A new statewide initiative to encourage you to be more
proactive about your healthcare kicks off today.
It's called the How Do I campaign.
And this morning, we're joined by Rhonda Smith.
She is the executive director of the California Black Health
Network.
They're spearheading this effort.
Rhonda, good morning.
Thanks so much for being here.
Good morning, Brandy.
Always great to see you explain first of all, how
the idea for this campaign came about.
Well, actually it was originated with the California Healthcare Foundation
and we're very fortunate to be a partner and collaborator
around the How Do I campaign.
And so about three years ago, the Healthcare Foundation invested
in research to really understand what is happening with Black
Californians when they interact with the healthcare system and what
that experience is like.
And so the How Do I campaign actually is a
result of that research.
And we are working on implementing one of the recommendations
that came out of that research ultimately is the goal
of this campaign.
Well, you know, we want to create a more empowered
community of Black Californians that are proactive about their health,
take charge of that, and really know that they should
own that dynamic when they're interacting with the healthcare system.
So we're working to give them the knowledge, information, skills,
tools and resources so that they can really make the
healthcare system work better for them.
We know that it kicks off today with a webinar,
and we do have some of that information on our
screen for our viewers.
What specific kinds of things will people learn?
Yeah.
So today's session is focused on understanding your patient rights.
I think we as consumers or healthcare consumers don't know
that we have certain rights as a patient.
And so we think that is, you know, a starting
point and a good foundation to build on.
And so from there, we'll, we'll help people understand how
to have a conversation with them, with their healthcare provider,
no matter who or what type of provider they're dealing
with.
How do you navigate through the healthcare system?
Sometimes it's very complex to do so.
How do you advocate for yourself and your loved one,
especially if you're dealing with a serious health condition?
And then how do you participate in the decision making
for your care and know that you should be at
the center of that and a partner with your healthcare
provider in that process.
And this is something for all Californians.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, so to participate in the webinar is free.
We will also be hosting in community conversation sessions.
So we want to meet people where they are without
being too cliche.
We want to go where people eat, workshop, pray and
slay.
I love that Eating, workshop, pray and slay, OK, Like
the hair salons, of course, are people who don't understand
what slay means.
OK, We have about 30 seconds.
There are some incentives too, for people to take part,
yes.
So today for the 1st 25 people who register and
attend, you'll get a free book from Doctor Glenda Newell
Harris.
It's about getting your best health.
And then also for people who attend all five sessions,
you will enter for a chance to win a $100.00
gift card.
Rhonda, thank you so much for joining us this morning.
Very important conversations to have for sure.
And we're going to put this information on our website,
kcra.com, for people to be able to set up for
those webinars.
Thanks so much.
Thank you so much, Brandy.
Have a great day.