Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond

Season 5, episode 6 of Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond features two members of the Project CARA team who implement and operationalize the contingency management (CM) program at MAHEC in a perinatal setting. This is an effective, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorder that is based on positive reinforcement throughout recovery. Despite its proven efficacy, implementing CM can come with logistical challenges and barri...

Season 5, episode 5 of Just Us: Before, Birth and Beyond features three addiction specialists in Western North Carolina. Erin Bowman, LCAS, LCSW, CCS; Zach White, LCAS, LCSW; and Blake Fagan, MD, discuss the current state of recovery housing in Western NC. They review best practices for recovery institutions, with an emphasis on non-punitive approaches. Erin Bowman highlights common barriers to recovery housing access and areas for...

Season 5, episode 4 of Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond features Dr. Nate Mullins, an Ob/Gyn physician, and Dr. Olivia Caron, PharmD, both providers at project CARA. Drs. Mullins and Caron dive deeply into the nuances of methadone in the era of highly potent synthetic opioids, identifying challenges to induction, modern regulations, and methadone during pregnancy. Tune in for a deep discussion regarding this valuable medication f...

Season 5, episode 3 of Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond features behavioral health therapists Caitlin Hettich and Jen Palin, as well as research associate and social worker Megan Williams. They discuss the importance of providing quality, non-punitive healthcare to women who are incarcerated, especially those who are pregnant or experiencing a substance use disorder.  Learn how they navigate the flaws of the criminal justice...

Season 5, episode 2 of the Just Us podcast places an emphasis on the treatment of substance use disorder in adolescents and young adults. Psychiatrist Leeallie Carter and family medicine physician Blake Fagan discuss the interactions between human biology, adverse childhood experiences, and substance use during this developmental period. The nuances of and barriers to adolescent SUD treatment are discussed in detail. Listen in to l...

We are excited to kick off season 5 of the Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond podcast with two peer support extraordinaries, Cassie York and Cassie Burleson. This episode dives deeply into what it means to be a peer support specialist, discussing the unique role they fill in supporting people through recovery. Listen in to learn about how the Cassies’ lived experience has allowed them to be such incredible advocates for their...

In the latest Just Us: Before, Birth, and Beyond podcast, we dive into a critical topic: trust in healthcare.

Brandon Romstadt (WNC Health Network) and Dr. Bryan Hodge (MAHEC) talk about how patients and providers work together-especially during public health challenges like the recent measles concern in our region.

It's a meaningful conversation about connection, communication, and community care. 

We would love your feedback on...

Join Katlyn Moss and Dr. Suzanne Dixon for this special episode created with patients in mind!  Sometimes it’s hard for patients to open up and discuss their health care needs and questions with their OB/GYN when it comes to symptoms such as irregular periods, painful periods and heavy bleeding. They will highlight some of the most common conditions and treatments throughout the phases of life, from the teenage years thr...

In this episode, our host Dr. Suzanne Dixon, talks to Dr. Bhaskari Burra, a MAHEC OB/GYN Fellow, about Sepsis. Sepsis is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, and in this episode our speakers will discuss how to recognize it, how to respond, the sources of infection and long-term effects.  They will also share some resources to help maintain best practices when working with patients with sepsis, and helping them...

Join some of the Perinatal Nurse Outreach Coordinators from around North Carolina for this lively discussion of AWHONN’s Respectful Maternity Care initiative.  You’ll learn what Respectful Maternity Care is, what it means for patients and clinicians, and how it helps to improve health outcomes. They will talk about how this program is implemented, and provide resources for you to learn more about bringing this to y...

In this episode, Katlyn Moss talks to Shannon Dowler, a Family Medicine physician about the recent increase in syphilis cases and what can be done to treat and prevent it.  They will discuss why syphilis often goes undiagnosed and untreated, along with the barriers that health systems, clinicians, and public health professionals are currently facing in their work to control syphilis and other infectious diseases. They also tal...

Everything is connected in the digital age.  How can this benefit patients who need to receive care outside of their regular provider network due to an unforeseen circumstance?In this episode, Katlyn Moss talks to Kim Webster of the North Carolina Health Information Exchange Authority about NC Health Connex, which is a database that allows patient information to be accessed across systems statewide.  Katlyn and Kim will t...

If you have ever used MAHEC’s FindMyCare WNC (aka ITACC) Map or Dashboard, you know what a great source of information it is to find care locations across the 18 westernmost counties.  In this episode, Katlyn Moss talks to the team from NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS about their collaboration to add a mental health filter. They will discuss why it is important to include mental health resources, as well as how they we...

In this episode, Katlyn Moss talks to guest speakers Aimee Feste, CNM and Kiran Sigmon, MD, who will dive into the challenges and treatment options surrounding perimenopause and menopause, offering practical advice for healthcare providers and women navigating these life stages. They also share some information on hormone testing limitations, the role of hormone therapy, non-hormonal treatments, and key resources available for heal...

In this episode, our guest speaker Leah Donatelli, LCMHCA, explores the profound impact of eating disorders on various aspects of a person’s life, particularly during pregnancy and the postpartum period. We discuss misconceptions, the importance of nourishment, and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to treatment. Our guest emphasizes the role of self-compassion in recovery and the importance of focusing on behaviors r...

Substance Use Disorder can affect anyone at any time, even during pregnancy.. Our friends at Project CARA, Carriedelle Fusco, Nurse Practitioner, and Olivia Caron, Pharmacist Practitioner, sat down with Thomas Baker, a Davidson Impact Fellow at MAHEC, to dive into the ever-evolving field of addiction medicine, focusing on the complexities of opioid use disorder and emerging substances. They also reflect on how the landscape of addi...

Breastfeeding can be an important part of a baby’s health and development. But what about families who are affected by substance use disorder?  this episode, a partnership with Project CARA, Dr. Amy Marietta, MD, Family Medicine and Olivia Caron, Pharmacist Practitioner, and Georganna Cogburn IBCLC, will talk about how to support lactation and infant feeding in patients who use substances or are being treated for SUDs.&n...

Paid family leave is not only good for the health and the wellness of employees and their families, but it also benefits the employers who offer it.  Tina Sherman from the national maternal advocacy group MomsRising, explains why in this episode.  Learn about how more companies are realizing the positive impact this policy can have, and what is being done to help more workers have access to it when needed. You’ll al...

In this episode, our co-host Dr. Amy Santin interviews Family Medicine champions from around North Carolina. During this episode, they discuss the critical issue of improving maternal health outcomes across the state, particularly during the first postpartum year. Experts emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in reducing maternal mortality, focusing on the transition from intrapartum care to the first postpar...