CLV Podcast

Las Vegas Health Challenges: A Tale of Two Cities in One Community

Can better data, breastfeeding support, and health education reshape Nevada’s health future? These three women say yes—and they’re leading the way.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of A Healthier Tomorrow, hosts Will Rucker and Ciara Owens sit down with three changemakers shaping Nevada’s public health landscape: Cristina Hernandez from UNLV’s School of Public Health, Rikki Jenkins from the Nevada Lactation Hub, and Lily Davalos from the Southern Nevada Health District. Together, they explore how research, advocacy, and education are coming together to create healthier, more equitable communities.

The conversation highlights the vital role of health educators during National Health Education Week, revealing how data-driven collaboration can help close gaps in food security, nutrition, and maternal-child health. Cristina discusses the EARN-FS project and its impact on connecting researchers with community needs, while Rikki sheds light on the barriers families face around breastfeeding and the importance of building a culturally competent lactation workforce. Lily brings the discussion full circle by emphasizing how health education empowers individuals to make informed decisions about diabetes, nutrition, and overall wellness.

This episode is a celebration of knowledge in action—showing that when community voices, science, and compassion align, we move one step closer to a healthier tomorrow.

About the Guests:

Cristina  Hernandez is a project manager at the UNLV School of Public Health. She uses she/her/ella pronouns and has over five years of experience working on NIH-funded research projects focused on community health, food insecurity, nutrition, and maternal and child health services. Cristina  plays a key role in supporting Nevada's community partners by providing data essential for obtaining funding and implementing health programs.

Rikki Jenkins is an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and Program Coordinator for the Nevada Lactation Hub. With a focus on increasing the lactation workforce and boosting Nevada’s breastfeeding rates, Rikki is at the forefront of efforts to combat the state’s low breastfeeding statistics. Her work is pivotal in fostering community support and addressing both cultural and socioeconomic barriers to breastfeeding.

Lily Davalos is a health educator at the Southern Nevada Health District’s Office of Chronic Disease Prevention. She is also a PhD student at the UNLV School of Public Health. Lily is committed to improving health literacy and advocacy related to nutrition, diabetes awareness, and physical activity, contributing significantly to local community health initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • Community Collaboration: Successful health initiatives are driven by strong community partnerships, collaboration, and the use of research data to inform health services and programs.
  • Breastfeeding Advocacy: Increasing the lactation workforce in Nevada is crucial for improving breastfeeding rates, with a specific focus needed on overcoming cultural and socioeconomic barriers.
  • Health Education Empowerment: Empowering individuals with knowledge about health significantly improves their ability to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
  • Socioeconomic Barriers: Limited parental leave, workplace support, and access to resources are significant barriers affecting breastfeeding rates and overall family health.
  • Public Health Initiatives: Comprehensive public health efforts, including diabetes management and nutritional awareness programs, are essential for addressing chronic health issues at the community level.

Notable Quotes:

  1. "Breastfeeding is jam-packed with literally everything your baby needs from birth." - Rikki Jenkins
  2. "The EarnFS project... stemmed from building community organizations to come together to talk about what is it that we needed in regards to research and services around food insecurity and nutrition." - Cristina  Hernandez
  3. "Knowledge is power. Empower individuals with that health knowledge so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their family." - Lily Davalos
  4. "In an ideal world... where we are wanting to breastfeed, then we should have that support and care to support that and what that looks like." - Rikki Jenkins
  5. "We know that data is everything when we look at funding." - Cristina  Hernandez

Resources:

To hear more about the enriching discussions and valuable insights offered by our guests, tune in to the full episode. Stay connected for more inspiring content from "A Healthier Tomorrow," where we continue to explore the depths of public health and wellness.