Episode 1 with Natasha Davis

We are pleased to announce the launch of a new podcast featuring important Conversations on COVID-19 with Dr. Lois Greene. Join us as Dr. Greene speaks with residents, community leaders, healthcare practitioners, and others from across the State of New Jersey about their experiences with COVID-19 and vaccination.

Key Topics

1:23 Initial Response to COVID-19

4:04 Making a Choice about Vaccination

9:06 The Role of the Health Professional

11:20 Timing of the Vaccine

16:24 Dealing with the Pandemic

Episode 2 with Michele Molano

Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Michele Molano, Chief Operating Officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence to speak about the impacts of the pandemic on our communities and families, as well as what she hopes we carry forward from these challenging times.

Key Topics

1:12 Challenges of the Pandemic

4:22 How Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Responded

10:51 The Impact on Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence

15:36 Self-Care

Episode 3 with Dr. Pamela Brug and Iris Novas Cooney

Iris Novas Cooney and Dr. Pamela Brug of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey speak about navigating the pandemic and making vaccination decisions, especially for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They also address health equity in COVID-19 vaccination as well as what it means when we hear the term “long COVID.”

Key Topics

1:22 The Evolution of the Conversation Around Immunization

3:41 Making Vaccination Decisions

8:54 Breastfeeding and the COVID-19 Vaccine

13:29 How to Ask Your Physician Critical Questions

18:48 Leveraging Digital Tools to Stay Informed

21:02 Post-COVID Recovery Programs

Episode 4 with Janet Mateo

Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Janet Mateo of La Casa de Don Pedro to speak about the ongoing need for vaccination education and outreach to reduce community spread and incidence of severe disease.

Key Topics

2:38 Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccine

5:34 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy

8:17 Leaning Into Community Partnerships

Episode 5 with Tasha Youngblood Brown

Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Tasha Youngblood Brown, Managing Director at Ernst & Young (EY) to speak about the critical role of vaccination in continued economic recovery.

Key Topics

1:17 The Current State of the COVID-19 Workplace

5:14 How Can Entrepreneurs Get In Front of the Evolving Situation?

12:05 What Has the Pandemic Meant for Students?

15:53 An Increase in Conversation about Vaccination

22:46 The Path to Recovery is Multi-Faceted

Episode 6 with Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz

On this week’s Conversations on COVID-19 Podcast, Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Gina Miranda Diaz, DNP a doctor of nursing practice and health officer with more than three decades of professional experience. Listen in for a wide-ranging discussion on COVID’s impacts on acute care facilities, community health, and nursing administration and learn what’s still at risk today.

Key Topics

3:34 Navigating COVID-19 as a Nurse Leader

7:59 Serving on the COVID-19 Task Force

12:54 Addressing Disproportionate Impact

17:25 Vaccine Hesitancy & Misinformation

Episode 7 with Amanda Medina-Forrester

On this week’s Conversations on COVID-19 Podcast, Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Amanda Medina-Forrester to discuss the work being done by the New Jersey Department of Health’s Office of Minority and Multicultural Health to combat COVID-19. Listen in to learn more about the partnerships that are making an impact and find out how you can do your part to be sure Jersey Kicks COVID.

Key Topics

4:40 What Kind of Barriers to Access Did You See During the Pandemic?

11:31 Complicating Factors in Rural Communities

16:26 How Has Outreach Changed Over the Course of the Pandemic?

20:43 How to Access the State Call Center

Episode 8 with Stanley H. Weiss, MD *this episode contains updated guidance on COVID-19*

On this week’s Conversations on COVID-19 Podcast, Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Stanley H. Weiss, MD – a physician, epidemiologist, and professor in the Department of Medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, to discuss the most common myths about COVID-19. Listen in to learn how you can distinguish between reliable medical information and the misinformation circulating online today.

Key Topics

1:20 The Beginning of the Pandemic

6:40 COVID-19 & Mortality

13:15 Are Masks Still an Important Tool?

25:27 Herd Immunity & the COVID-19 Vaccine

29:55 How the COVID-19 Virus Mutates

Episode 9 with Pastors Lyddale & Traci Akins

On this episode, Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Pastors Lyddale and Traci Akins of Triumphant Life Church Assembly of God in Oceanport to discuss the impacts of the COVID pandemic on congregations of faith and what we can learn about caring for each other and our communities.

Key Topics

4:23 The Importance of Instilling Faith in the Midst of Tragedy

9:34 Leveraging Preventive Measures to Reunite the Congregation

13:51 The Lasting Impacts of the Pandemic

18:49 How to Care for the Health of Your Congregation

Episode 10 with Dr. Katie York

On this week’s Conversations on COVID-19 Podcast, Dr. Lois Greene is joined by Dr. Katie York, Associate Director of Advocacy with AARP New Jersey to discuss the ongoing impacts of the COVID pandemic on seniors throughout the state.

Key Topics

1:28 AARP’s Priorities

2:34 Advocacy and the Impact of Advocacy Efforts

5:42 The Importance of Vaccinations

7:21 How to Access Reliable Information

Episode 11 with Nina Guercio

Nina Guercio joins Dr. Lois Greene for a candid conversation about COVID through her lens as an experienced human resources practitioner and champion of health equity.

Key Topics

1:48 Challenges Faced by Healthcare Providers During the Pandemic

5:57 Disparities in Vaccination, Treatment, or Testing

8:13 How Did Your Service Organization Address the Pandemic?

12:18 How to Break Down Barriers