"When these communities allow you in their spaces, please be humble and allow the trust to build so that you can get the work done. If you don't have the trust, then there's no basis to build up on, no foundation at all." - Aloha Wilks

In this episode, host Olivia Machaccio talks with Aloha Wilks, a passionate advocate for health equity and community engagement. They discuss the challenges of achieving health equity in Iowa City, the importance of community involvement, and the role of trust in addressing health disparities. Tune in to learn about the critical work being done to ensure healthcare access for all and the steps being taken to close the gap in health equity.

About the Guest:

Aloha Wilks is an advocate for health equity and community engagement. She is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities, improving healthcare access, and building trust with community members. Aloha is passionate about her work in health equity and encourages others to be intentional, fearless, and humble in their approach to this important issue.

In this episode of My City My Health Podcast, you will learn:

1. The challenges of achieving health equity in Iowa City and the role of community engagement in addressing these issues.
2. The importance of building trust and forming strong relationships with community members to better understand their needs and advocate for them.
3. The barriers to health equity, such as communication, cultural differences, and access to healthcare resources.
4. The consequences of not involving community members in the decision-making process and how proper representation can improve health outcomes.
5. UIHC's efforts to increase healthcare access in Southeast Iowa City and how it can impact the entire community.
6. The importance of being intentional, fearless, and humble when working in the field of health equity, and the value of staying connected to community members and their needs.

Show Notes:

[00:00] - Introduction to the My City My Health Podcast
[11:31] - Health equity and transforming the healthcare system
[12:26] - Disproportionate resources in healthcare
[13:56] - Barriers to health equity in the Iowa City community
[15:20] - Importance of community involvement to overcome barriers
[17:15] - Consequences of not involving community members
[18:42] - Advocating for vulnerable communities
[19:14] - UIHC's efforts to increase healthcare access in Southeast Iowa City
[21:10] - Takeaway message from Aloha Wilks

About the host: Olivia Machaccio, is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa studying Health and Human Phys with a minor in social justice. Olivia hopes to be a doctor helping those in the community. Olivia 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.