PHEC 418: How Community-Led Initiatives Drive Health Equity, With Robyn Bussey

Dr. Huntley sits down with Annee Morris Reed, Policy Director at the Funders Forum on Accountable Health and lecturer at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. The conversation explores Anne’s inspiring career spanning senior policy roles within the federal government, her dedication to community-driven, multi-sector partnerships, and the impact of landmark legislation like the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill (the “one big beautiful bill”). Together, Dr. Huntley and Anne unpack the vital differences between public health and healthcare, highlight actionable strategies for advocacy, and empower listeners to create positive change in their communities. Even in challenging political climates.   Resources 📲 Join the PHEC Podcast Community App ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

This episode features an inspiring conversation between public health visionaries Dr. Charlotte Huntley and Dr. Marissa Levine, delving into the evolving landscape of public health leadership. Centered around the concept of regenerative leadership, the discussion explores how adaptive, systems-thinking approaches are transforming both individuals and organizations to better serve communities amid ongoing complexity. With decades of leadership experience, from serving as Virginia’s State Health Commissioner to advancing work in academia, Dr. Levine offers practical strategies to strengthen emotional intelligence, collaborative cultures, and sustainable change in public and community health. Whether for aspiring leaders, health professionals, or anyone passionate about social impact, this episode offers rich insights and practical tools to nurture resilience and adaptability in today's challenging environment.   📲 Join the PHEC Podcast Community App ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this deeply moving and energizing episode, Dr. Huntley interviews Shanthi Hegde, a rare disease advocate, board leader, and soon-to-be public health student at Brown University. Shanthi shares her powerful journey as a young woman of color living with multiple rare bleeding disorders and an immune dysregulatory syndrome, and she details the systemic barriers patients like her face at every level of the healthcare system. Shanthi’s work spans national and grassroots levels, serving on the Board of the Hemophilia Federation of America, founding innovative young adult advocacy groups, and leading education, policy, and mental health initiatives for the rare disease and bleeding disorder community. Drawing from her lived experience and academic lens, she delivers invaluable lessons on how patient stories shape policy, why rare diseases matter for public health, and how even a single voice can spark sweeping change.       📲 Join the PHEC Podcast Community App ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Huntley welcomes Robyn Bussey, a self-described "health equitist" and Health Equity Director at the Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE). With deep roots in rural Georgia and a passion for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, Robyn shares her personal journey from growing up as the daughter of a beloved rural public health nurse to leading innovative, community-driven health equity initiatives across the American South. Robyn provides listeners with practical insights on building community trust, supporting maternal and reproductive health, and navigating today’s complex public health landscape, especially in regions facing systemic barriers, hospital closures, and heightened political pressure. Through her work with the Just Health Academy and PSE, Robyn demonstrates what’s possible when organizations and individuals come together to center communities and drive sustainable change from within. Discover actionable strategies for advocating health equity, building community capacity, and finding purpose and resilience. Even when the odds seem stacked against them.   📲 Join the PHEC Podcast Community App ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting  

Dr. Huntley sits down with Abby Tighe, a former CDC public health advisor and co-founder of the Fired by Fighting coalition. Together, they share an insider’s look at the nationwide impact of the 2025 mass firing of thousands of CDC and HHS professionals and the dangerous dismantling of America’s public health infrastructure. They also highlight how a grassroots movement is fighting back. Abby details her unexpected professional journey, her passion for equitable and rural health, and how losing her position became a rallying point for collective advocacy and transparency. Through her story and the birth of Fired by Fighting, listeners are called to action: Public health needs everyone, whether you’re an expert, advocate, or everyday citizen. If you care about the health of your community, want to understand the real impact of policy changes, or are curious how you can help rebuild and protect America’s public health future, this episode is for you. Resources ▶️ Join the PHEC Podcast Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Huntley, shares her heartfelt journey one year after the tragic loss of her son, Nicholas, in a motorcycle accident. Dr. Huntley opens up about her struggle to channel her grief and frustration into meaningful action and advocacy, seeking the support, ideas, and expertise of the public health community and podcast listeners. The episode serves as a call to action for collaborative reflection—on how families, communities, and policymakers can honor loved ones and improve motorcycle safety and awareness, all while navigating the complex emotions of loss and remembrance.   Dr. Huntley invites listeners to share their perspectives, resources, and suggestions via a dedicated feedback form, aiming to uncover innovative, compassionate ways to enhance motorcycle safety and public health in memory of Nicholas.   Resources    ▶️ Share your suggestions with Dr. Huntley ▶️ Join the PHEC Community ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this special episode of the PHEC Podcast, Dr. Huntley shares her experience moderating the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Policy Action Institute in Washington, DC, June 2025. She engaged with a multidisciplinary group of professionals including policymakers, legislators, lawyers, medical doctors, nonprofit leaders, and business owners, each contributing to a robust conversation at the intersection of public health and policy. Dr. Huntley’s reflections offer real-world perspectives and practical inspiration for public health professionals seeking to impact policy and build collaborative solutions.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Huntley shares her journey through personal and professional challenges. Drawing from her work facilitating leadership and resilience workshops for public health professionals, especially with the Tribal Epidemiology Centers, Dr. Huntley explores the vital principle that "you can't pour from an empty cup." She opens up about her own struggles with grief, professional uncertainty, and the realities of working in a strained public health environment. Through a story of service and renewal, Dr. Huntley emphasizes the power of community, self-care, and adapting our resilience strategies during difficult times.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this episode, Dr. Huntley offers a deep dive into the world of community health assessments. She explores the identity crisis surrounding these assessments, the interdisciplinary nature of public health, and the challenge of industry silos. Dr. Huntley breaks down the five most common types of community health assessments, discusses their critical functions, and highlights what sets her firm apart in delivering impactful, equity-driven health insights. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how community health assessments drive meaningful change and why they are essential for effective public health action.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dannette R. Smith discuss the evolution of behavioral health services in Colorado, reflecting on personal and professional transitions, the importance of gratitude, and the challenges faced in public health. They emphasize the need for collective action and vulnerability in leadership to effectively serve communities, especially in times of change and uncertainty.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting