Under the Same Sky: March 2025 with Tamala Risher, Patient Assistance Coordinator and Advocate

Under the Same Sky: April 2025 with Francisco Silva of the California Primary Care Association

Access to high-quality healthcare is a cornerstone of thriving communities, and community health centers have a vital role of in the healthcare landscape. In this episode of Under the Same Sky, host Abner Mason welcomed Francisco Silva, President and CEO of the California Primary Care Association (CPCA), for an in-depth conversation about community health centers. Francisco shared his personal journey into healthcare leadership and offered insights into the services, mission, and impact of the health centers that the CPCA represents.

Under the Same Sky: March 2025 with Tamala Risher, Patient Assistance Coordinator and Advocate

The rising cost of prescription medications is a growing concern for many individuals, particularly those with chronic illnesses or life-threatening conditions. Despite remarkable medical advancements that provide better treatment options and improve quality of life, affordability remains a major barrier. In this episode of our series, host Abner Mason met with Tamala Risher, a patient assistance coordinator and advocate, to discuss the financial struggles individuals face when it comes to accessing their prescriptions and the resources available to help them.

Under the Same Sky: February 2025 with Dr. Shantanu Agrawal of Elevance Health

In this episode of our series, host Abner Mason speaks with Dr. Shantanu Agrawal, Chief Health Officer for Elevance Health to discuss activating whole health. Their conversation explored the importance of removing barriers to health, fostering partnerships with community-based organizations, and more.

Under the Same Sky: December 2024 with Michael Gonzales and Crystal Ayoob of Umoja Health

In this episode of our series, host Abner Mason speaks with Crystal Ayoob, MHA, RDN, and Michael Gonzales, both of Umoja Health. The company combines healthcare, nutrition, and logistics expertise to deliver to quality, healthier food nationwide through partnerships with food banks, healthcare providers, and government agencies. This enables their partners to better address food insecurity. In their conversation, Abner, Crystal, and Michael dive into the critical issue of food insecurity, and explore innovative ways to bridge the gap between health and social needs — and how Umoja's groundbreaking approach is reducing costs for payers while delivering greater access to nutritious food for members.

Under the Same Sky: November 2024 with Daryl Twerdahl of Meals on Wheels California

In this episode of our series, host Abner Mason speaks with Daryl Twerdahl, executive director for Meals on Wheels California, the umbrella organization for local Meals on Wheels organizations across the state. Abner and Daryl discussed what goes into the mission to improve the lives of seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families through nutrition, resources, advocacy, and connection — including how Meals on Wheels involves much more than merely keeping people fed. They also touched-on the organization's work in bringing together state government, local government, the private sector, and philanthropy to prepare California for coming demographic changes, and to continue the state's leadership in aging, disability, and equity.