Firefly Stories
Firefly Stories: The Future of Food Waste

Firefly Stories: Solving the Mental Health Crisis in the U.S. with Rodney Bell

Episode recorded in Fall 2023

NEW YORK (MARCH 22, 2024) — Rodney Bell, co-founder of Sanitas Health, shed light on the innovative approach his platform is taking to address the critical issue of mental health care access in a recent conversation with host W. Michael Short, Managing Director of Firefly Innovations, the premier public health entrepreneurship platform of CUNY SPH. Sanitas Health, founded 18 months ago, aims to serve underserved and underrepresented populations, recognizing the significant challenges many face in accessing adequate mental health services.

Bell's inspiration for Sanitas Health came from personal experiences and observations of the struggles faced by his co-founder's twin daughters, who despite their resources, found it challenging to navigate the mental healthcare system. This realization led to the development of a platform that prioritizes access and equity, offering solutions tailored to the needs of diverse communities.

Central to Sanitas Health's approach is the concept of "therapy last versus therapy first." By leveraging technology, including artificial intelligence and natural language processing, Sanitas Health aims to provide greater access to mental health assistance through virtual peer-to-peer support groups, text-based coaching, and one-on-one teletherapy sessions.

Moreover, Bell emphasizes the importance of partnerships with nonprofit organizations, universities, and healthcare systems to drive systemic change and accelerate the rollout of Sanitas Health's platform. By collaborating with institutions like Johns Hopkins University and University of California, Sanitas Health aims to foster a paradigm shift in mental healthcare delivery.

What sets Sanitas Health apart is its commitment to privacy and security, ensuring HIPAA and high trust compliance while utilizing cutting-edge technologies like Amazon Health Lake for secure data storage.

The mantra of Sanitas Health is health equity. In a country abundant with resources, it is imperative to create better access to mental healthcare for all, especially those who are underrepresented and disadvantaged.

Additional Reading:

Firefly Stories: Defusing the 'Cancer Time Bomb' in the U.S. with Jonathan Govette

Episode recorded in Fall 2023

NEW YORK (MARCH 22, 2024) — In a recent episode of Firefly Stories, host W. Michael Short, Managing Director of Firefly Innovations, sat down with Jonathan Govette, the CEO of Oatmeal Health, to discuss the groundbreaking work being done in cancer screening using artificial intelligence (AI). Oatmeal Health, the winner of the CUNY Public Health Innovation Accelerator Showcase for 2023, is at the forefront of utilizing AI to revolutionize cancer screening, particularly for lung cancer.

Jonathan's journey into healthcare entrepreneurship began with a string of startups, each teaching valuable lessons and paving the way for Oatmeal Health's inception. Founded in May 2022, Oatmeal Health aims to tackle the challenges of cancer screening, focusing on early detection, particularly for underserved populations.

One of the key innovations introduced by Oatmeal Health is the integration of AI into the screening process. By leveraging machine learning and computer vision, Oatmeal Health can identify high-risk individuals from patient data, streamline the screening process, and provide personalized outreach and support, all while ensuring data security and privacy.

The conversation highlighted Oatmeal Health's unique approach to partnerships, working closely with federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), primary care associations, and other healthcare organizations to scale its impact across different communities. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all model, Oatmeal Health tailors its approach to the specific needs and challenges of each population it serves.

Jonathan emphasized the importance of real-time data analysis and feedback loops in evaluating the effectiveness of screening initiatives. By combining clinical expertise with AI technology, Oatmeal Health can quickly adapt and optimize its programs to maximize their impact and reach.

Ultimately, Oatmeal Health's mission goes beyond simply detecting cancer; it's about addressing healthcare disparities, improving access to screening, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. Jonathan's passion for innovation and his dedication to making a difference in healthcare underscore the transformative potential of AI in cancer screening.

Additional Reading:

Firefly Stories: Improving Kids' Health with Sunny Williams

Episode recorded in Fall 2023

NEW YORK (MARCH 22, 2024) — In a recent episode of Firefly Stories, host W. Michael Short, Managing Director of Firefly Innovations, introduces Sunny Williams, the visionary behind Tiny Docs, a groundbreaking venture revolutionizing pediatric health education. Williams shares his journey from childhood hospital experiences to founding Tiny Docs, driven by a desire to provide children with accessible, engaging health resources.

Williams discusses the formidable team behind Tiny Docs, including marketing, animation, and software development experts, alongside a distinguished pediatric advisory board. With over 3 million downloads, Tiny Docs demonstrates significant growth and impact, measuring anxiety reduction post-viewing and receiving heartfelt testimonials from parents and pediatric providers.

Addressing challenges, Williams emphasizes the importance of accessibility, adopting a "Toms-like" model to provide resources to underserved communities. However, meeting demand remains a hurdle, underscoring the team's commitment to creating relevant, scientifically accurate content.

Looking ahead, Williams outlines plans for expansion and impact measurement enhancements, with support from partners like Firefly Innovations and CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy. He invites pediatric providers to explore Tiny Docs as a valuable resource, emphasizing the mission to improve children's health globally.

The conversation concludes with gratitude for partnership opportunities and excitement for future collaborations in the realm of public health. Tiny Docs' commitment to innovation and accessibility marks it as a transformative force in pediatric health education, poised to make a profound impact on children's well-being worldwide.

Firefly Stories: Public Health Impact, Startups and Funding with Gregor Hoffman

Episode recorded in February 2024

NEW YORK (MARCH 22, 2024) — Host W. Michael Short, Managing Director of Firefly Innovations, the premier public health entrepreneurship platform of the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, introduces Gregor Hoffman, a remarkable entrepreneur and angel investor with a profound commitment to addressing public health challenges in a recent episode of Firefly Stories. This episode delves into Hoffman's journey and insights into the world of public health startups and investment.

Hoffman's journey into entrepreneurship stems from personal and professional experiences, including advocating for mental health awareness and navigating the healthcare landscape. With a background in global health and experience in health technology, he brings a unique perspective to the table.

Throughout the discussion, Hoffman shares his involvement in various successful startups focused on behavioral health solutions, telepsychiatry, substance use disorder treatment, and medication management. His emphasis on peer-led solutions and whole person care underscores his commitment to health equity and community-driven approaches.

When it comes to fundraising and investment, Hoffman provides valuable insights for startups, emphasizing the importance of understanding the problem, building a strong team, and identifying the right investors aligned with the mission. He advocates for increased investment in underrepresented founders and community-driven startups, recognizing the potential for impactful solutions to emerge from diverse perspectives.

Looking ahead, Hoffman envisions a future where more capital flows into early-stage public health startups, addressing both capital and operational challenges to unlock innovation in the field.

Gregor Hoffman's journey and insights highlight the transformative power of entrepreneurship and investment in tackling pressing public health challenges, paving the way for a healthier and more equitable future.

Firefly Stories: Solving Mobility and Accessibility Challenges for the Disabled

Starting a business or a startup is challenging enough without adding the additional hurdles of navigating life in a wheelchair. However, for one entrepreneur, Yuriko Oda, it is exactly this experience that has led her to create an app that has the potential to change the lives of millions of wheelchair users around the world. The app, known as WheeLog!, promotes a society where wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges can fully enjoy their lives.

As a wheelchair user, Yuriko encountered many barriers that prevented her from enjoying a full and active life. Even something as seemingly small as a 4.5cm height difference could make it challenging to go outside, and she realized that access to information was key to overcoming some of these challenges. This led her to develop an app that allows wheelchair users to share information about barrier-free facilities and events with each other, giving them the confidence to go out and participate in society.

WheeLog!’s interactive map and user community enables individuals, governments, and other entities to access and share the accessibility of public and commercial facilities and the routes people can take. WheeLog! also aims to raise awareness about and advocate for a more inclusive society by partnering with local governments, corporations, and other institutions.

The challenges facing wheelchair users in different countries can vary widely, as infrastructure, mindset, and approaches to public health policy can all impact accessibility. While some countries may have larger bays in toilet facilities, for example, they may lack handrails on both sides, indicating that accessibility is not always designed with disabled people in mind. By creating an app that tackles some of these challenges head-on, the founder of this startup is helping to change the conversation about accessibility and disability rights globally.

However, changing the policy landscape in Japan, the U.S., and beyond is no small task, and Yuriko acknowledges that this will require engagement from all stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, government agencies, and ordinary citizens. A lack of resources and a perception that disabled persons' needs are a low priority compared to other issues can make it challenging to drive change in the public sector, making entrepreneurship even more important in the quest for accessibility.

Ultimately, however, it is the goal of creating a more open society that should drive this conversation. This means not just making sure that disabled people are better represented and that their needs are taken seriously but also ensuring that everyone feels included in discussions about access and public health. By forging a better relationship between disability rights advocates and policymakers, everyone can benefit from a society that is more welcoming, more compassionate, and more accessible to all.

Firefly Stories: The Future of Food Waste

Featuring David Coté, Co-Founder, Loop Mission and Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, Director, Common Ground Compost

In Episode 4 of Firefly Stories, we explore the issue of food waste and how the private market is doing its part to clean up the mess decades of destructive systems and habits have caused.

Many small businesses and startups that emphasize sustainability are embracing a circular economy model. This business model aims to design out all waste, prioritizing total systems health by ensuring natural capital is cycled as efficiently as possible in order to reduce dependency on the planet’s increasingly limited resources. The philosophy, which is gaining popularity with companies hoping to make a positive impact while decreasing losses, can be scaled at any level, globally or locally. No matter how much an organization or individual consumes, there are often avenues to re-employ those materials either for yourself or your business. However, when done on a massive scale the results could be revolutionary.

David Coté, co-founder of LOOP Mission, is at the forefront of this economic movement. LOOP Mission specifically addresses food waste challenges that food distributors face, which have extreme consequences. When surplus grocery store foods are discarded, the remains generate greenhouse gases like methane, which is 86 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. To combat destructive linear processes, LOOP has stepped in to turn that discarded food into products like juices, soaps and beer. We discuss his business’ fast success and how, after more than 5,000 tons of fruits and vegetables rescued and 4,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided, he sees LOOP leading the way in eliminating food waste. 

Later, we talk to Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli, a major mover in New York City composting who is helping businesses become more waste conscious. She is the Director of Common Ground Compost, a board member in the U.S. Composting Council, the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board, and is a founder of several waste fighting initiatives throughout the 2010s. We discuss the city’s zero waste goals, how the COVID epidemic has affected those initiatives and the various levels at which composting can positively affect public health. 

To stay updated on future episodes of Firefly Stories, as well as announcements of programs and initiatives, follow us at @FireflyCUNY on YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Episode 4 Credits:

Producer and Interviewer, Alessandro Ciari

Producer and Writer, Al Holm

Interviewer, Jared Hendry

Video Editor, Zack Chapman

Social Media Manager, Andrea Garner

Firefly Stories: Innovating for Maternal Health Disparities

Lauren Elliot, Founder of Candlelit Therapy shares about the her innovation to address maternal health disparities among women of color.

For Black mothers, like me, COVID-19 has exacerbated health disparities, severely strained the U.S. healthcare system and intensified our fears of exposure to the virus and overall experiences as new and expectant parents. Earlier this summer on July 2, Sha-Asia Washington, a 26-year-old expectant mother, was admitted to the Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY for a routine stress test, though doctors discovered what they called abnormally high blood pressure and recommended she receive an epidural, or medication to induce labor. Sha-Asia ended up being rushed into an emergency C-section as complications worsened, and after 45 minutes of CPR, Sha-Asia went into cardiac arrest and died. Black women are three to four times more likely to die in childbirth than white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and Sha-Asia’s deaths, these horrific moments only make it clearer that Black families in particular experience a painfully intense amount of stress, depression and anxiety largely in silence.

Four years ago, my husband and I found out I was pregnant with our son soon after getting married and weren’t prepared emotionally or mentally for parenthood, but pushed through whichever emotions felt like fear and quickly learned from our mistakes. This perseverance is particularly common for Black families and families of color due to stigma surrounding mental health. As a new mom, I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and experienced postpartum depression after an emergency birth of my son, but didn’t see a pathway toward mental healthcare that mirrored my life. My experience wasn’t and still isn't unique. Black women face greater pregnancy and birth complications, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, depression, preeclampsia, and worse, maternal death. COVID-19 has caused disruption to an otherwise standard frequency of prenatal care visits, which can lower the opportunity for early detection and intervention of high-risk factors, such as mental health challenges. 

Black non-Hispanic women face a Severe Maternal Morbidity rate three times that of White non-Hispanic women. Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) refers to life-threatening complications from delivery. Source

Black non-Hispanic women face a Severe Maternal Morbidity rate three times that of White non-Hispanic women. Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) refers to life-threatening complications from delivery. Source

While pregnant, I worked at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and noticed a large gap in preventive health — the mental health needs of parents of color. Up to 60% of Black women will deal with a mental illness before their babies turn 1, which can devastate an entire family as Black women are often the primary earners of their households. Since then, I sought out ways to use technology to address poor mental health among families of color in a scalable and culturally-relevant way. That’s why I'm building my company, Candlelit Therapy, for millions of new and expectant Black mothers, birthing people and their families desperately in need of access to not only healthcare, but quality healthcare. 

Our flagship product, Candlelit, is the first AI powered end-to-end mental health clinic for Black, Indigenous and POC (person of color) women and families during and after pregnancy. We connect parents and their doctors with therapists for easier and earlier mental health support to radically reduce racial/ethnic health disparities, stigma and barriers. The idea is to destigmatize and normalize mental health symptoms and challenges earlier in pregnancy throughout a child’s first birthday while offering an entry point for women who are struggling, but aren’t ready to speak to a professional licensed therapist. 

Candlelit is also timely given monumental shifts in policy. In 2019, for the first time in years, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that an entire field of physicians refer pregnant and postpartum women at risk of depression to screening and counseling. What makes us special is that we offer a continuum of care that doesn’t exist for Black parents and parents of color - a tailored clinic with resources, support groups and providers that reflect them in one app. Candlelit in a lot of ways is an intervention that provides diverse birthing parents with emotional and mental health support, by combining predictive analytics with culturally-relevant teletherapy to streamline and centralize mental health risk assessment and referral into counseling for parents, while helping their doctors earlier predict and manage mental health conditions. Our mobile app will be free to download for new and expectant parents who deal with cultural, environmental and cost barriers to access mental healthcare. 

We’re bringing more support to millions of underserved culturally diverse women and families at-risk of mental health disorders prior to the birth of their children by simplifying her access to culturally competent mental health screening and expert-level care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and childbirth.

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Firefly Stories: Public Health Innovation & Entrepreneurship

INTRODUCING FIREFLY INNOVATIONS

By Dr. Terry T-K Huang PhD MPH MBA

The idea of a global public health entrepreneurship platform stems from a long-standing observation that so little public health R&D ever gets scaled up and sustained over time. Traditionally, public health depends on government and foundation grants and contracts to undertake research and to implement programs in the community. However, this often means that a project ends when a grant or contract ends. This model of R&D remains important but is not enough. We need more agile and diverse funding mechanisms to accelerate innovation in public health and allow innovation to reach more people. Integrating entrepreneurship with public health can provide the agility needed to create and diffuse novel public health solutions. The status quo is unlikely to help us meet the vast population health needs set forth in the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

I bring up the UN SDGs not only because they present the breadth and depth of the challenges facing the world’s wellbeing today, but because they also illustrate how inter-connected our social, political, economic and environmental systems are in influencing and producing population wellbeing. This inter-connectivity is at the heart of public health. That is to say that the best public health solutions are ones that seek to align or intervene on these systems to achieve multiple SDGs simultaneously. We cannot achieve the SDGs one by one. This is an important reason why we need an entrepreneurship platform focused on public health specifically, not just on health or on social impact in general. Public health brings a unique lens to the complex, multi-faceted challenges before us. Therefore, inasmuch as the field of public health can benefit from entrepreneurial approaches, the traditional world of entrepreneurship can also benefit from the input and collaboration from public health experts. We are trying to create a two-way street in the form of a new social ecosystem.

The launch of our public health entrepreneurship platform, Firefly Innovations, comes at a timely moment as young people (and hence companies) increasingly believe in investing in businesses that produce social goods. With the inter-generational transfer of wealth underway, there should be increasingly more opportunities for public health ventures. However, we need to cultivate these ventures so they can become investible. In addition, more and more public health students are demanding actionable solutions to the challenges they study in the classroom. Public health students want to know not only the theoretical frameworks used to dissect and understand the problems but tools and skills that they can apply in the real world to create change. Entrepreneurship brings a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Entrepreneurship also has the potential to train students to work across sectors, so that they can become change agents in any setting and become a collective societal force in shaping our new economic future – hopefully one that is healthful and sustainable. Our goal is to imbue students with skills that they can apply to not only jobs of today but jobs of the future.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, public health is in the spotlight today more than ever. Ironically, the crisis has laid bare what disinvestment in public health looks like, but this is also an opportunity for us to innovate and prepare better for the future. This is why we are excited to launch our first summer accelerator program focused on the pandemic. We hope to learn about ideas that will help solve challenges not only about COVID itself but also serious challenges in the public health system and other health issues – including behavioral, social and mental health problems – that might result from policy interventions to address the crisis and the economic impact that follows.

Firefly Innovations is convening like-minded individuals, programs and organizations to create a new network focused on public health entrepreneurship. We are not looking to duplicate existing work; rather, we seek to build on the expertise and infrastructure of others to forge a common agenda around accelerating and scaling up public health innovations. We look forward to welcoming the wisdom and collaboration of everyone out there who believes we can and should do more for public health. Let’s join forces to create a world where every business can articulate how it’s making a positive impact on public health and where the returns on community health and wellbeing are as coveted as those of the financial kind for every investment.

Real Stories, Real Impact