Community Health Centers. Unfiltered.

S1 E10: Overcoming Bureaucratic Barriers for Community Health Center Patients

On this episode of Community Health Centers Unfiltered, CEO Amanda Pears Kelly talks with Jen Taylor, Senior Director of Government Relations at Families USA, a national champion for health care consumers.
They dive into how federal policies can either open doors—or create roadblocks—for patients at community health centers. From defining what “access to care” really means, to tackling bureaucratic hurdles, and sharing strategies to elevate patient voices in policymaking, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone invested in accessible, patient-centered care.
Tune in to hear practical advice, emerging trends, and a hopeful vision for a more accessible health care system.

S1 E9: Conservative Perspectives on the Future of Community Health Centers

In this episode, we zoom out to examine the future of community health centers within America’s rapidly evolving health care landscape. As debates over Medicaid, coverage reform, and market-based solutions intensify, what role will CHCs play—and how can they continue to thrive while staying true to their mission of serving communities in need? Amanda Pears Kelly is joined by Ed Haislmaier of The Heritage Foundation for a thought-provoking conversation about how conservative health policy ideas could reshape the safety net and where opportunities for common ground might emerge.

S1 E8: Teaching Health Centers Under Pressure: El Rio Health’s Story

In this episode, leaders from El Rio Health, Arizona’s largest community health center, discuss the future of physician training through Teaching Health Center programs with host Amanda Pears Kelly. These community-based residency programs train doctors to serve diverse, underserved populations—but federal funding uncertainty now puts them at risk. Our guests share how these programs impact patients, strengthen communities, and why advocacy is critical to ensure the next generation of physicians is trained where they’re needed most.

S1 E7: The Future of Health Care, MAHA, and the Role of CHCs

In this episode, Gabrielle Kalisz Minarik from the Paragon Health Institute joins Amanda Pears Kelly to discuss the future of healthcare, the MAHA framework, and the critical role Community Health Centers play in shaping it. We explore how MAHA could reshape care delivery and financing, why primary and preventive care are essential for underserved communities, and ways CHCs can partner with policymakers to shape the system. This episode is full of insights for anyone interested in where our healthcare system is headed.

S1 E6: The Local Price of Medicaid Cuts: Counties on the Frontlines

When Washington talks about cutting Medicaid, the impact doesn’t just stay in D.C.—it shows up on the frontlines in counties and communities across America. In this episode, Amanda Pears Kelly sits down with Blaire Bryant from the National Association of Counties (NACo) to look at what Medicaid funding really means locally. From the strain on county budgets and safety nets to the challenges facing community health centers and hospitals, Blaire explains how these decisions affect local leaders’ ability to deliver essential services while keeping costs under control for taxpayers.

S1 E5: From Food Deserts to Food Security: Changing the Narrative

Food is medicine. But what if you can't get it? In this episode, we explore how access to nutritious food shapes health in underserved communities, and what happens when that access is out of reach. Dr. Laura Samuel from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing joins us for a conversation on why food isn’t just fuel—it’s healthcare.

S1 E4: When Health and Homelessness Collide: Finding Real Solutions

When you can’t afford both rent and medicine, which do you choose? On Community Health Centers. Unfiltered., Dr. Barbara DiPietro, Senior Director of Policy from the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, joins us to talk about the consequences when homelessness, soaring housing costs, and healthcare challenges converge—and what’s at risk as safety net programs face deep cuts.

S1 E3: Connecting the Dots Between Rural Health and Community Health Centers

How are health centers meeting the unique needs of rural communities? What challenges do they face—from workforce shortages to limited infrastructure—and what policy solutions are on the table? Host Amanda Pears Kelly talks to Health Care Strategist and Founder of the Rural Impact Michelle Rathman to connect the dots between place, access, and impact.

S1 E2: Why 340B Matters More Than Ever for America’s Health Care Safety Net

Host Amanda Pears Kelly talks with Elizabeth Lee, Managing Director of Continuum Health Group, about how the 340B program helps community health centers deliver affordable care—and why it’s at risk. A must-listen for anyone invested in health care access for all and America’s health care safety net.

AUDIO Episode 1: One Big Beautiful Bill: What it Means for Community Health Centers

What happens to community health centers when Medicaid funding is cut? In our very first episode of Community Health Centers. Unfiltered., Advocates for Community Health CEO Amanda Pears Kelly dives deep with policy experts, Stephanie Krenrich (ACH) and Margaret French (Venn Strategies), to unpack the real impact of Medicaid cuts—and what’s at stake for patients and communities across the country.