Breaking Bias to Improve Health Disparities

Dr. Renee Canady is the CEO of the Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), leading a team dedicated to promoting health equity and well-being for all. Before MPHI, she served as Health Officer and Director of the Ingham County Health Department in Lansing, where she pioneered the Ingham County Health Equity Social Justice program. She is the author of the best-selling book “Room at the Table: A Leader’s Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice.” She is nationally recognized as a thought leader in health disparities, cultural competence, and social justice, with numerous publications and presentations on these topics. Dr. Canady has had significant influence on health equity discussions through her participation in national boards and advisory groups.

In today’s episode, host Shay Beider welcomes Dr. Canady to discuss a range of topics from public health equity to epigenetics. They delve into Renee's own journey towards racial healing and breaking down biases she experienced from an early age. She shares the importance of recognizing and embracing differences, and understanding how they manifest differently across cultures. The pair talks about some of the physical impacts of racism and how these can transcend into different aspects of public health policy. Dr. Canady discusses the significance of being a leader that uses their privilege to empower others and how small differences can contribute to a more equitable future. 

Transcripts for this episode are available at: https://www.integrativetouch.org/conversations-on-healing 

Show Notes:

Reach more about Dr. Canady’s background here

Check out the Michigan Public Health Institute 

Read the best selling book “Room at the Table: A Leader’s Guide to Advancing Health Equity and Justice”

Look into Resmaa Menakem’s work here

This podcast was created by Integrative Touch (InTouch), which is changing healthcare through human connectivity. A leader in the field of integrative medicine, InTouch is committed to ending isolation in illness and transforming trauma through togetherness. The mission is to provide connection, wellness and healing opportunities that change the lives of anyone touched by pain, suffering, or medical challenges. This includes kids with cancers, genetic conditions, autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic stress, and other serious health issues. The founder, Shay Beider, pioneered a new therapy called Integrative Touch™Therapy that supports healing from trauma and serious illness. 

The organization reaches thousands of people each year at the Integrative Touch Healing Center, through Telehealth, and in hospitals and communities. Thanks to the incredible support of volunteers and contributors, InTouch created a Heal it Forward model that brings services to people in need at little or no cost to them. To learn more or donate, please visit IntegrativeTouch.org