Welcome to another episode of Impact Unfiltered, where we dive deep into honest conversations with leaders creating real change in healthcare and beyond. In this session, host Philippe sits down with Joseph Small, Senior Manager for Community Engagement at Care Access, a Boston-based global health research company. Joseph Small shares his personal journey from decades in educational publishing to driving grassroots health awareness in underserved and marginalized communities, including communities of color and Indigenous groups across North America.

Together, they discuss the critical importance of access—how Care Access is bridging gaps in healthcare by bringing clinical trials and free health screenings directly to communities in need. With moving stories of impact, including how a personal loss fuels Joseph Small’s passion, this episode shines a light on why early detection and community-driven outreach can be life changing. Plus, Joseph Small offers insightful advice on legacy, leadership, and the importance of being your own health advocate.

Tune in for a conversation about innovation, equity, and the powerful drive to ensure healthcare truly reaches everyone.

1. Introduction to Impact Unfiltered and Episode Overview

  • The podcast's mission: real conversations with leaders driving change in healthcare, business, and community
  • Setting the theme: travel, healthcare entities, and their impacts
  • Introduction of guest: Joseph Small from Care Access

2. Background and Role of Guest (Joseph Small)

  • Role as Senior Manager for Community Engagement at Care Access
  • Overview of Care Access: Boston-based global health research company
  • Focus on outreach and education to under-resourced and marginalized communities (communities of color, Indigenous communities, First Nations)

3. Personal and Professional Journey into Health Space

  • Prior career: Over 40 years in education publishing (classroom to publishing, teacher development, and assessment)
  • Transition to health advocacy post-retirement
  • Volunteer work in community television leading to health and wellness advocacy
  • How these experiences attracted attention from Care Access
  • Clarification of non-clinical background and required health education/compliance training
  • Emphasis on health education, advocacy, and navigation support

4. Meaning of "Impact" and Its Relation to Care Access

  • Joseph Small 's personal story: Loss of brother to cancer due to lack of access to clinical trials
  • Defining impact in the context of health miracles—access to clinical trials
  • Geographic and financial barriers in clinical trial participation
  • Care Access bridging the gap: mobile labs, willing clinical staff, and partnerships with providers and researchers
  • Bringing research and health services to communities in need

5. Innovative Programs at Care Access

  • "Future of Medicine" program: offering free health screenings to adults 18–75
    • Screenings for heart, kidney, liver, lung, and brain health (for those 55+)
    • No cost, no insurance required, reducing barriers to care
    • Results provided directly to participants; guidance to consult with primary care physicians if needed
    • Pathway from screening to potential clinical trial participation based on health indicators

6. Real-world Examples of Impact

  • Immediate benefits: individuals discovering unknown health risks (e.g., high cholesterol, A1C levels)
  • Follow-up actions taken by participants based on screening results
  • Gratitude from community members for access to screenings not otherwise available

7. Leadership and Legacy Advice for Emerging Leaders

  • Reflections on personal health stewardship; lessons from youth
  • Advice for younger self and future leaders:
    • Be mindful of what you put in your body
    • Become a strong self-advocate in healthcare settings
    • Ask questions of health providers
    • Don’t over-rely on AI/chatbots – seek expert medical opinions

8. How to Connect with Joseph Small and Care Access

  • Instructions to contact via careaccess.com
    • Clicking on “community” to find local screenings or engage the community engagement team
    • Invitations to partner with organizations for health fairs and screenings

9. Closing Remarks and Gratitude

  • Host recognition of Joseph Small 's work in advancing tribal health research and advocacy
  • Appreciation for sharing insights and encouragement for future discussions

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