Podcast Episode 10: "Amplifying Patient Voices: Transforming Health, Combatting Stigma"

Host: Anna Morgan-Barsamian, MPH, RN, PMP, Senior Manager, Training & Education, NaRCAD
A conversation with Mary Hightower, Regional Health Specialist
​Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

Tag: Podcast Series, HIV/AIDS

How can patient voices be incorporated into AD work to affect change?

Join us as we discuss how Iowa’s detailing program is addressing health disparities and combatting stigma in rural communities. Whether you work in public health, healthcare, or community advocacy, this episode provides practical strategies to elevate patient perspectives and inspire meaningful change.

 (Click here for the audio transcription.) 

"​By fostering ongoing, strong, collaborative partnerships with advocacy groups and community organizations, we can really ensure that diverse voices are included and that our programs remain responsive to the actual needs of those that we're serving."

Mary Hightower
Regional Health Specialist, Iowa Department of Health & Human Services

Mary Hightower is a Regional Health Specialist with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of HIV, STI, and Hepatitis. Her role involves building relationships with healthcare providers and community stakeholders to promote STI testing, treatment, and education. For the last eight years, she has connected stakeholders to resources for HIV, linkage to care, and encouraged PrEP uptake (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) while addressing stigma in rural Iowa. Before this position, Mary managed grants for the Southeast Iowa Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition and worked as a Health Educator at Planned Parenthood of the Heartland for eight years. She has 16 years of experience in infection prevention education and is pursuing a Master of Public Health, expected to be completed in August 2025.

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