Watch: “American Compassion LIVE” from Findhelp and The LBJ School of Public Affairs
As part of our mission to build a better social safety net, Findhelp fosters conversations about the state of modern social care and ways to improve it. To that end, we are thrilled about last week’s kick-off to Season 3 of American Compassion: The Safety Net Podcast, in partnership with The LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas-Austin.
Available now, the first episode, “The Broken U.S. Safety Net”, is a discussion among a diverse group of experts who share their perspectives and experiences about what’s not working when it comes to social care.
“American Compassion” Season 3, Episode 1: The Broken U.S. Safety Net
We kicked off Season 3 with a big picture look at the modern safety net. Erine Gray, Findhelp’s Founder and CEO, joined Professor Maninder “Mini” Kahlon of Dell Medical School, Turning Point Center Founder Isha Deselle, and Dr. Pritesh Gandhi, Chief Community Health Officer for Walmart. The discussion, moderated by Rebecca McInroy, centered on the systems that make up our safety net and the elements needed to improve it.
The challenge: reliance on individuals
The panelists reflected on the number of people in our communities who move through the health care and safety net systems. Often, they are reliant on assistance from individuals who know their communities. “I am never looking for people. They are always looking for me,” said Isha Deselle, about the experiences of people seeking help at the Turning Point Center.
Isha went on to share the wide variety of needs that people have. Dr. Pritesh described his former experience as the Chief Medical Officer of The Department of Homeland Security. He recounted how important it was to know individuals at community organizations who could address the immediate needs of immigrant families.
The solution: human connection
The panelists also spoke about the importance of service connection and human connection. “We have to be connected,” said Professor Mini. “There are massive systems relying on individual people.” She lamented that the solution, human connection, is not easily funded.
When reimagining the safety net, the panelists agreed that material progress could be made with additional investments in social services. While healthcare settings are a natural place for social care needs to surface, there was consensus that more investment needs to be directed to the people in the community who are the real connection points and the ones providing help.
Dr. Pritesh talked about the healthcare spend in the United States and how it surpasses that of other developed countries. “It’s about the opportunity cost,” he said, as he referenced the importance of investing in primary care and community-based services.
Looking to the future with optimism
Despite the continued challenges in effectively connecting people to help, the panelists were optimistic about what the future holds. They acknowledged the ongoing modernization of our system and a slow shift in how social care services are funded. They referenced the Food as Medicine movement, payment for housing supports, and other federal and state demonstrations that invest in health-related social needs. (Watch our 10-minute documentary short about Food as Medicine, from Findhelp Films).
When asked what gives them energy to reimagine the system, the panelists agreed that there are good people, ready to do the hard work. Erine referenced a need for disruption and encouraged listeners to jump in. “Part of the goal is to inspire people to change the system,” he said. “We have an abundance of human talent,” said Professor Mini. “I am excited about connecting that human talent to people who need it.”
Missed the live recording? Watch episode 1 now or listen to it on your preferred podcast platform.
Join us for upcoming episodes of “American Compassion”
You are invited to join us for the live recording of Season 3, Episode 2. Attend the filming on November 13 as part of a live audience at The LBJ School on the University of Texas-Austin campus.
