Appalachian Care Chronicles

Jordan Dennison, Peer Recovery Support Specialist

For Jordan Dennison, helping others in recovery is more than just a job—it’s personal. As a peer recovery specialist and part of Charleston’s Quick Response Team (QRT), Jordan draws on his own experience with addiction and homelessness to offer crucial, hands-on support. Whether responding to overdose calls or guiding individuals toward treatment, Jordan’s work with the QRT allows him to meet people where they are and give them the hope and resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Sally Adams, MRI Technologist

Sally Adams is claustrophobic. Yet, every day, she helps patients navigate the small, enclosed space of an MRI machine. As an MRI technologist, her own fears have made her especially empathetic to those she works with. She reassures anxious patients, guiding them through scans with a calm, steady presence. Over the years, Sally has seen the evolution of MRI technology, but what hasn’t changed is her dedication to making sure each patient feels comfortable, safe, and cared for during their exam.

Dr. Tom Takubo, Pulmonologist & WV State Senator

Dr. Tom Takubo is not only a pulmonary critical care physician but also a state senator, fighting to improve healthcare across West Virginia. Inspired by his father’s struggle with black lung disease, Dr. Takubo’s commitment to his patients extends far beyond the hospital. Whether he’s caring for critically ill patients or advocating for better healthcare policies, his work is driven by a deep connection to the people of his state. Join us as we explore his personal and professional journey to make a lasting impact on healthcare in Appalachia. 

Julie Young, Social Worker & Director of Social Services for HospiceCare

Julie Osborne Young works at the intersection of life and death. As Director of Social Services at HospiceCare in Charleston, W.Va., she offers more than just practical support. Julie helps patients navigate deep emotional and spiritual challenges during their final stages of life. Her daily work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. By honoring each patient as a whole person, Julie provides compassionate care that goes far beyond their diagnosis, helping them find dignity in their most vulnerable moments.
 

Season Three Trailer

Appalachian Care Chronicles is back for Season Three! This season, we explore careers in hospice care and behavioral health, pulmonary medicine and medical expertise in the state legislature, innovations in medical technology, and peer recovery support.
Join host, Aryana Misaghi, to learn about the lives of those who fight for better health every day—through long shifts, tough challenges, and victories big and small. Ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes in healthcare? Find out this season.
Find Appalachian Care Chronicles at appcarepod.com and on social media for episodes, behind the scenes photos, and portraits of our storytellers. 

Greta Nelson, Registered Dental Hygienist

Take a ride into the world of rural dental care aboard a mobile dental unit with Greta Nelson, a clinical dental hygienist.
In this episode, Greta shares firsthand experiences from her decade-long journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of providing comprehensive dental services to underserved areas like rural West Virginia. Discover how oral health is a window into overall health and the ways in which dental care providers are fixing so much more than smiles.

Mary Gainer & Peter Wentzel, Family Medicine Doctors

Family doctors in rural places fill a special role—and it's exactly what it sounds like—they take care of whole families and overtime, end up becoming like family.
Get a view into the world of rural healthcare with Drs. Mary Gainer and Peter Wentzel, a married couple of family physicians serving patients in northern West Virginia. Operating within federally qualified health centers, Mary and Peter discuss the joys and challenges of rural medicine and share what it’s really like to provide personalized care to underserved communities, from toenail trimming and mole removal, to addressing complex medical issues. 

Zachary Grimes, Pathologist

Raised in rural West Virginia, Zach discovered his passion for science and medicine early on. From dissecting animals to conducting autopsies, his upbringing shaped his path towards becoming a pathologist.
Now, with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to public health, he works tirelessly to uncover the mysteries within patient samples. Zach’s journey from New York City to Charleston reflects his commitment to serving his home state and addressing the critical shortage of pathologists. Through his work, Zach ensures that patients receive accurate diagnoses, guiding their treatment and ultimately impacting lives beyond the lens of his microscope.

Angel Cunningham, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

When it comes to West Virginia food, we often think of pepperoni rolls, Tudor’s Biscuits, and Mountain Dew. But West Virginia is also known for foraged foods like ramps and morels, and farmed foods like zucchini, tomatoes, and cabbage. Registered dietitians help patients navigate food choices that balance the flavors they love and the nutrition that keeps them healthy.
In this episode, we explore the work of Angel Cunningham who guides patients towards healthier eating habits, addressing diabetes management and grocery store navigation. With humor and empathy, Angel draws from her upbringing and personal experiences, empowering individuals to take control of their health through positive food choices. Despite challenges, she remains dedicated to her patients’ well-being, exemplifying the transformative power of food as medicine in Appalachia.

Jan Rader, Public Health Director

In this episode we hear from the one and only Jan Rader, the first woman to lead a professional fire department in West Virginia and a TIME100 Most Influential Person in 2018.
In this episode we hear from the one and only Jan Rader, the first woman to lead a professional fire department in West Virginia and a TIME100 Most Influential Person in 2018. Over the length of her career, Jan’s dedication to combating the opioid epidemic (along with compassion fatigue among first responders) has inspired folks engaged in similar fights not just in the Mountain State, but across the country and even the world. Though she recently retired as Huntington’s fire chief, Jan continues to spearhead innovative solutions to some of West Virginia’s most pressing healthcare challenges as director of the Huntington Mayor’s Council on Public Health and Drug Control Policy. In the face of both searing criticism and soaring praise, she has stayed the course, remaining laser-focused on her mission to save and improve lives.