CONVERSATIONS WITH TRUSTED MESSENGERS: ADVANCING ADVOCACY FOR CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

In the latest installment of the National Health Council’s (NHC’s) “Conversations with Trusted Messengers,” an impressive group of grassroots leaders and community advocates share insights about the importance of chronic disease patients’ access to care, prevention, and management. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity impact hundreds of millions of people across the United States, but there are steps that can be taken to manage risk and help communities achieve better health outcomes.

The NHC encourages patients to talk to their trusted health care provider about their personal risk factors and make a plan to prioritize their health and wellness.

Watch the Videos

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NHC TM: Wandy Hernández
NHC TM: Dr. Armando Peña
NHC TM: Patty Nece
NHC TM: Caleb Snead
NHC TM: Dr. Tara M. Chico-Jarillo
NHC TM: Anita Sathe

Learn more about our Trusted Messengers:

  • Dr. Tara M. Chico-Jarillo, Interim Executive Director, Health Services Division – Pascua Yaqui Tribe
    • Tara Chico-Jarillo is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Interim Executive Director at the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Health Services Division. She has dedicated her career to improving public health for Indigenous communities and focuses on making health care more accessible, addressing obstacles to better health outcomes, and ensuring fair treatment for tribal populations. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing culturally informed health programs that help prevent and treat chronic illnesses in Native American communities.
  • Wandy Hernández, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director, Illinois Community Health Worker Association
    • Wandy Hernández is a Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of the Illinois Community Health Worker Association and on the Founding Board of the National Association of Community Health Workers. Wandy is a nationally recognized leader in community health with over 30 years of experience. Known for her bilingual, bicultural approach, she has dedicated her career to supporting and advocating for community health workers across diverse settings. A skilled trainer, Certified Lactation Counselor, Doulas of North America-Certified Doula Trainer, and Certified Childbirth Educator, she has been pivotal in bridging the gaps between community health workers, policymakers, and health care researchers through her work with HealthConnect One since 1999.
  • Patty Nece, Immediate Past Chair,  Obesity Action Coalition
    • Patty Nece is the Immediate Past Chair and current Committee Member of the Obesity Action Coalition. Patty serves on the Executive Committee and the Access to Care and Weight Bias Committees, where she works tirelessly to address and eliminate discrimination in all forms. The Obesity Action Coalition, a non-profit organization, represents thousands of individuals impacted by obesity, and Patty’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing its mission. Patty’s commitment to health equity also shines as a member of the National Academy of Sciences’ Roundtable on Obesity Solutions, the World Obesity Federation’s Policy and Prevention Committee, and as a Commissioner on The Lancet Commission on Obesity.
  • Dr. Armando Peña, Assistant Professor, Department of Health & Wellness Design – Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington
    • Armando Peña is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health & Wellness Design at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Armando is dedicated to addressing type 2 diabetes disparities among Latino populations, particularly diabetes risk factors among Latino mothers and infants. Recognizing the greater impact of chronic conditions on marginalized communities, Dr. Peña works to develop effective strategies to educate vulnerable populations, promote prevention, and improve health outcomes for everyone. 
  • Anita Sathe, Chair, Case Management – South Asian Heart Center
    • Anita Sathe is the Chair of Case Management and a Diabetes Prevention Program Coach at the South Asian Heart Center. As the Center’s first coach over 13 years ago, Anita has been instrumental in shaping the programs and currently oversees all aspects of case management. Through her leadership, the South Asian Heart Center has empowered countless individuals to reduce their risk of heart disease and diabetes. Anita’s unwavering dedication to prevention and personalized care exemplifies the Center’s mission to improve health outcomes within the South Asian community and beyond.
  • Caleb Snead, Graduate Research Assistant, University of Georgia CARE Center and Fishers of Men Initiative
    • Caleb Snead is a public health practitioner dedicated to improving health outcomes in rural communities across Georgia. Caleb works closely with rural church communities, particularly through the Fishers of Men Initiative, where he partners with Black churches to address local health challenges and foster sustainable change. Caleb focuses his efforts on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and resources for caregivers. As a “Double Dawg” student at the University of Georgia, Caleb is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion along with a master’s in Public Health. Recognized with the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award, Caleb’s efforts reflect his deep commitment to equity, justice, and strengthening underserved communities.

Developed with support from Novo Nordisk