In this episode, Joy engages in a compelling conversation with Vanessa Villaverde, Senior Program Investor at the California Healthcare Foundation. They explore the critical need for mental health services for children, particularly during the pandemic, and discuss innovative approaches to bridging gaps in healthcare access for underserved communities. Vanessa highlights the importance of storytelling in healthcare innovation, emphasizing how personal narratives can drive impactful change. The episode also delves into the Making Waves in Health Tech podcast initiative, which aims to simplify complex healthcare topics and promote culturally competent care. Episode Highlights [00:02:30] Overview of California's Healthcare Landscape [00:11:00] Mental Health Services for Children During the Pandemic [00:15:00] Addressing Gaps in Healthcare Access for Underserved Communities [00:18:30] The Role of Technology in Patient Care [00:21:45] The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare [00:22:28] Making Waves in Health Tech Podcast Initiative [00:25:21] Culturally Competent Mental Health Care Access [00:30:00] Future Directions in Healthcare Innovation Stay Connected with Vanessa Villaverde: LinkedIn California Health Care Foundation | LinkedIn