In the final episode of season 2 of Black Feathers, Dr. Crystal Hernandez sits down with Betty Wharton, director of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Healthy Aging Program, to explore the vital work being done to support and uplift Elders within the Choctaw Nation.

Betty shares insight into the culturally centered services and support systems available to Elders, from healthcare access and home visits to intergenerational connection. Together, they discuss the importance of honoring Elders as carriers of knowledge, resilience, and community strength.

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In this episode of Black Feathers Podcast, host Dr. Crystal Hernandez sits down with Jenifer Randle, Director of the Developmental Disabilities Council of Oklahoma (DDCO). Together, they dive into the Council’s latest initiatives aimed at advancing equity, accessibility, and self-determination for Oklahomans with developmental disabilities. Jenifer shares insights into OKCDD’s programs, and how community voices shape the Council’s priorities. Tune in for an conversation about building a more inclusive Oklahoma for all.

In this episode of Black Feathers Podcast, Dr. Crystal Hernandez sit down with Dr. Amber Tiehen of Cherokee Health Services to explore the intersection of community, and healthcare. They will dive into big initiatives happening at the Cherokee Health Services including the reporting from the Autism Task Force. Dr. Tiehen has worked for Cherokee Nation Health Services for ten years and feels at home serving her community and advocating for patients.

From the moment a baby takes its first breath, early medical screenings can make a world of difference. In this episode of Black Feathers, host Dr. Crystal Hernandez talks with Shari Arceneaux, RN BSN, Newborn Screening Educator, OK State Department of Health about the critical role of newborn screenings in detecting life-altering conditions before symptoms even appear. Through expert insights, we discuss how these early interventions are saving lives, improving long-term health outcomes, and addressing disparities in healthcare access. Tune in as we discuss the science, the impact, and the future of newborn screening programs in Tribal Health Systems and throughout Oklahoma.

In this episode, host Dr. Crystal Hernandez dives into the vital topic of transition services for Native American adults with disabilities. Joined by Stephanie Ninke and Dawn Newrider from the Gateways Foundation, this conversation explores the challenges, opportunities, and resources available to support these individuals on their path to independence. Tune in for an honest, important dialogue that sheds light on the intersection of culture, community, and disability services.

In this episode, host Crystal Hernandez sits down with three esteemed disability child care experts from the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes, Carrie F. Whitlow, Mary Davenport, LMSW u/s, and Megan Hart. They share their invaluable experiences and insights on fostering inclusive environments for children with disabilities. Join us as we explore culturally responsive strategies, community support systems, and the vital role of advocacy in helping familes with quality and affordable child care services. Tune in to discover how these experts are paving the way for empowerment and resilience in their communities!

This month host Crystal is joined by Dana Miller, a Seminole and Ojibwe citizen, who serves as Ward 1 Councilperson for the City of Seminole. In her professional career, Dana has proposed and implemented innovative strategies that have led to effective policy and best practices. Highlights of her career in Medicaid include implementing a policy that allowed for coverage of Native children residing in boarding schools. Dana has been recognized nationally for efforts to address healthcare disparities in tribal communities. After a long tenure with state government, she now owns Dana Miller Consulting (DMC) where she provides expert guidance and advocacy for tribal health care programs. They discuss the importance of strengthening Native people: Gathering resources and knowledge about system navigation and bringing it back for the greater good.

In Episode 11, Crystal talks with Dr. Shea Tanis, from the University of Kansas, about her project the State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The State of the States in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities project was initiated in 1982 to investigate the determinants of public spending for intellectual and developmental disabilities services in the United States. The project has developed a 40-year record of revenue, spending, and programmatic trends in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the United States as a whole.