity: Today and Tomorrow 
• Webinar, September 2024: <a...