November 13, 2025 • 22 mins
Uni and her NFP guests discuss new federal and state policies expanding SNAP work requirements and limiting Ohio’s ability to waive them, impacting older adults and parents. Natasha from Neighborhood Family Practice explains how disruptions to Medicaid and SNAP harm health and stability, while NFP and partners like the Cleveland Food Bank and local libraries work to support affected families. They urge residents to seek help, stay informed, and remember they are not alone in navigating these changes.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
This is WOVU Studios.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Welcome to our voices today right here on WOVU ninety
five point nine f M. Welcome, Welcome, welcome, Thank you
so much for joining me here on Cleveland's urban alternative
WOVU ninety five point nine f M. And I got
some lovely guests live in the studio with me, and
we gonna get straight into it right after we take
these cleansing ribs, because as the kids say, life be life,
(00:28):
and it sometimes I tend.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
To get agree so deep in hell through the nose.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Boss, slow exhil through the mouth, and remember breathing out
anything that no longer serve us, any energy that we
need to release and expel away from us. And like
I mentioned, I got some lovely guests live in the
studio with me here to talk all about the changes.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Yes, all these inevitable, angry, annoying changes.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Don't but seriously, it's a lot of things going on
and we got to stay up to date. And so
today's topic will definitely be navigating health and stability in
these changing times when recent federal policy changes are affecting
many individuals who rely on Medicaid and SNAP. Today we're
(01:17):
talking about what these changes are and why. To get
a bit more specific, new and expanded work requirements are
official when it comes to SNAP benefits, What does that mean?
Expanded work requirements pretty much mean able body adults without
(01:38):
dependence between the ages of fifty five two sixty four
will now be subject to work requirements, a significant expansion
from the previous age limit of fifty four. New requirements
for parents include requirements will also be imposed on parents
with children as young as fourteen as well, and there
(01:59):
will be no more waivers. Ohio state budget has banned
the state from applying for waivers from the work rules,
which could put more residents at risk, especially those in
rural areas or facing other barriers like you know, grosser
restore deserts, things of that nature, and potential loss of
(02:21):
benefits is definitely a bit more bible at this point.
The combination of expanded requirements and the inability to get
waivers is expected to put SNAP benefit at risk for
tens of thousands of ohioans, including veterans, including people experiencing homelessness,
including people with children, including them children themselves that are
(02:45):
dependents of parents who are receiving benefits and receive extra
benefits for thus children are reduced benefits as well.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Some households may see a reduction in.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Their benefits, with one report estimating over one hundred and
thirty two thousand Ohio households could see their monthly food
assistance reduced by at least twenty five dollars. And twenty
five dollars doesn't sound like a lot, right, but when
this is all you have to feed your family, it
could be. It could make or break you, make or
(03:16):
break you. And like I said, I got some lovely
guests live in the studio to talk with me all
about this. Miss Natasha from Neighborhood Family Practice from Neighborhood
from Neighborhood Family Practice, who has seven locations on the
west side, they might be getting some locations.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
On the east side.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
We'll talk about that as twenty six rolls on in here,
because you know when the holidays hit is pretty much
over for the year, right, So, if you have any questions,
if you are looking for a new provider, if you
need any of their amazing services which include primary care,
mid referee and breast feeding support, behavior health's, dental health,
(03:56):
HIV prevention, and refugee slash Newcomer health services along with
pharmacy and they mail your pharmaceutical needs. This well, Neighborhood
Family Practice is so awesome. If you need a new provider,
if you look in the switch, please reach out to
them two one six two eight one zero eight seven
to two again that's two eight one zero eight seven two.
(04:20):
Or you can visit the website nfpmecenter dot org. That's
in fpmedcenter dot org. Hey, yes, I am joined by
some amazing team members over at Neighborhood Family Practice. Me's
j Justic and Natasha. Thank you so much for joining
me here on our voices today, and so let's hop
right into it. So why do these policies just matter
(04:42):
beyond just paperwork? And how do they affect people's ability
to stay healthy, feed their families and access care.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Yeah, so it definitely goes far beyond just filling out forms.
Programs like Medicaid and Snap are lifelines. When access to
food becomes insecure or health coverage is uncertain, everything else
becomes more difficult, taking medications, keeping doctor's appointments, managing chronic
health illnesses. For example, in Kayahaga County, roughly one in
(05:12):
four children living food and secure households. Any reduction in
snap or disruption and benefits magnifies that risk. From a
health care perspective, when people lose coverage or even fear
losing it, they may delay their preventative care, skip medications,
or stop following up totally. Chronic conditions such as diabetes
(05:33):
or high blood pressure don't pause for bureocracy. They worsen
hospitalizations and cost rise. The bipartisan point here is that
everyone wants effective programs. We all want to avoid fraud,
we all want taxpayer dollars to be used well. But
when administrative or eligibility changes are accompanied by clear support
(05:54):
and outreach, people slip through the cracks and they suffer.
And so, from our perspective at NA, disruption and food
access or health coverage doesn't just affect individuals, It affects
the whole community. Clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and social service agencies
fill the ripple.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Thank you, Thank you, Jennifer. Anything to add, No, she
pretty much covered.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Yeah, how is neighborhood family practice of responding to these
challenges and changes?
Speaker 3 (06:24):
So here at NFP, we're stepping up our outreach and
coordination because we know the system is changing and some
of our most vulnerable patients are at greater risk. So
some of our responses include partnering with local community based
organizations such as the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, social service
agencies to help patients navigate non medical barriers. We also
(06:47):
have an amazing team of social workers like myself who
are willing to help patients understand an email they're receiving.
As I know, it's confusing. I've been on a couple
of these meetings and I'm hearing that some of the
refugees didn't even get the letters for the redetermination letters
in their own language. Imagine getting a letter about your
benefits being cut and they didn't even do you the
(07:09):
due diligence to give it to you and your language.
That's a barrier. So we're here to navigate those barriers
as they come.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
So when it comes to working with these partners such
as the Cleveland Food Bank, what does that partnership look like?
Are people able to stop at neighborhood family practice and
pick up groceries? And especially when we hear the bank
itself saying that they're low on food as well.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Yes, a lot of that. Like I know, the food
Bank is definitely struggling right now. Any dollar counts, So
what we do is we try to do a warm
handoff to them so the resources are tied. I know,
later on I'm going to talk about some of the
resources we do have at Neighborhood Family Practice, but yeah,
times are really tough. Times are really tough. But a
(07:59):
lot of what we do with a lot of more
handoffs to our community partners because they have the resources.
We want to focus on medical care, providing that quality
care while our other partners provide some of those social needs, which.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Is so important because you are worrying about how to
feed yourself, how to feed your family, and appointments will
slip at that point because you're not worried about making
it to a doctor, You're worried about how you're going
to get groceries for your family that evening. Absolutely so,
having this wrap around service where people are connected through
your partnerships is so so vital to people who are
(08:34):
visiting Neighborhood Family Practices for service as well.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
So thank you, Oh no problem, And just like to
add on, so from like a bipartisan perspective, whether someone
is more conservative or more progressive, the goal is still
the same keeping people healthy, preventing crisises and reducing avoidable hospitalizations.
That's good for patients and it's good for the system.
So something has to give. We need more resources. We
(09:00):
need people to think of the bigger picture. Who are
we here for our children? Our families. We can't talk about,
you know, increasing the birth rate and encouraging people to
have more children when they simply can't afford it. So yeah,
I'm here. People like me, our advocates are here to
advocate for change.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yes, yes, So how do we meet people where they
are now?
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Especially?
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Yeah? So that's me.
Speaker 5 (09:28):
I do community engagement with Neighborhood Family Practice, And what
we do is we meet our patients and neighbors where
they are in clinics and different community centers and churches
and even grocery stores, and we listen to what the
needs are with these recent changes. We know that people
are feeling anxious and they're confused, so we're focusing on
(09:49):
meeting them with empathy and accurate information. Our community health
workers and our linkage coordinators social workers. Everyone is trying
to understand what thesees mean for them, assisting them with
renewals when possible or if not. Doing these warm handoffs
to other organizations that can help them with these renewals.
(10:09):
We connect them to local food resources or benefit counselors
also if needed. It's about meeting people where there are
not just physically but emotionally as well, and making sure
that they know that they're not facing these changes alone.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Have you seen any positive examples of community resilience or collaboration?
Speaker 5 (10:31):
Absolutely, so we're seeing in a lot of our partners
collaborating with each other. The Cleveland Food Bank is partnering
now with the county libraries to do food distributions as well.
So we're seeing a lot more of these local food
banks and the actual food bank partnering with a lot
more community organizations to get food into people's houses.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
When it comes to the relations between the community and
neighborhood family practice and neighborhood family practice in these partners
and these community members who may not have known about
these resources that you all have partnered with to make
sure what do you feel like? There are responses when
you hand when you do these warm hands off, like
what feelings are you receiving from the community members that
(11:20):
visit neighborhood family practice.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
When these occurrences happen, well, I.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Feel like our local organizations, churches, places where people are
already going play a critical role and how information is
interpreted to the community. They already have that rapport built,
They have established relationships, they know how to speak the lingo, like,
they're able to connect better in a way that we
can as a hospital. Sometimes the language is too much,
(11:46):
you know, And so I just feel like when you're
going to places that you feel comfortable in, you feel
comfortable in, and you feel that your voice is heard,
it's likely more receptive coming from your church leader, or
your community organization or the schools.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
Yeah, I think it's a sense of relief that somebody
is available to help. I've encountered a few people that
are just confused. They don't know that maydoogan thus food
distributions twice a month, or that the Cleveland Food Bank
has a store where they can go and shop for
vegetables that they do use that are not just a
bag of groceries that they don't know what to do with.
(12:28):
So it's a sense of relief when you do talk
to them and you let them know, no, there's all
these other resources. There's these places and you're giving them
phone numbers or you're letting them know where to go
exactly and who to speak to. So it is a
sense of relief that you do get.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
When people find out about things that they didn't know
was right under their nose. A lot of times they
also push back a little bit because they feel a
sense of shame because they didn't.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Know and you don't know. Oh, you don't know.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Right, And it's important to not only you know, give
them that wrap around service, but also give them.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
That reparound love too.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
Yes, because a lot of times people don't even want
to ask what it is that they need. But it's
so much out here. It's so much help, it's so
many resources. If you need something, do not be afraid
to ask, because it is out here. I promise you,
I promise you. I promise you. Are the resources at
neighborhood family practice or in the community that can help
(13:29):
people with transportation and food access or medications as well.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Absolutely, this is important because health isn't just about your
doctor's visit. It's about you know, how you're going to
get the correct food to manage your chronic health illness,
How are you going.
Speaker 4 (13:44):
To get to those doctor's visits?
Speaker 3 (13:47):
So here at NFP, we help our patients with transportation
within our NFP locations. Many people are not aware that
their health insurance providers offer bus tickets. It's transportation to
your doctor's visit, any type of doctor's visit, even if
it's not at our hospital. It could be at a
(14:07):
competitor or a local partner. But your insurance does have
so many resources that I feel like people don't know about.
So if you have a portal for your insurance provider,
log into it. I logged into ours, and I'm like, wow,
they have like they're a whole little section of different resources.
Food banks, if you need cash assistance, you need a
(14:29):
utility assistance, bills.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
They have so much.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Don't be afraid to tap in into those resources. But
to just piggyback on to what we offer at NFP.
We know that some of our patients struggle with getting
to pharmacies. We have mail in pharmacy. You know, that's
a really good resource, so people are not scrambling out
to go and pick up that medication. It's deliver right
(14:55):
to your doorstep. Yes, and we also have a food
is medicine program. We have a wonderful dietitian who is
over that program. Again, that partnership with the Cleveland the
Greater Cleveland Food Bank, they deliver that food to us.
So if you have a chronic health illness, you can
go and pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen goods. I've
gone over there, I volunteer myself. I've gotten to see
(15:18):
the whole charade that Cheryl does, and she does a
lot over there. She goes the extra mile to show
people how to prepare some of these recipes for some
of these different foods that we're getting, because we know
that people are reluctant towards cooking butternut squash. They never
cook with that. You know, they might know how to
cook greens, but they don't know how to cook butternut
(15:38):
squash or zucchini. And so I love that she provides
them with recipe cards and takes that extra five minutes
to kind of personalize that care for them. Just for
the nutrition bases. We do partner with a lot of
local food banks. I know that Jennifer touched on. We
have a good partnership with Mae Dougan. They are swarmed
(15:59):
right now. If you you go there, there's definitely a line,
but they will help you, you know. So yes, lots
of resources that we do have, and if we don't
have it, we're connecting with our community partners because we
can't do this without a team. It's a team effort.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
It takes a village. You absolutely and the villain has
to take care of each other.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
And I'm glad you said that it's a swarm right now,
but still go and get the help that you need,
because that less people know. It's not just you that's
experiencing this mm hmm. It's tons of people in this city,
it's tons of people in the country.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
It is not just you.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
So do not be ashamed, do not be scared to
ask for whatever it is that you need to ask for.
Neighborhood Family Practice is an amazing place to go, not
only for you know, health care, but again these wrap
around service and getting in touch with these partners. If
you want to call them, you can give them a
call too at two one six two eight one zero
eight seven to two. That's two eight one zero eight
(16:57):
seven to two, or you can visit their website Nfpmdcenter
dot org. That's Nfpmdcenter dot org. I'm just saying they're great.
So you work with people during some of their toughest moments.
What keeps you hopeful, Jennifer, You first.
Speaker 5 (17:16):
What keeps me hopeful of the collaboration between the organizations
and our communities and our neighbors and our block clubs.
That's what keeps me hopeful. That there's still a couple
of people out there that are really good people and
they're looking to do good.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
So that's what keeps me going.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
Thank you, Latasha.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Yes, what keeps me hopeful is seeing resilience.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Every day.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
I see patients who, despite their financial strain, family pressures,
transportation issues, still show up, ask the tough questions and
try to make changes. And I believe in the power
of prevention. When we invest early connecting someone to the
right resources, helping them stay covered, making sure they eat
and take medications, we're avoiding a larger crisis. That turns
(18:05):
a narrative from what happens when benefits are cut to
how do we build a supportive system around people. That's
what keeps me helpful.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
I love that.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
So what's one message you'd like to leave with every
listener here at WOVU.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
When it comes to navigating these changes.
Speaker 5 (18:23):
That is, the resources are out there for everyone. They're
not just for specific people. I hear a lot of
well that's not for me. Don't let your pride keep
you from eating like these are.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
They're available for everyone.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Nobody's above getting some help and it's out there, so just.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
Look for it. Thank you, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
So. My message is you're not alone. Help is available,
whether you're worried about your Medicaid renewal, snap eligibility, transportation
to your appointments, or paying for medication. A wide network
of resources exists, including at NFP. Don't wait until the crisis,
reach reach out early, ask the common questions, ask for help.
(19:07):
Don't be afraid. Change can feel scary. We all know
that it's a part of life. Change happens daily, weekly, minutes,
you know. But the information and the support is what matters.
Stay informed, keep your contact and feel current. Respond to
the notices when you get them in the mill, keep
communicating with your health care provider and your social service agency.
(19:30):
And remember, staying healthy is more about than just seeing
a doctor. It's about food, transportation, social support, and connection.
Don't and don't don't underestimate the small steps to keep
you moving forward.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Where can listeners go If they're listening to today's program,
they're like, I have more questions.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
Come go visit our website. We post upcoming outreach events,
benefit navigation workshops, community clinics, resource fairs. You can follow
us on social media. We have a Facebook page, Instagram,
I think we're even on LinkedIn.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
So if you have questions about today's program, you can
call your local county office. When it relates to any
Medicaid changes or food assistance changes, log into your portal
if you already have a portal, and like I said,
don't wait until the deadline looms, ask questions early. It's
so important.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
Thank you. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (20:33):
Definitely follow us on social media. We keep that up
to date with local resources. We're reposting resources from other
organizations that are sharing as well, So definitely keep up.
Speaker 4 (20:44):
To date on our on our Facebook page.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Thank you. Instagram too or no just Instagram.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
Yes, we're here there everywhere.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
The list is on the X as well. LinkedIn no no, no, sorry,
you need to be you be two be no.
Speaker 2 (21:03):
YouTube yes, YouTube as well. You can schedule at medical
appointment right on the website at nfp Medcenter dot org.
That's Nfpmdcenter dot org and their services is so wide.
Look seriously, if you need a primary care, if you
need med referee help or assistance, and breastfeeding support, behavior health,
(21:25):
dental health.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
Look, please take care of your teeth people.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
You'll be surprised how much is your of your health
is just linked to your teeth. You'll get an infection
somewhere down below that has to do with the infection
in your mouth.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
I'm just saying, got care service.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
And like she bites as well, refugee slash, newcomer health
services as well, and pharmacy. So please if you need
any of those services and some more, no no, take
to reach out to Neighborhood Family Practice if you need
to give them a call. That phone number is two
one six two eight one zero eight seven to two.
And remember, starved person is an obedient one. If you
(22:04):
want to eat, just reach out for help if you
need it, because it is out here.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
You have help.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Thank you both for joining me here on our voices today.
Thank you so much for tuning in. I'm gonna go breathe,
and I encourage you all to do the same.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
This is Wovu Studios
This is WOVU Studios.
Speaker 2 (00:07):
Welcome to our voices today right here on WOVU ninety
five point nine f M. Welcome, Welcome, welcome, Thank you
so much for joining me here on Cleveland's urban alternative
WOVU ninety five point nine f M. And I got
some lovely guests live in the studio with me, and
we gonna get straight into it right after we take
these cleansing ribs, because as the kids say, life be life,
(00:28):
and it sometimes I tend.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
To get agree so deep in hell through the nose.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Boss, slow exhil through the mouth, and remember breathing out
anything that no longer serve us, any energy that we
need to release and expel away from us. And like
I mentioned, I got some lovely guests live in the
studio with me here to talk all about the changes.
Speaker 1 (00:53):
Yes, all these inevitable, angry, annoying changes.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
Don't but seriously, it's a lot of things going on
and we got to stay up to date. And so
today's topic will definitely be navigating health and stability in
these changing times when recent federal policy changes are affecting
many individuals who rely on Medicaid and SNAP. Today we're
(01:17):
talking about what these changes are and why. To get
a bit more specific, new and expanded work requirements are
official when it comes to SNAP benefits, What does that mean?
Expanded work requirements pretty much mean able body adults without
(01:38):
dependence between the ages of fifty five two sixty four
will now be subject to work requirements, a significant expansion
from the previous age limit of fifty four. New requirements
for parents include requirements will also be imposed on parents
with children as young as fourteen as well, and there
(01:59):
will be no more waivers. Ohio state budget has banned
the state from applying for waivers from the work rules,
which could put more residents at risk, especially those in
rural areas or facing other barriers like you know, grosser
restore deserts, things of that nature, and potential loss of
(02:21):
benefits is definitely a bit more bible at this point.
The combination of expanded requirements and the inability to get
waivers is expected to put SNAP benefit at risk for
tens of thousands of ohioans, including veterans, including people experiencing homelessness,
including people with children, including them children themselves that are
(02:45):
dependents of parents who are receiving benefits and receive extra
benefits for thus children are reduced benefits as well.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
Some households may see a reduction in.
Speaker 2 (02:56):
Their benefits, with one report estimating over one hundred and
thirty two thousand Ohio households could see their monthly food
assistance reduced by at least twenty five dollars. And twenty
five dollars doesn't sound like a lot, right, but when
this is all you have to feed your family, it
could be. It could make or break you, make or
(03:16):
break you. And like I said, I got some lovely
guests live in the studio to talk with me all
about this. Miss Natasha from Neighborhood Family Practice from Neighborhood
from Neighborhood Family Practice, who has seven locations on the
west side, they might be getting some locations.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
On the east side.
Speaker 2 (03:35):
We'll talk about that as twenty six rolls on in here,
because you know when the holidays hit is pretty much
over for the year, right, So, if you have any questions,
if you are looking for a new provider, if you
need any of their amazing services which include primary care,
mid referee and breast feeding support, behavior health's, dental health,
(03:56):
HIV prevention, and refugee slash Newcomer health services along with
pharmacy and they mail your pharmaceutical needs. This well, Neighborhood
Family Practice is so awesome. If you need a new provider,
if you look in the switch, please reach out to
them two one six two eight one zero eight seven
to two again that's two eight one zero eight seven two.
(04:20):
Or you can visit the website nfpmecenter dot org. That's
in fpmedcenter dot org. Hey, yes, I am joined by
some amazing team members over at Neighborhood Family Practice. Me's
j Justic and Natasha. Thank you so much for joining
me here on our voices today, and so let's hop
right into it. So why do these policies just matter
(04:42):
beyond just paperwork? And how do they affect people's ability
to stay healthy, feed their families and access care.
Speaker 3 (04:49):
Yeah, so it definitely goes far beyond just filling out forms.
Programs like Medicaid and Snap are lifelines. When access to
food becomes insecure or health coverage is uncertain, everything else
becomes more difficult, taking medications, keeping doctor's appointments, managing chronic
health illnesses. For example, in Kayahaga County, roughly one in
(05:12):
four children living food and secure households. Any reduction in
snap or disruption and benefits magnifies that risk. From a
health care perspective, when people lose coverage or even fear
losing it, they may delay their preventative care, skip medications,
or stop following up totally. Chronic conditions such as diabetes
(05:33):
or high blood pressure don't pause for bureocracy. They worsen
hospitalizations and cost rise. The bipartisan point here is that
everyone wants effective programs. We all want to avoid fraud,
we all want taxpayer dollars to be used well. But
when administrative or eligibility changes are accompanied by clear support
(05:54):
and outreach, people slip through the cracks and they suffer.
And so, from our perspective at NA, disruption and food
access or health coverage doesn't just affect individuals, It affects
the whole community. Clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and social service agencies
fill the ripple.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Thank you, Thank you, Jennifer. Anything to add, No, she
pretty much covered.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
Yeah, how is neighborhood family practice of responding to these
challenges and changes?
Speaker 3 (06:24):
So here at NFP, we're stepping up our outreach and
coordination because we know the system is changing and some
of our most vulnerable patients are at greater risk. So
some of our responses include partnering with local community based
organizations such as the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, social service
agencies to help patients navigate non medical barriers. We also
(06:47):
have an amazing team of social workers like myself who
are willing to help patients understand an email they're receiving.
As I know, it's confusing. I've been on a couple
of these meetings and I'm hearing that some of the
refugees didn't even get the letters for the redetermination letters
in their own language. Imagine getting a letter about your
benefits being cut and they didn't even do you the
(07:09):
due diligence to give it to you and your language.
That's a barrier. So we're here to navigate those barriers
as they come.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
So when it comes to working with these partners such
as the Cleveland Food Bank, what does that partnership look like?
Are people able to stop at neighborhood family practice and
pick up groceries? And especially when we hear the bank
itself saying that they're low on food as well.
Speaker 3 (07:38):
Yes, a lot of that. Like I know, the food
Bank is definitely struggling right now. Any dollar counts, So
what we do is we try to do a warm
handoff to them so the resources are tied. I know,
later on I'm going to talk about some of the
resources we do have at Neighborhood Family Practice, but yeah,
times are really tough. Times are really tough. But a
(07:59):
lot of what we do with a lot of more
handoffs to our community partners because they have the resources.
We want to focus on medical care, providing that quality
care while our other partners provide some of those social needs, which.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
Is so important because you are worrying about how to
feed yourself, how to feed your family, and appointments will
slip at that point because you're not worried about making
it to a doctor, You're worried about how you're going
to get groceries for your family that evening. Absolutely so,
having this wrap around service where people are connected through
your partnerships is so so vital to people who are
(08:34):
visiting Neighborhood Family Practices for service as well.
Speaker 3 (08:37):
So thank you, Oh no problem, And just like to
add on, so from like a bipartisan perspective, whether someone
is more conservative or more progressive, the goal is still
the same keeping people healthy, preventing crisises and reducing avoidable hospitalizations.
That's good for patients and it's good for the system.
So something has to give. We need more resources. We
(09:00):
need people to think of the bigger picture. Who are
we here for our children? Our families. We can't talk about,
you know, increasing the birth rate and encouraging people to
have more children when they simply can't afford it. So yeah,
I'm here. People like me, our advocates are here to
advocate for change.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Yes, yes, So how do we meet people where they
are now?
Speaker 1 (09:25):
Especially?
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Yeah? So that's me.
Speaker 5 (09:28):
I do community engagement with Neighborhood Family Practice, And what
we do is we meet our patients and neighbors where
they are in clinics and different community centers and churches
and even grocery stores, and we listen to what the
needs are with these recent changes. We know that people
are feeling anxious and they're confused, so we're focusing on
(09:49):
meeting them with empathy and accurate information. Our community health
workers and our linkage coordinators social workers. Everyone is trying
to understand what thesees mean for them, assisting them with
renewals when possible or if not. Doing these warm handoffs
to other organizations that can help them with these renewals.
(10:09):
We connect them to local food resources or benefit counselors
also if needed. It's about meeting people where there are
not just physically but emotionally as well, and making sure
that they know that they're not facing these changes alone.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
Have you seen any positive examples of community resilience or collaboration?
Speaker 5 (10:31):
Absolutely, so we're seeing in a lot of our partners
collaborating with each other. The Cleveland Food Bank is partnering
now with the county libraries to do food distributions as well.
So we're seeing a lot more of these local food
banks and the actual food bank partnering with a lot
more community organizations to get food into people's houses.
Speaker 1 (10:53):
Thank you, thank you.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
When it comes to the relations between the community and
neighborhood family practice and neighborhood family practice in these partners
and these community members who may not have known about
these resources that you all have partnered with to make
sure what do you feel like? There are responses when
you hand when you do these warm hands off, like
what feelings are you receiving from the community members that
(11:20):
visit neighborhood family practice.
Speaker 1 (11:21):
When these occurrences happen, well, I.
Speaker 3 (11:24):
Feel like our local organizations, churches, places where people are
already going play a critical role and how information is
interpreted to the community. They already have that rapport built,
They have established relationships, they know how to speak the lingo, like,
they're able to connect better in a way that we
can as a hospital. Sometimes the language is too much,
(11:46):
you know, And so I just feel like when you're
going to places that you feel comfortable in, you feel
comfortable in, and you feel that your voice is heard,
it's likely more receptive coming from your church leader, or
your community organization or the schools.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
Yeah, I think it's a sense of relief that somebody
is available to help. I've encountered a few people that
are just confused. They don't know that maydoogan thus food
distributions twice a month, or that the Cleveland Food Bank
has a store where they can go and shop for
vegetables that they do use that are not just a
bag of groceries that they don't know what to do with.
(12:28):
So it's a sense of relief when you do talk
to them and you let them know, no, there's all
these other resources. There's these places and you're giving them
phone numbers or you're letting them know where to go
exactly and who to speak to. So it is a
sense of relief that you do get.
Speaker 1 (12:43):
Yes.
Speaker 2 (12:47):
When people find out about things that they didn't know
was right under their nose. A lot of times they
also push back a little bit because they feel a
sense of shame because they didn't.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Know and you don't know. Oh, you don't know.
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Right, And it's important to not only you know, give
them that wrap around service, but also give them.
Speaker 1 (13:07):
That reparound love too.
Speaker 2 (13:08):
Yes, because a lot of times people don't even want
to ask what it is that they need. But it's
so much out here. It's so much help, it's so
many resources. If you need something, do not be afraid
to ask, because it is out here. I promise you,
I promise you. I promise you. Are the resources at
neighborhood family practice or in the community that can help
(13:29):
people with transportation and food access or medications as well.
Speaker 3 (13:34):
Absolutely, this is important because health isn't just about your
doctor's visit. It's about you know, how you're going to
get the correct food to manage your chronic health illness,
How are you going.
Speaker 4 (13:44):
To get to those doctor's visits?
Speaker 3 (13:47):
So here at NFP, we help our patients with transportation
within our NFP locations. Many people are not aware that
their health insurance providers offer bus tickets. It's transportation to
your doctor's visit, any type of doctor's visit, even if
it's not at our hospital. It could be at a
(14:07):
competitor or a local partner. But your insurance does have
so many resources that I feel like people don't know about.
So if you have a portal for your insurance provider,
log into it. I logged into ours, and I'm like, wow,
they have like they're a whole little section of different resources.
Food banks, if you need cash assistance, you need a
(14:29):
utility assistance, bills.
Speaker 4 (14:32):
They have so much.
Speaker 3 (14:33):
Don't be afraid to tap in into those resources. But
to just piggyback on to what we offer at NFP.
We know that some of our patients struggle with getting
to pharmacies. We have mail in pharmacy. You know, that's
a really good resource, so people are not scrambling out
to go and pick up that medication. It's deliver right
(14:55):
to your doorstep. Yes, and we also have a food
is medicine program. We have a wonderful dietitian who is
over that program. Again, that partnership with the Cleveland the
Greater Cleveland Food Bank, they deliver that food to us.
So if you have a chronic health illness, you can
go and pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen goods. I've
gone over there, I volunteer myself. I've gotten to see
(15:18):
the whole charade that Cheryl does, and she does a
lot over there. She goes the extra mile to show
people how to prepare some of these recipes for some
of these different foods that we're getting, because we know
that people are reluctant towards cooking butternut squash. They never
cook with that. You know, they might know how to
cook greens, but they don't know how to cook butternut
(15:38):
squash or zucchini. And so I love that she provides
them with recipe cards and takes that extra five minutes
to kind of personalize that care for them. Just for
the nutrition bases. We do partner with a lot of
local food banks. I know that Jennifer touched on. We
have a good partnership with Mae Dougan. They are swarmed
(15:59):
right now. If you you go there, there's definitely a line,
but they will help you, you know. So yes, lots
of resources that we do have, and if we don't
have it, we're connecting with our community partners because we
can't do this without a team. It's a team effort.
Speaker 1 (16:16):
It takes a village. You absolutely and the villain has
to take care of each other.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
And I'm glad you said that it's a swarm right now,
but still go and get the help that you need,
because that less people know. It's not just you that's
experiencing this mm hmm. It's tons of people in this city,
it's tons of people in the country.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
It is not just you.
Speaker 2 (16:35):
So do not be ashamed, do not be scared to
ask for whatever it is that you need to ask for.
Neighborhood Family Practice is an amazing place to go, not
only for you know, health care, but again these wrap
around service and getting in touch with these partners. If
you want to call them, you can give them a
call too at two one six two eight one zero
eight seven to two. That's two eight one zero eight
(16:57):
seven to two, or you can visit their website Nfpmdcenter
dot org. That's Nfpmdcenter dot org. I'm just saying they're great.
So you work with people during some of their toughest moments.
What keeps you hopeful, Jennifer, You first.
Speaker 5 (17:16):
What keeps me hopeful of the collaboration between the organizations
and our communities and our neighbors and our block clubs.
That's what keeps me hopeful. That there's still a couple
of people out there that are really good people and
they're looking to do good.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
So that's what keeps me going.
Speaker 1 (17:34):
Thank you, Latasha.
Speaker 3 (17:36):
Yes, what keeps me hopeful is seeing resilience.
Speaker 1 (17:40):
Every day.
Speaker 3 (17:41):
I see patients who, despite their financial strain, family pressures,
transportation issues, still show up, ask the tough questions and
try to make changes. And I believe in the power
of prevention. When we invest early connecting someone to the
right resources, helping them stay covered, making sure they eat
and take medications, we're avoiding a larger crisis. That turns
(18:05):
a narrative from what happens when benefits are cut to
how do we build a supportive system around people. That's
what keeps me helpful.
Speaker 2 (18:13):
I love that.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
I love that.
Speaker 2 (18:15):
So what's one message you'd like to leave with every
listener here at WOVU.
Speaker 1 (18:21):
When it comes to navigating these changes.
Speaker 5 (18:23):
That is, the resources are out there for everyone. They're
not just for specific people. I hear a lot of
well that's not for me. Don't let your pride keep
you from eating like these are.
Speaker 4 (18:36):
They're available for everyone.
Speaker 5 (18:37):
Nobody's above getting some help and it's out there, so just.
Speaker 4 (18:42):
Look for it. Thank you, absolutely.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
So. My message is you're not alone. Help is available,
whether you're worried about your Medicaid renewal, snap eligibility, transportation
to your appointments, or paying for medication. A wide network
of resources exists, including at NFP. Don't wait until the crisis,
reach reach out early, ask the common questions, ask for help.
(19:07):
Don't be afraid. Change can feel scary. We all know
that it's a part of life. Change happens daily, weekly, minutes,
you know. But the information and the support is what matters.
Stay informed, keep your contact and feel current. Respond to
the notices when you get them in the mill, keep
communicating with your health care provider and your social service agency.
(19:30):
And remember, staying healthy is more about than just seeing
a doctor. It's about food, transportation, social support, and connection.
Don't and don't don't underestimate the small steps to keep
you moving forward.
Speaker 1 (19:43):
Thank you, Thank you.
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Where can listeners go If they're listening to today's program,
they're like, I have more questions.
Speaker 3 (19:55):
Come go visit our website. We post upcoming outreach events,
benefit navigation workshops, community clinics, resource fairs. You can follow
us on social media. We have a Facebook page, Instagram,
I think we're even on LinkedIn.
Speaker 4 (20:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
So if you have questions about today's program, you can
call your local county office. When it relates to any
Medicaid changes or food assistance changes, log into your portal
if you already have a portal, and like I said,
don't wait until the deadline looms, ask questions early. It's
so important.
Speaker 1 (20:30):
Thank you. Yeah.
Speaker 5 (20:33):
Definitely follow us on social media. We keep that up
to date with local resources. We're reposting resources from other
organizations that are sharing as well, So definitely keep up.
Speaker 4 (20:44):
To date on our on our Facebook page.
Speaker 1 (20:48):
Thank you. Instagram too or no just Instagram.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
Yes, we're here there everywhere.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
The list is on the X as well. LinkedIn no no, no, sorry,
you need to be you be two be no.
Speaker 2 (21:03):
YouTube yes, YouTube as well. You can schedule at medical
appointment right on the website at nfp Medcenter dot org.
That's Nfpmdcenter dot org and their services is so wide.
Look seriously, if you need a primary care, if you
need med referee help or assistance, and breastfeeding support, behavior health,
(21:25):
dental health.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
Look, please take care of your teeth people.
Speaker 2 (21:28):
You'll be surprised how much is your of your health
is just linked to your teeth. You'll get an infection
somewhere down below that has to do with the infection
in your mouth.
Speaker 1 (21:36):
I'm just saying, got care service.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
And like she bites as well, refugee slash, newcomer health
services as well, and pharmacy. So please if you need
any of those services and some more, no no, take
to reach out to Neighborhood Family Practice if you need
to give them a call. That phone number is two
one six two eight one zero eight seven to two.
And remember, starved person is an obedient one. If you
(22:04):
want to eat, just reach out for help if you
need it, because it is out here.
Speaker 1 (22:09):
You have help.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Thank you both for joining me here on our voices today.
Thank you so much for tuning in. I'm gonna go breathe,
and I encourage you all to do the same.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
This is Wovu Studios
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