Abena Sankofa Imhotep—author, podcaster, and moderator of the Civic Engagement Panel at this year’s My City My Health Conference—joins Corey Dion Lewis to talk about what civic power really looks like in 2025. From voting and fundraising to storytelling and showing up in community spaces, this conversation unpacks the layers of visibility, accountability, and connection that drive public health outcomes for Black communities.

They also explore the myth of “Iowa Nice,” why storytelling personalizes health data, and how public health can’t be a one-and-done conversation. This episode is personal, rooted, and full of real takeaways.

🎟️ Register for My City My Health Des Moines (Nov 14):
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/my-city-my-health-des-moines--2025

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Show Notes:
00:00 – Intro: Why This Conversation Matters
01:10 – Abena’s Roots and Love for Des Moines
03:00 – What Civic Engagement Means
06:45 – Showing Up, Boards, and Community Work
10:15 – Fundraising, Bake Sales, and Local Impact
12:30 – The Bike Lane Analogy & Marginalized Communities
15:00 – Deconstructing “Iowa Nice” and Accountability
19:40 – Public Health Is Personal
22:00 – Storytelling that Humanizes Data
25:30 – Stephen’s Story: Prostate Cancer in the Black Community
28:40 – Abena’s Work: Sankofa Group, Substack, Podcast
33:30 – Final Thoughts + Conference Preview

Follow Abena:
🌐 https://www.abenasankofa.com
📰 The Imhotep Report on Substack
🎙️ Black and Privileged in America Podcast

Subscribe to My City Talks for more real conversations at the intersection of health, equity, and community.

Alzheimer’s isn't just something that happens “later” — it's impacting thousands of Iowans right now, and Black and rural communities are being hit the hardest. In this episode of My City Talks, I sit down with Keesha Ward and Jessica Duncan of the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter to break down the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, why early detection is so powerful, and what’s stopping our communities from getting the support they need.

We also talk real numbers, real stories, and real solutions — from the 14 modifiable risk factors to the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Des Moines.

Whether you're a caregiver, a healthcare provider, or just someone who wants to understand the impact of dementia better, this conversation is for you.

Show Notes:
0:00 – Welcome to My City Talks
1:05 – Meet Jessica & Keisha from the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter
2:12 – What gets them up in the morning
3:30 – Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s explained
4:55 – The current state of Alzheimer’s in Iowa
6:15 – The hidden burden on caregivers
8:00 – Why early detection makes all the difference
10:40 – The stigma in Black and rural communities
13:10 – How the healthcare system can do better
14:55 – 14 modifiable risk factors for dementia (2024 Lancet Study)
19:00 – Why sleep, exercise, and connection matter
21:10 – The Walk to End Alzheimer’s – what it is and why it matters
25:30 – How to get involved, register, and support
28:50 – Encouragement for caregivers and families
30:15 – Resources and contact info

Resources Mentioned:

• Alzheimer’s Association Iowa: https://www.alz.org/iowa
• Walk to End Alzheimer’s: https://act.alz.org
• 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900

Hosted by Corey Dion Lewis | My City My Health
We are a community on a mission — and the mission is just getting started.
🎟️ Register now for the My City My Health Des Moines event at www.mycity.health

In this episode of My City Talks, Corey sits down with Krisha Keeran, former intern, medical school hopeful, and co-founder of Club Kids for a Cause. After surviving a devastating accident, Krisha turned her recovery into a purpose, raising over $65,000 through tennis tournaments to support healthcare causes. This summer, her story comes full circle as she hosts a tournament in her honor to fund continuing education for nurses at UIHC. Listen as Krisha shares how Iowa City saved her life and why helmets, hope, and community still drive her mission.

Show Notes:

Guest: Krisha Keeran
Host: Corey Dion Lewis

Topics Covered:

• Krisha’s start with My City My Health as its first intern
• Founding Club Kids for a Cause after a family friend’s breast cancer diagnosis
• Growing the nonprofit to raise over $65,000 through tennis events and merchandise
• Surviving a near-fatal bike accident and the role UIHC played in her recovery
• The emotional and personal significance of this year’s tournament in West Des Moines
• Promoting helmet safety and partnering with the Iowa Bike Coalition
• Creating a scholarship fund for SnakeU nurses at the University of Iowa Healthcare
• How to support: buying merch, attending the tournament, or donating via Venmo

Event Info:
Club Kids for a Cause Summer Classic
📍 Valley Southwoods, West Des Moines
📅 July 11–13, 2025
Proceeds benefit a new fund for nurse education in Krisha’s honor.

Support & Connect:

• Instagram: @clubkidsforacause
• Facebook: Club Kids for a Cause
• Merch: Available through July 30
• Follow Krisha: @KrishaKeeran

Want to be featured?
Email: hello@mycity.health

In this episode of My City My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Jahnavi Pandya, a counseling psychologist with a passion for cultural sensitivity and inclusive mental health care. Jahnavi shares her journey from India to the U.S., her experiences working with diverse populations, and the importance of tailoring therapy to individual cultural backgrounds. From addressing trauma and grief to fostering self-worth and self-compassion, this conversation explores how mental health care can become more accessible and meaningful for all.

00:00 - 00:13 | Introduction

00:14 - 00:56 | Decision to Study in the U.S

00:57 - 2:11 | Cultural Sensitivity in Mental Health

02:12 - 7:47 | The Rewards and Challenges of Working with Diverse Populations

07:48 - 10:38 | Cultural Expectations Throughout Society

10:39 - 13:32 | Fostering Self-Worth and Self-Compassion

13:33 - 13:45 | Common Mental Health Challenges

13:46 - 17:29 | Effective Approaches to mental health

17:30 - 20:34 | The Future of Mental Health Care

20:35 - 24:24 | Where to Find Jahnavi & Closing Remarks

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

In this episode of MyCityMyHealth, host Corey Dion Lewis sits down with Khyathi Gadag, a PhD candidate in Health Policy and Management at the University of Iowa. Khyathi shares her journey from dentistry to mental health research, highlighting the crucial intersection of mental and physical health. They discuss holistic mental health approaches, the role of social determinants like housing and income, and how policy changes can improve access to care. Khyathi also dives into her work as the founder of Here to Help, a student-led initiative focused on bridging the gap between mental health resources and student needs. Listen to learn how we can integrate mental health into healthcare policy, reduce stigma, and create a more inclusive, supportive future.

Topics Covered:

[00:01] Introduction to My City My Health and guest Khyathi Gadag

[00:22] Khyathi’s background: From dentistry to mental health research

[01:53] The connection between oral health and mental health

[03:17] Holistic approaches to mental health in healthcare policy

[06:08] The Connection Between Environment and Mental Health

[08:32] Founding Here to Help: A student-led mental health initiative

[11:04] Tackling stigma through peer support and cultural competence

[13:46] The challenge of balancing ambition with mental health in academic and professional settings

[17:37] Overcoming barriers in implementing holistic mental health care

[22:14] The future of mental health: Integrated care, social determinants, and technology

[24:42] Khyathi’s advice: Make mental health a priority and cultivate empathy for others

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

• LinkedIn: Khyathi Gadag

In this episode of My City, My Health, host Laurna Evans Lindsay sits down with Naomi Marroquin, a dedicated healthcare team leader serving migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Iowa. Naomi shares her journey from growing up in an immigrant-rich community to advocating for better healthcare access. She discusses the challenges migrant workers face, the impact of mobile clinics, and the importance of bilingual and bicultural healthcare professionals.

00:00 - 00:18 | Introduction to the Podcast & Guest
00:19 - 03:12 | Naomi’s Background & Passion for Migrant Health
03:13 - 05:10 | The Role of a Community Health Worker
05:11 - 07:35 | Challenges in Healthcare Access & Resource Limitations
07:36 - 09:30 | The Importance of Mobile Clinics for Migrant Workers
09:31 - 11:07 | How Being Bilingual & Bicultural Shapes Patient Care
11:08 - 13:37 | Needed Improvements in Healthcare for Migrant Populations
13:38 - 16:31 | Advice for Future Healthcare Professionals
16:32 - 19:23 | Avoiding Burnout & Self-Care as a Healthcare Worker
19:24 - 21:21 | Closing Remarks & Where to Find Naomi

Connect with Us:

• Visit My City My Health: www.mycity.health
• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mycitymyhealth
• Join Us! If you're in the Iowa City, IA area, join us on April 18 for the next My City My Health Conference. Students can register for FREE! Register now at www.mycity.health.

Connect with Our Guest:

• LinkedIn: Naomi Marroquin

In this inaugural episode of My City Talks Health, host Larry Twitty Jr. sits down with HIV advocates Destiny Smith and Alicia Mercado for an enlightening discussion about HIV awareness, treatment advances, and breaking down persistent stigmas. From explaining U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) to navigating healthcare systems in Iowa, our guests share personal insights and vital information about HIV resources and support services.

Show Notes:

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) and its impact on HIV prevention
• PrEP and PEP: What they are and how to access them in Iowa
• Available case management services through Ryan White funding
• Addressing HIV stigma and misconceptions in healthcare and community settings
• Unique challenges of HIV healthcare access in rural Iowa
• Support systems and resources for newly diagnosed individuals
• Social media advocacy and addressing misinformation
• Healthcare disparities and solutions for marginalized communities

Featured Guests:

• Destiny Smith: HIV advocate, author, and social media influencer
• Alicia Mercado: Health Equity Educator with Nucara Capacity Extension

Resources Mentioned:

• Stop HIV Iowa: stophiviowa.org
• PrEP Iowa: prepiowa.org
• Ryan White Program Services
• The Project of the Quad Cities (mobile testing unit)

Follow Destiny Smith:

• Facebook: @Destiny Smith
• TikTok: @Destiny Smith
• Instagram: @Destiny Smith
• LinkedIn: @Destiny Smith

Notable Quotes: "Nothing in my life has changed except for me popping a pill every single day and that's it." - Destiny Smith

"Systems were not set up to effectively serve everybody. And so those are huge barriers." - Alicia Mercado

Support Services Available:

• Transportation assistance
• Medical case management
• Grocery assistance
• Dental and medical insurance support
• Mental health services
• Utility and rental assistance

Contact Information for Testing and Resources:

• Mobile testing units available
• Free testing services
• Confidential support and counseling

Take Action:

• Get tested - it takes just 10 minutes
• Share information within your community
• Support local HIV awareness initiatives
• Challenge stigma and misconceptions
• Engage in community conversations about HIV

Next Episode Preview: Stay tuned for more discussions on community health issues that matter to you.

In this episode, host Elizabeth Dix interviews Dr. Lucas Carr about his work with the Community Health Collaborative and the Vitalis study, as well as the importance of addressing physical inactivity in primary care settings. They also discuss the role of equity in their mission and ways for students and community members to get involved.

Show notes:
0:00 Introduction
1:12 Dr. Lucas Carr's background and work with the Community Health Collaborative
4:35 The importance of addressing physical inactivity in primary care settings
7:10 Collecting and analyzing data on physical activity to address health inequities
11:12 The Vitalis study and its focus on young adult cancer survivors
15:30 Expanding the Vitalis program and focusing on health equity
20:53 Changes in the community in the last five years and opportunities for involvement
23:48 How to support the Community Health Collaborative and access their services
25:40 Conclusion and podcast outro

About the host: Elizabeth Dix is a student at the University of Iowa, studying health promotion and marketing. Elizabeth is part of a team supporting the My City My Health Conference in Iowa City. The conference aims to bring together the University of Iowa and the Iowa City corridor community to discuss health equity programs and collaborations. Interested individuals can register for the conference through www.mycity.health.