America's Heroes Group

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Julie Appleby, Senior Correspondent for KFF Health News. In this episode, they explore the implications of Julie’s recent article, "The Ranks of Obamacare 'Fixers' Axed in Trump's Reduction of Health Agency Workforce," published on April 22, 2025. Discover how critical caseworker positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are being cut, the consequences for ACA enrollees, and the broader impact on public health systems across the United States.

Topics:
Introduction to Julie Appleby and Her Work with KFF Health News

Overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Caseworker Program

The Role of Caseworkers: Who Are the "Fixers" and What Do They Do?

The Trump Administration’s Reduction in Health Agency Workforce

The Fallout: How ACA Enrollees Are Affected by Caseworker Layoffs

Impact on the CMS Exchange Customer Solutions Group

Implications for ACA Navigators and the Reduction in Support Services

Broader Public Health Concerns: Medicaid, Mental Health, and Chronic Diseases

The Future of Healthcare Access in the U.S.: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

Q&A and Final Remarks

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army Combat Medic and CEO of the African Diaspora Association of Public Health Professionals (ADAPHP), LLC, as he addresses the pressing public health concerns impacting communities across the United States. From chronic disease management and mental health support to the rising cost of healthcare and vaccine-preventable diseases, Dr. Arnold delves into the vital work ADAPHP is doing to advocate for equitable health access, promote preventive care, and support underserved populations.

Topics:
Introduction to ADAPHP, LLC and Its Mission

Social Determinants of Health: The Impact on Underserved Communities

The Affordable Care Act and Rising Healthcare Costs

Addressing Chronic Diseases: Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Preventive Health

Mental Health Crisis: The Need for Increased Access and Support

Vaccine Awareness: The Resurgence of Measles and the Importance of Immunization

Addressing Homelessness Among Veterans and Vulnerable Populations

Workforce Shortages in Healthcare: Public Health Professionals in Demand

The Call to Action: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Public Health

Join Jerry Wellman of Overwatch Capital as he discusses the opportunities in clean energy infrastructure for veterans and communities with Rob Howard and Rod Matthews. Discover how renewable energy projects like biomass, solar, wind, and community choice aggregation can provide economic development, job training, and sustainable futures for local communities. From waste-to-energy solutions to grid modernization, this episode dives deep into how veterans can play a pivotal role in the clean energy sector.

Topics:
Introduction: Clean Energy and Economic Development for Veterans

Understanding Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) – What It Is and How It Works

The Rise of Renewable Energy Projects: Solar, Wind, Biomass, and Battery Storage

How Veterans Can Enter the Clean Energy Workforce

The Role of Microgrids in Urban and Rural Areas

Policy and Legislation: How Government Supports Clean Energy Initiatives

Circular Economy in Action: Waste-to-Energy and Biomass

Soil Augmentation and Fertilizer Production from Biomass Ash

Financial Incentives and Opportunities for Veterans in Clean Energy

Q&A and Final Thoughts

In this episode of America's Heroes Group Roundtable, Col. Dr. Damon Arnold speaks with Adelena Marshall, Mental Health RN, and Carolina Stewart, RN MSN Licensed Clinical Nurse Leader in Community Care, about the growing concerns surrounding workforce reductions at the VA. They discuss the challenges nurses face in providing safe and efficient care to veterans amidst staffing cuts, the potential impact on patient care, and the essential role of National Nurses United in advocating for necessary changes.

Topics:
Introduction to Adelena Marshall and Carolina Stewart

Overview of National Nurses United and Their Advocacy Efforts

The Realities Behind the Perceived Nursing Shortage at the VA

The Impact of Workforce Reductions on Veteran Care

Nursing Staff Ratios and the Effect on Patient Care

Essential Support Roles: How Ancillary Staff Reductions Compound the Problem

Case Study: Centennial Veterans and Their VA Care Experience

The Risks of VA Privatization and Its Effect on Veterans’ Health

Community Care and Home Health Support for Veterans

Q&A and Final Remarks

Join America's Heroes Group as we welcome two distinguished guests — Carol Whitmore, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the National VFW, and Eugene Blackwell, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois VFW. Both are U.S. Army Veterans with decades of service and a passion for advocating for veterans. In this discussion, they share updates on the national and state VFW initiatives, addressing key issues such as veteran homelessness, mental health support, intergenerational leadership, and the evolving mission of the VFW.

Topics:
Introduction to VFW Leadership: Carol Whitmore & Eugene Blackwell

VFW Mission and Core Values

National VFW Initiatives for 2025

Tackling Unaccredited Claim Consultants and Protecting Veterans' Benefits

Addressing Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health Support

Strategies for Engaging Younger Veterans in VFW Leadership

Illinois VFW Updates: Community Outreach and Intergenerational Connections

Upcoming National VFW Convention in August 2025

Personal Stories of Military Service and Lessons Learned

Q&A and Final Remarks