Dakota's Story

Dakota's Story takes a closer look at how someone who experienced substance use disorder accesses healthcare in West Virginia. Marginalized groups can experience health disparities and stigma in healthcare, which negatively impacts their overall quality of life. The barriers that marginalized populations experience align with social determinants of health: healthcare and education access and quality, environmental context, and financial support. Effective communication and quality services have been shown to improve the overall quality of life. Taking an interdisciplinary approach has been shown to improve care and cultural sensitivity, and this is the approach we are taking. We have occupational therapy, nursing, pharmacy, and public health students working together to use this podcast as a storytelling platform for people in West Virginia to share their healthcare experiences to shed light on access to resources, social supports, and health that could resonate with others and improve future healthcare provider awareness. Each person on our podcast was provided a pseudonym to protect their identity as they shared their story. In the final episode, the interdisciplinary team will sit down with healthcare professionals to gain their perspective on access to resources and future directions in healthcare.

Want to watch WVoice: A Health Science Podcast? Visit https://health.wvu.edu/interprofessional-education/research/