Phenomenal Woman Magazine

M. Langford Da'na M. Langford CEO & Medical Director, Village

of Healing

Dean of the Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, Ursuline College DR. PATRICIA A. SHARPNACK

Da'na

FromtheEditor: Shelley M. Shockley

LET'S FINISH THE YEAR STRONG

As I write this column, I am offering motivation to you, but specifically to myself. Over the last three years, we, as a Collective, have experienced isolation, sickness, death, social unrest, injustice, and the reversal of rights fought for decades ago. Between these traumas, there have been glimmers of hope with new births, new unions, and the reopening of the world.

I recount all of this because I am working to end this year on a high note, and I pray the same for you. At this time of year, I would wager the most popular noun utilized is “gratitude”, particularly during the month of November, and that is part of my focus in this column. On this subject, the great Maya Angelou said, “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.”

These beautiful words resonate in these difficult times. As we tackle inflation and a run on our democracy, we have to counter feelings of uncertainty and stress by focusing on the little things that bring us joy Each day I wake, I thank God for allowing me to see another day, hear the birds, see the sun, and even for a Tik Tok video that brings a smile. During a recent visit to the grocery store, I was appalled that I spent $104 for items that didn't amount to more than two meals. Well, that may be a bit of a stretch because some of the staples, like milk, can be used in multiple dishes, but if I recall correctly, there was only one meat in that bag. Instead of harping on what I consider lacking, I was thankful I had the funds to purchase those items.

Unfortunately, many of our neighbors aren't able to share that memory. In this issue, Columnist Marsha Eastwood offers tips on how to survive during these unsettling times. She offers ways to save from spices to vegetables when making basic purchases, so our seniors don't have to decide whether to eat, buy medicine, or pay the rent. She also offers something for those of a certain age to use as a sense of gratitude because they experienced conditions like this before and made it out. That experience offers some insight into how to navigate this latest economic downturn. If you're unsure or just want extra tips, read her column and share her advice with others.

As important as gratitude when navigating during these difficult times is ensuring you stay healthy Remember to take time to destress and learn the art of that one-word sentence, “No ” If you are having problems locating health care or thinking of changing providers, you must check out our feature on the Village of Healing, a community development organization founded by Black women for Black women. We talked with Da'na M. Langford, CEO and Medical Director of the Village of Healing. For years the infant mortality rate in Cuyahoga County has been troubling and even worse for Black babies. According to the Ohio Department of Health, for every thousand babies born in the state, 6.7 will die, and the rate for Black babies is more than double at 13.6 for every thousand babies born. Just as alarming is the fact that Black Women face three times the maternal mortalityrisk as white women.

Statistics like these were key in the development of the Village. Langford and her partner Tenisha Gaines are working to give Black women a safe space to receive treatment and to be heard. Learn more by reading the feature on Langford, an East Cleveland native who has returned home to make a change in her community

Our cover story introduces you to Dr Patricia Sharpnack, dean of Ursuline's Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions. Dr Sharpnack is a champion of Nursing and has worked throughout her career to shine a positive light on the field. Last year, she and her staff successfully secured a grant for $2.2 million to help improve diversity in the nursing workforce.

Sharpnack's journey began at St. Vincent Charity Hospital with stops at Huron Road Hospital, Cleveland State University, and the Amish Birthing Center to name a few She is passionate about her work and shows others the importance of nursing and the vast opportunities the career offers. To learn more about this profession and the work Ursuline College is doing, be sure to read the cover story.

As the holidays approach, remember to take time out for yourself, and what better way to do that than by curling up with Phenomenal Woman and your favorite beverage? It is our hope that something within these pages will excite, motivate or enlighten you.

Until we meet again, be safe, find ateful for each new day!

phenomenal

WOMAN WWOMAN Wphenomenal

M A G A Z I N E

Shelley M. Shockley

Following her graduation with a bachelor's degree in sports medicine, Da'na M. Langford was not keen to pursue a career as an athletic trainer, instead she wanted to be an OB/GYN. While deciding to take some prerequisite courses, she had the opportunity to work at a women's shelter in Cleveland, and that experience left a lasting impact on her life and future career.

Her interactions with minority communities provided valuable knowledge on the deep challenges these groups faced, and Langford decided to do the courageous thing of standing up for the causes she believed in and, since then, never looked back.

The underrepresentation of black and brown people in the healthcare industry has a direct impact on the overall health of their communities, and Dr. Patricia A. Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean of Ursuline's Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions is leading the charge to diversify the nursing profession by illuminating the vast opportunities availablein this field.

When you look at the circle of life, a nurse has a constant presence from birth to death, but society focuses its attention on the role of a physician in diagnosing, treating and operating on the patient. The nurse has historically been viewed as the assistant to the doctor, when in actuality it is the nurse that spends more time caring for the needs of the patient.

Marsha Walker Eastwood

How To Survive Inflation 2022

Inflation is defined as the rate of increase in prices over a given period of time

Inflation is typically a broad measure, such as the overall increase in prices or the cost of living in a country The impact of inflation in 2022 has had frightening consequences for many Americans. The heat-or-eat situation, which forces hard choices, has significantly increased food and shelter instability for seniors and others on a fixed income. Ruthless landlords have seized the opportunity to raise rents by more than 33%, creating new homeless situations daily.

the price of staples has risen substantially. All of this couldn't have come at a worse time, with holidays coming and the restart of your insurance deductibles. The question becomes one of day-to-day survival. How do you maintain your status quo in an economy that's working against you?

By: Marsha Walker Eastwood, BsEd, MSHSVC PWM Contributing Writer

On November 4, 2022, a CNBC news anchor stated, “The only people I ever hear use the word 'inflation' are journalists and economists,” She responded, before launching into her diatribe about Americans not being prone to caring about inflation. Like so many media types, she is among the willfully ignorant. The term inflation has been used by the government and consumers for over eight decades.

In his fireside chat on September 7, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt discussed inflation and its impact on the American public. He simplified the definition this way by “pointing out the overwhelming urgency of the serious domestic economic crisis with which we are threatened. Some call it "inflation," which is a vague sort of term, and others call it a "rise in the cost of living," which is much more easily understood by most families. That phrase, "the cost of living," means essentially what a dollar can buy”

Fast forward to the Great Inflation of the '70s which actually began in 1972 and lasted well into the early 80s. The price controls of the Nixon presidency drove inflation to double digits. In 1974 President Ford's Whip Inflation Now was a weak attempt to turn the economy around. So here we are in 2022, and inflation is once again breaking the banks and backs of the American public.

A good way to look at and understand inflation is to think of it as the unwelcome relative who comes for an openended visit and wreaks havoc in your life. You know the person who comes for a family event such as a funeral and you casually mention that they should stop by the next time they are in town. A few months later, they are back, bag and empty baggage that they intend to fill at your expense. Suddenly you are faced with rising food and utility bills, and gasoline bills for added transportation runs, all the while your disposable income has remained the same. You are getting a lot less for your buck because

Economists and financial education specialists advise that when inflation is high like now, you often get hit with higher prices everywhere from the grocery store to the gas pump. So, keep tabs on your budget and follow a spending plan to keep track of your funds every month. If you're spending money in places that are enjoyable, such as movies and entertainment venues that are not essential, taking a break or pausing this type of expense can lead to savings in unexpected places.

When you are giving your budget a do-over, do a complete inventory and make a list of must-haves, could use and can do without. Check out your spice rack. Nothing can cut into a budget like expensive spices for “future use.” If you need spices, compare prices at discount stores.

Next are the pantry and cupboards. Take stock of every canned good, pasta, spices, cereal, and of course, flour, sugar, rice, and cornmeal. From cornbread to polenta to cookies, cornmeal has proven to be a worthy staple. When it comes to canned goods, if you have 12 cans of green peas that have been taking up shelf space for several months, donate them to a food bank and replace them with vegetables you will eat. Compare the price between canned and frozen. You might be surprised at the savings, and you can get a greater variety, such as broccoli, cauliflower, edamame, and Brussel sprouts. Frozen veggies also have little to no salt. Rediscover tuna! A tuna salad sandwich is healthier than a processed meat sandwich.

If your family members are meat eaters, consider membership at Sam's Club Depending on the size of your family, one of their rotisserie chickens can make several meals. That is $5.00 well spent. Whole pork loin prices have been stable at $1.98 for two years. From chops to stir-fry to empanadas, one will go a long way and increase your purchasing power. If you are a chicken lover, bone-in thighs are more flavorful than boneless. Broiled, and served with a side salad, makes a healthy lunch or dinner. Pancakes and waffles are great for breakfast and dinner. Once again, depending on family size, one ten-pound bag of pancake mix costs around $7 and will make 200+ pancakes or waffles. With a little time and skill, you can also use the mix to make biscuits which can serve as the base for creamed chicken and vegetables. The best part is the batter is made with water instead of expensive milk. With a few exceptions, store brands are good buys, but like everything else, don't buy more than you can use in a couple of months.

A BLACK WOMAN ENTREPRENEUR SEEKING TO

■ Grow your business to $1Million+.

■ Transition from side-hustler to CEO.

■ Be inspired by and learn from a community of BOSSES.

■ Easily access info about small business grants, funding and business opportunities.

■ Gain insider tips and information about business funding options.

■ Succeed in business AND be inspired to practice self-care.

■ Discover Black women-owned and socially responsible brands.

■ Meet authentic champions of Black women-owned businesses who want you to succeed.

■ Have fun!

When it comes to inflation, now is not the time to clean closets. If you work from home, a few nice blouses or sweaters are just the ticket. If you go into the office, just because an item is a couple of years old is no reason to toss it. With a little creativity, you can create a whole new look. Need jewelry? Check out your nearest Savers Thrift Store, Salvation Army, and Goodwill stores, all of which have discount days. One of the largest and best marketplaces is Facebook. There you will find a lot of free items in very good shape, including furniture, kitchen and bedroom items, and children's clothing. While these tips are helpful, we need to deal with the big elephant in the room – how to protect your money

In response to the growing inflation, the Federal Reserve has been increasing interest rates, with the largest coming in June 2022. According to a variety of financial reports, in November 2022, the Federal Reserve approved a fourth consecutive three-quarter point interest rate increase and signaled a potential change in how it will approach monetary policy to bring down inflation. The central bank raised its short-term borrowing rate by 0.75 percentage points to a target range of 3.75%-4%, the highest level since January 2008. The elephant will grow larger as more increases are anticipated. What this means for the average consumer is the rising cost of borrowing money to purchase a house or a car, be it new or used, and credit card interest rates will have an unprecedented impact on their bottom lines and their “money”

Steven Carrigg, certified financial planner and private wealth adviser at Integrated Partners, advises investing in your company's workplace retirement account and

opening a brokerage account for additional savings. This allows you the advantage of compounding. By having a diversified portfolio, your risk to any one asset will be limited in the event of a downward spiral. Carrigg also suggests considering Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), which are government bonds that help protect you from inflation. “The principal of a TIPS increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the consumer price index,” the government explains.

If you have a portfolio, you should think about value stocks in the consumer staples arena. Snigdha Kumar, head of product operations for Digit, says investing in things like food and energy — which are always in high demand — is a smart choice because staples are essentials, and companies selling them have the ability to price items higher while riding the wave of inflation.

If you are one of the more fortunate individuals with excess cash, more than you may need for an emergency fund secured in a lockbox underneath your bed or a floor or wall safe, you may want to heed the advice of Chanelle Bessette, banking specialist at NerdWallet. Bassett suggests, “you should consider investing the excess. The stock market is low right now, but over a long rough time frame, that investment can earn a much higher interest rate in the stock market than it would in a savings account.”

Remember, the financial behaviors you change now will serve you well, way beyond Inflation 2022. n

URSULINE PLANS TO OFFER THREE NEW HEALTH CARE DEGREES IN 2023

Building on the success for its nationally acclaimed Breen School of Nursing and Health Professions, Ursuline College is expanding its health care portfolio to meet Northeast Ohio's demand for Physician Assistants (PA), Respiratory Therapists and Nutritionists.

Last week the Ursuline College Physician Assistant Program, sponsored by Ursuline College, was granted provisional accreditation for its Physician Assistant Studies Program from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA). Its inaugural class of 30 students starts for this 24-month intensive program in January 2023. These future PAs were selected from a pool of 500 applicants. Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow by 31 percent from 2019 to 2029 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“Ursuline's 75-year legacy of educating the area's top nurses and health care professionals created a great foundation for building this in-demand program,” explains PA Program Director Ryan Adler, EdD, PA-C, CHSE, who helped develop this master's degree over the past two years. “The provisional accreditation recognizes Ursuline's commitment to excellence in meeting the ARC-PA standards as well as its dedication to its future alumni.”

When the PA program students start classes this January, recruitment will begin for a new affordable online bachelor's program for Registered Respiratory Therapists who have associate degrees.

“While associate-degree educated respiratory therapists provide great care for their patients, their work is becoming increasingly complex, as evidenced by the recent pandemic,” states John Gallagher, MPH, RRT-NPS, FAARC, the newly appointed program director for Respiratory Care at Ursuline and former education coordinator for Pediatric Respiratory Care at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. “The AARC or American Association for Respiratory Care has set the expectation that all respiratory therapists obtain a bachelor's degree by2030. We're building this program to meet that need.”

Patricia Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean of Ursuline's Breen School adds, “Ursuline has had a dynamic RN-to-BSN program since 1985. It serves as a great model for us to build the foundation for this exciting new respiratory care program. While we are still working through its accreditation approval process, we hope to have our first class enrolled for fall 2023.”

The College is also launching a hybrid undergraduate degree program in nutrition and dietetics next fall with both online and in-person classes. It plans to hire a director in the near future and hopes to actively recruit students in the next few months.

“Many of our graduates are from Northeast Ohio and remain here after graduation to serve their local communities,” says Dr. Sharpnack. “These programs build on Ursuline's current strengths in undergraduate and graduate nursing, social work and art therapy to improve the lives of all in the Cleveland area and beyond.”

The Full Provisional Accreditation Statement from the ARC-PA – The ARC-PA has granted AccreditationProvisional status to the Ursuline College Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Ursuline College. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program's ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation - Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program's accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arcpa.org/accreditation-history-ursuline-college/

What Your Feet Can Tell You About Your Health Understanding peripheral artery disease

(Family Features) If you are living with pain and discomfort in your feet, legs, thighs or butt, it may be a sign of a serious health problem. Many adults in the United States are suffering and may be at risk of amputations of their toes, feet or legs as a result of an undetected disease known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD affects the blood vessels outside the heart, reducing blood flow to the area with the diseased blood vessel. In the most common type of PAD, lower extremity PAD, blood flow is reduced to your legs and feet.

Learning more about PAD is important for detecting problems and getting early treatment so you can avoid devastating complications such as amputation or even death. Learn more about PAD, including symptoms, risk factors and treatment, from the experts at the American Heart Association:

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of PAD are burning, aching, numbness, fatigue or discomfort in your leg or hip muscles while walking. The symptoms are caused by your legs not getting the blood they need. This pain usually goes away with rest and returns when you are active again.

“These symptoms can impact a person's quality of life, making it difficult to walk and hard to do usual activities at home and work,” said Amy W. Pollak, MD, American Heart Association volunteer expert serving as a leader of the national PAD Collaborative and cardiovascular medicine physician at Mayo Clinic. “For some, PAD can progress to cause pain when you are resting and even amputation of your toe, foot or leg.”

RiskFactors

PAD affects more than 8.5 million people in the U.S , the majority of whom are 65 years and older, according to the American Heart Association. Approximately 46-68% of patients with PAD also have coronary artery disease or cerebrovascular disease.

“We see PAD more commonly in people living with diabetes, people who smoke and people with other common risk factors for heart disease, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity,” Pollak said.

PreventionandTreatment

While some causes of PAD are beyond your control, the best method to prevent PAD is managing risk factors by making lifestyle changes including quitting smoking, managing diabetes and high blood pressure, staying active and eating a heart-healthy diet.

Working closely with your health care professional at the first sign of PAD is an important step in achieving the best treatment outcomes and avoiding serious complications like amputation.

“PAD is a lifelong medical condition, but people with PAD can lead active and long lives,” Pollak said. “If you notice walking is more difficult, keeping up with others is hard or you have pain when you walk, talk with a doctor and describe when it happens and how it feels. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion.”

Visit heart.org/PAD to learn more.

Delta Alpha Lambda

Achievement Award

Award celebrates support of African American students in Northeast

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) will receive the Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter Humanitarian Achievement Award for its commitment to the Greater Cleveland region and support of African American students and community.

“Tri-C believes that diversity serves to enrich not just the College, but society as a whole,” said JaNice Marshall, vice president of Access and Community Connections at Tri-C. “Tri-C and the Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter share a common goal, which is to ensure quality education and sustainable-wage employment in our community, so it is exciting to receive this recognition for the College's commitment.”

As the largest and oldest community college in Ohio, Tri-C has historicallysupported communities of color.

The provides students with Black American Council (BAC) comprehensive programs through community outreach, career development opportunities, workshops and forums, and cultural awareness activities and field trips. BAC also co-hosts the Black and Brown Male Summit with the Hispanic Council. The summit aims to address the floundering academic success rates of African American and Latino male students nationally.

Ohio

The College also launched the Stand For Racial Justice alliance, which seeks to advance racial equity and healing at the College and across Northeast Ohio through education, dialogue and action.

“Tri-C's commitment to the Greater Cleveland area is invaluable to the families, businesses and positive effects in the region,” chapter President Harold Anderson said.

The works to break the cycle Delta Alpha Lambda Chapter of generational poverty in Greater Cleveland via food drives, scholarships for college-bound students and workforce development initiatives.

The College and other awardees will be celebrated on Nov. 6.

Delta Alpha Lambda is a chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., which was founded in 1906 at Cornell University to support African Americans and people of color globally. The first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, Alpha Phi Alpha began as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice.

Da'naM. Langford

Following her graduation with a bachelor's degree in sports medicine, Da'na M. Langford was not keen to pursue a career as an athletic trainer, instead she wanted to be an OB/GYN. While deciding to take some prerequisite courses, she had the opportunity to work at a women's shelter in Cleveland, and that experience left a lasting impact on her life and future career

Her interactions with minority communities provided valuable knowledge on the deep challenges these groups faced, and Langford decided to do the courageous thing of standing up for the causes she believed in and, since then, never looked back.

Today, Da'na M. Langford serves as CEO & Medical Director of Village of Healing, a community development organization with a new approach to community wellness. Phenomenal Woman recently spoke with Ms. Langford to learn more about her journey and her work at the Center

Langford grew up in South Euclid as an only child raised by a single mom surrounded by extended family members including, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and her church family Appreciative of her membership at Starlight Baptist Church, where she learned how to advocate and speak publicly, she said, “It was here that I learned the power and love of the Black woman and how it existed in my home tremendously, but I was also able to see it in other Black women and the power behind the collective of the Black woman.”

Her efforts and hard work earned her a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine-Athletic Training from Eastern Michigan University. She then pursued her studies and obtained a Master of Science degree with a specialization in Midwifery and Women's Health.

Langford has worked as a midwife for seven years, making stops in Albany, Georgia; St. Petersburg, Florida, and Akron, Ohio. She then returned to her hometown of Cleveland and vividly recalls witnessing healthcare disparities. “The conversations and advocacy around Black infant and maternal health were coming to the forefront of healthcare. I was excited to get in on the ground floor of the conversations and truly advocate and fight for my community,” she said.

“If you're always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be” Maya Angelou

CEO & Medical Director, Village of Healing

As a midwife, Langford continues to care for mothers and newborns around childbirth. How did she join this field of practice? In her own words, she said, “God had called me to be a midwife. I also knew his calling came with the passion of working with my own community I did not know about culturally sensitive care at that time, but I knew I never saw anyone that looked like me when I sought care, except for the front desk. I had to change this narrative. This is what led me to become a midwife.”

To broaden her knowledge on the issues, Langford “participated in a series of community-based committees organized to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health, but sadly noted these committees did not reflect Black women and children who were devastated bystructural racial disparities.”

Accordingly, Langford and her business partner Tenisha Gaines decided to respond to these challenges in an organized way. Following consultations, self-thoughts and extensive research, Langford and Gaines co-founded the Village of Healing, a 501c3 non-profit organization, with the purpose of tackling these problems.

“Reading all the data and working in institutions as Black women, Tenisha and I were unheard in our advocacy as employees, and as family members of patients in the system, and as Black women ourselves seeking care in these systems. We continued to recognize a large problem that deserved a solution, not more talking about the problem.” Langford said. “While Cleveland has made great strides in various socioeconomic aspects, more work is needed in critical areas such as education and healthcare particularly focused on black communities.”

Out of their passion and need to decrease racial disparities for Black women, Langford and Gaines's efforts bore fruit, leading to the opening of The Village of Healing Center on February 14, 2022. The center provides, among others, Black women access to culturally-sensitive care from the time a woman steps into the clinic and throughout the duration of their visit. In addition, welldesigned programs provide services to meet the core objectives of the Center

Langford said, “The Village of Healing Center is the first and only clinic in Northeast Ohio for Black women, created by Black women. Our center focuses on culturally centered care, which has been supported by data to decrease racial disparities, and improve outcomes, patient adherence, and compliance to care while also increasing patient satisfaction. We focus on providing Black providers to care for Black patients.” She continued, “We currently offer obstetrics, gynecology, and mental health services at our Euclid,

Ohio location. In addition to healthcare, we acknowledge that only 20% of what we do as providers in exam rooms truly addresses a patient's health status. So, we choose to holistically take care of the entire woman while providing wrap-around services through our on-staff community health care workers and communityprograms.”

The Village of Healing Mother to Mother Program provides one on one direct support and mentorship to black mothers who are currently experiencing a maternal mental health complication (MMHC). Trained volunteers create a supportive healing environment where black women can receive resources and encouragement to drive their own engagement based on their individual needs and comfort level. Of the program, Langford said, “Through a partnership with Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM), participants talk/text, attend online and inperson support groups facilitated by trained black

For Black women over the age of 30 with a bachelor's degree, the Center offers the Professional Black nd Women's Group “We meet every 2 Thursday over th Zoom and 4 Thursday in person for our Queens Night Out. We provide a safe supportive space for professional Black women to be vulnerable, laugh and share experiences with other talented black women who look like them. The focus is on healing. An online therapist is present at each session as we encourage one another and dissect the intersectionality of being professional,Black and a woman,” Langford said.

pregnant and parenting volunteers who look like them and share some of their same experiences. Volunteers have experienced and recovered from some form of maternal mental health complication. They serve as models to recovery and inspire women in their own healing- Mother to Mother”

Extending such important services to left behind communities is a noble task. The CEO and Medical Director appreciates the support/collaboration she receives from other like-minded organizations. She said, “Together with Birthing Beautiful Communities and Pregnant with Possibilities, we have built a collaborative amongst the three of us focused on improving outcomes in Black birth.” She continued, “We also work with Neighborhood Leadership Institute, Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM, Columbus, Ohio), ROOTT (Columbus, Ohio), Queens Village (Cincinnati, Ohio), Better Health Partnership, and numerous generous funders who we are so grateful to be able to work with to provide our services.”

According to Langford, one of the challenges they face is letting Black communities know that these services exist. She said, “We are making every effort to find the best way to reach our population to market our services and let the community know we are here and providing exceptional care to all Black women.” She continued, “We are also struggling to show that we provide not only obstetric care and take care of pregnant women, but we care for ALL women, including non-pregnant women. And these women do not have to fit a certain socioeconomic status. We accept ALL insurances, private and public, and offer options for women with no insurance.”

The Organization has recently enlisted the assistance of Dr. Heather Rice and Dr. Cyleste Collins both of Cleveland State University to evaluate the center and Langford stated, “The results prove through data that culturally sensitive care is the answer to decrease racial disparities and improve outcomes.”

Various studies indicate that health disparities among minorities and particularly among black women are much higher compared to other groups. Moving forward, Langford stated, “As Black women experience disparities in infant and maternal health, their problems need to be heard and addressed.” While she appreciates the steps taken by the city and county in addressing these problems as a good first step, she stressed the need for more financial support on a larger scale to organizations that try to tackle these challenges.

When asked about mentors who have shaped her thinking, Langford said, “My mentors are every Black woman who I have been blessed to encounter in my life that was able to leave me with a learning experience. This even includes the patients I have had the opportunity to serve.”

Langford has multiple responsibilities at the Center She not only serves as CEO and Medical Director, but also serves as a provider to patients as a certified nurse midwife. In addition to her busy schedule working & leading the Center, she finds time to volunteer. She currently serves on the board of Mom Effect and Enlightened Solutions. She also works closely with her alma mater Beaumont School in its efforts to recruit and retain Black students.

The Village of Healing has already achieved a lot. Numerous people who have been desperately in need of health care services have been taken care and more are expected to gain services in the upcoming years. Asked about some of the next plans, Langford explained, “The center is focused on continued growth and visibility. We are expanding our marketing efforts, while also entering the realm of fundraising to expand our portfolio to ensure and focus on sustainability We also are looking forward to expanding our culturally-sensitive care to other specialties to include primary care, pediatrics and dentistry, as we grow into a network of centers throughout Cuyahoga County”

To anyone thinking about following their passion, she encourages, “if God called you to it, pray, ask God for the strength, and trust your faith. It will definitely be tested and tried, but just watch how you always come out on the other side better than you went in. If that is always the case, it is ordained by God and is your mission to this world.”

To learn more visit, villageofhealingcle.com

Village Healing Co-founders Tenisha Gaines (L) and Da’na M. Langford (R)

PHOTOS: JASON GARRETT

DR. PATRICIA SHARPNACK IS LEADING EFFORTS TO ELEVATE

NURSING PROFESSION

“As a nurse we have the opportunity to heal the mind, soul, heart, and body of our patients. They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou

The underrepresentation of black and brown people in the healthcare industry has a direct impact on the overall health of their communities, and Dr. Patricia A. Sharpnack, DNP, RN, CNE, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN, Dean of Ursuline's School of Nursing and Health Professions is leading the charge to diversify the nursing profession by illuminatingthe vast opportunities availablein this field.

When you look at the circle of life, a nurse has a constant presence from birth to death, but society focuses its attention on the role of a physician in diagnosing, treating and operating on the patient. The nurse has historically been viewed as the assistant to the doctor, when in actuality it is the nurse that spends more time caring for the needs of the patient.

Of the science-based careers, Nursing has the highest percentage of women at 97%, yet is not listed as a “highprofile” career in research rankings. A recent Pew Research report, STEM Jobs See Uneven Progress in Increasing Gender, Racial and Ethnic Diversity, notes that women are, “heavily overrepresented among health-related jobs, the largest STEM occupational cluster,” but nursing was not one of the notable careers included in the report. The report noted, “Women have increased their share of employment in some of the higher profile health-related STEM occupations. Women are 38% of physicians and surgeons, up 2 percentage points from 2016. They are 33% of dentists, up 3 percentage points from 2016. Among optometrists, 46% are women, up 3 percentage points from 2016. Women are 64% of veterinarians, up 3 percentage points from 2016. And women are 33% of EMTs and paramedics, up 2 percentage points from 2016.”

This absence in the conversation is key to the work Dr Sharpnack is doing to not only diversify the ranks of nursing, but also to elevate the public perception of what a career in Nursing represents today

During a conversation with Phenomenal Woman on the campus of Ursuline College, Sharpnack discussed her career and her passion for nursing. A job she describes as “an outstanding profession, and a wonderful opportunity.”

A native Clevelander, Dr. Sharpnack had goals of going to college to become a teacher until her high school guidance counselor advised, “there are too many teachers in the world, why don't you pick nursing.” Nursing was not a stretch for the high school student who had volunteered

as a Candy Striper at Marymount Hospital, and served as a caregiver for her mother who suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments. With that advice she shifted her thinking and set her sights on attending St. John College, the precursor to Ursuline's College of Nursing.

The decision to continue her education was one of the few challenges Sharpnack faced during her career She said, “there was not a great deal of focus on me going to college. It was find yourself a spouse, go get married. There wasn't a lot of support either financial or otherwise regarding schooling.” Not one to be deterred and armed with a scholarship, she enrolled in the St. Vincent Charity Nursing School receiving her diploma in nursing. After completing her training, Sharpnack worked as a Floor Nurse for St. Vincent Charity Hospital before moving to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Now that she had received her basic training, Sharpnack followed her original dream and enrolled in Ursuline's RNBSN program earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She also took on a new position at Huron Road Hospital in its Coronary Care Unit. The change in hospitals marked the launch of nursing becoming more than a job, but a career and passion.

She joyfully recalls her time at Huron Road where she also first took a chance on herself when a position opened up for an Assistant Nurse Manager. She recalls when it came up, “I thought can I do this? and I did. Fortunately, I had a fabulous mentor at Huron Road.” She glowingly recalled, “She helped fast-track me, she worked with me, educating me on how to be a woman in business. She was African American, a woman, and a nurse and she was a Chief Operating Officer. I was a young little thing who didn't know much of what she was doing and she helped guide me through all aspects of my career at Huron Road.” Some of the areas she advised her on included coping with sexual harassment in the workplace, how to dress while also taking her to places to learn how to speak better and work with a varietyof physicians.

THE

“I had some really key people along the way that helped me not only explore new opportunities, but to build up the confidence in myself to do those kinds of things”

The faith placed in her future led to Sharpnack becoming a Vice President of the hospital. She said, “It was a wonderful experience. The team I had there was incredible, in fact, they are all still leaders in the nursing community, if they haven't retired. I want to say it was the best of the best people I have ever met in the organization.”

With this level of support and guidance, Dr Sharpnack was on a fast-track through nursing administration and this helped her realize, “I had an affinity for management and leadership and felt that was a good niche.” In shifting from clinical care, she didn't turn her back on the skills that brought this first-generation college student to levels she never imagined. She said, “I always stayed active clinically predominantlyin critical care.”

While recalling her journey in healthcare, it is clear that the administrator, instructor and mentor has valuable experiences and career knowledge to share. From working as a floor nurse to critical care nursing, Dr. Sharpnack began her career in academia as part of the faculty at Cleveland State University. During this time in her life, she also moved to Geauga County and during her commute witnessed the building of the Amish Birthing Center. This led to another career shift as she began working at the Birthing Center learning maternal child nursing and communitynursing.

As she built her career, Sharpnack created a family and continued her education graduating with a master's degree from the University of Akron. She has also earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree with a focus on education from Case Western Reserve University

When discussing challenges in her career, she only cites the lack of family support in the earliest days and other difficulties are seen as times of adjusting to new roles. Even being sidelined after being disabled for a short period does not rise to the level of a challenge.

It was after being disabled and returning to work on a critical care unit when she was asked to consider being the Chief Nursing Officer Circumstances like this reinforced the belief that leadership was a good fit for her, but more importantly she said, “I had some really key people along the way that helped me not only explore new opportunities, but to build up the confidence in myself to do those kinds of things” This level of foresight into her abilities continued when she came to Ursuline's faculty where she thought she would just remain a member of the faculty, before again being encouraged to take on larger roles.

She is grateful for the support she has received and continues to receive and pays it forward by doing the same. As a cheerleader for Ursuline, she beams when describing the College and its faculty. She notes that Ursuline is a small school, but touts the faculty as its most powerful resource describing their accomplishments in the same manner a mother describes the latest feats of her children. Of this faculty she said, “one is president of the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association, another is a chair at the Midwest Nursing Research Society, while another is involved in the National League for Nursing. They are committed to teaching, committed to a strong pedagogy.” This commitment to teaching and to the community is the atmosphere Sharpnack sought to create and she's committed to them and “grateful they have allowed me to lead them.”

An examination of her journey in nursing illustrates the many facets of the profession, but it is only a snapshot. Using her family, which includes three additional nursesher husband, daughter and son who are all Ursuline alumna, as anecdotal evidence of the many levels of nursing she said, “I'm still a registered nurse, but I went into hospital administration, and I was in critical care, and maternal child care. My daughter chose the advanced practice route. Once you graduate as a registered nurse, you can go back to school and become an advanced practice provider so she's a certified nurse practitioner in adult and acute care, and practices as a provider at the Veteran's Administration.” Her son currently works for Amazon and while he is not functioning as a nurse he is providing healthcare. She explained, “He provides clinical counsel to Amazon. Nursing is no longer this bedside nurse who wears white stockings and white shoes and a white uniform. It is a dynamic profession that's functioning at a very high level, at the top of their license.”

In some ways, the breadth of the industry is contributing to the current shortage of nurses she noted, “We have more nurses today than we ever had, but we still have a nursing shortage in acute care because we have nurses working in so many other areas. We've expanded the areas that nurses influenceincluding policy.”

As is the case in other STEM careers, the lack of knowledge of this career and in some instances the lack of respect given to those in the profession are also factors contributing to the shortage. To combat that, Dr. Sharpnack points to early introduction to the field in elementary and middle school, “People still have this perspective of the profession that it's still, depending on their exposure, like a hand maiden to the physician and that's not the role. The nurses are in the organization running what happens to your healthcare.” Increasing the diversity of the field is something Sharpnack recognizes is important. As the Dean, she and the members of the faculty have examined ways to increase representation, including partnering with Cleveland's Martin Luther King High School offering training and working with the school's education team. She said the work has helped, but “we need to continue to move the needle more.”

Dr. Sharpnack explained, “When I speak with guidance counselors, I think it's key to change the messaging about what nursing is today. This is key to our recruitment efforts. It's a wonderful profession, with incredible flexibility and the pretty darn good compensation. It can lift people out of poverty and more. We need more opportunities to prepare students at that middle school level to encourage them to work in this field not only because of the need, but because of the leadership opportunities.”

In an effort to continue moving that needle, last year Ursuline College received a $2.2 million federal grant to help improve diversity in the nursing workforce. The funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will help the College improve wraparound support services for undergraduate nursing students from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a focus

on Black students and other underrepresentedminorities. Titled STAR Scholars (for Success, Transformation, Achieve, Resilience), the program aims to increase graduation rates for under-represented nursing students and further diversify the nursing workforce serving Greater Cleveland. To do this, the STAR program will:

● Improve social and academic support services, including mentoring, tutoring, and a three-week Summer Institute

● Fund student scholarships

● Provide faculty with professional development to improve instruction and increase sensitivity to the unique needs of students from disadvantaged backgrounds

● Recruit and retain more nursing faculty members of color

Dr Sharpnack who authored the grant said of the program, “The grant was to bring 25 diverse students, disadvantaged background students into our program. That retention rate is about 75%, the students coming in that group really are significantly under-resourced, some of them are homeless, some of them are dealing with so many issues but we have a STAR coordinator, Ashley Thomas, who is very engaged with these students and they're doing very well. We have been able to diversify our workforce more. In fact our first class coming in this year, our entire undergrad was 50% diversity.”

The STARS program adds to the College's commitment to diversity that began with the ASPIRE program. ASPIRE is a partnership with Cleveland Clinic, The Howley Foundation, and Ursuline College. Dr Sharpnack proudly reports “the retention rate for this program is 92% students from really disadvantaged backgrounds, all diverse. They are doing phenomenal here, they're thriving.”

In addition to recruiting diverse students, the College is also committed to ensuring all students are prepared for real situations. To achieve this goal, Dr. Sharpnack worked with the College's Community Advisory Board, and nursing leaders in the community, to facilitate helping student nurses engage in population health. This collaboration resulted in innovative projects like a perioperative immersion. She explained, “they learn the skills first and then they go into the operating room and serve as operating room nurses. They also go into the post anesthesia care unit in their senior year and as a result of that, 15 of our graduates are employed in operating room nursing.”

They are utilizing the same technique with intervention radiology due to a lack of nurses in that specialty as well. Dr Sharpnack said, “there is a shortage of nurses in healthcare so when we went to a population health course where we really wanted students to mitigate the social determinants of health, they are now going into home care, they are going into transitional care.

PHENOMENAL FACTS:

§ Post doctoral certificate in healthcare policy and media engagement

The George Washington University

§

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Case Western Reserve University

§ Master of Science in Nursing

The University of Akron

§ Bachelor of Science in Nursing Ursuline College

§ Board-certified as a nurse educator and an advanced nursing executive

§ Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing

§ Fellow in the Academy of Nurse Educators

§ Past- President of the Ohio Board of Nursing

§ CHAIR-Elect National League for Nursing

§ Serves as Board Member

University Hospitals

§ Served as President Board Member State of Ohio Board of Nursing

§ Served as Community board member Kent State University College of Nursing

§ Served as Chief Nursing Officer

University Hospitals Health Systems, Extended Care Division

§ Served as Faculty Cleveland State University

Acute care nursing is still going to be here, but we are going to be in so many more areas that need support because one of the things we really need to address is population health - public health and students were not getting any exposure to that until recently.”

Involving the students in studying population health has been eye-opening for them with the help of the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) the College purchased. Sharpnack explained, “CAPS immerses our students through a day in poverty, each hour simulates one week of making difficult choices. It's a simulation where they transition from misconceptions to understanding why people make the choices they make sometimes. Is it going to be paying the bill or is it going to be eating. Do I get my medications, how do I get to work. All of those things so we really are beginning to make certain that our students are not just understanding it theoretically, but experiencing through simulation the lived experiences of some of our communities.” An added outcome is that students learn that not all students are created equally As the students experienced the simulation, a few of them didn't believe the situations were lived realities until a student working next to them said, “This is my life.”

Because she loves what she does, Dr. Sharpnack calls it both a blessing and a curse. Throughout the years she says, “I had really great kids and my family was very understanding about my career Sunday dinner is important to me. I've learned that family is very important and I won't sacrifice my family for my career.” Cooking she said is a release and she exercises everydaywalking at least two miles. She and her husband also visit wineries as well as some antiquing.

Dr Sharpnack's life story is a clear testament to hard work, dedication and selfbelief. She has truly made a positive difference in our community In recognition of her extraordinary commitment to the promotion of public health, for her exemplary role in various regional and national professional nursing organizations and for her leadership to the preparedness of much needed nursing graduates, she has received numerous awards and accolades.

Anyone of these achievements would be considered remarkable but for one person to have achieved them all makes her truly Phenomenal byall standards. <

Apple

Custard

Servings:8-10

Sponge

6 Envyapples

Trifle

2 tablespoonsgoldencastersugar

1 teaspooncinnamon

1/2 cup,plus2tablespoons,water

1 tablespooncornflour

1 largeplainspongecake

2 cupsvanillabeancustard

1/2 cupcaramelorbutterscotchsauce, plusadditionalforgarnish,divided

1/2 cupcream

freshappleslices freshstrawberryslices

Peel,coreanddiceapples;placeinlargesaucepan.Addcaster sugar,cinnamonand1/2cupwater.Simmerapples5-8minutes untiltender

Combinecornflourandremainingwater.Stircornflourmixture intoapplesuntilapplesaresyrupy

Cutspongecakeinto2-centimeterdicedpieces.Arrange1/3of spongepiecesinbaseofservingbowl.Addhalfofcinnamonapple pieces,includingsyrupyjuices.Add1cupcustardanddrizzlewith 1/4cupcaramelsauce.Repeatwithremainingingredients, finishingwithspongecake;chill.

Whipcreamandspoondollopsoverspongecaketocovertop. Garnishwithappleslices,strawberryslicesandcaramelsauce.

Apple Custard SpongeTrifle

(FAMILYFEATURES)Whetheryourfestivitiesincludeimmediatefamilyor bring together relatives from around the country, the holidays are about makingmemorieswithlovedones.Fromthefirstdaysoftheseasontothe last, many families spend their precious time together with favorite activitiesandthebestfoodstheholidayshavetooffer

This year, you can change things up and start new traditions with a fresh ingredientlikeEnvyapples,whichprovideaneasywaytoupdateclassics due to their sweet taste and availability The sweet, sophisticated flavor; uplifting,fresharoma;delightfullysatisfyingcrunch;beautifulappearance; and naturally white flesh that doesn't brown as quickly as other apples all lend themselves to shareable recipes like this Apple Wreath Salad or RoastedAppleMacaroniandCheese,bothperfectforholidayparties.

Because cherished memories are made with sweet ingredients, you can turn cozy movie nights into festive and memorable events year after year bypairingHallmarkChannel'spopular“CountdowntoChristmas”holiday movieswithdeliciousdessertslikeAppleCustardSpongeTrifleandBrown ButterApplePie.

Findmorememory-makingrecipesatEnvyApple.com.

RoastedAppleMacaroniandCheese

Salted water

1 pound macaroni noodles

4 tablespoons butter

1 Envy apple, peeled and diced

4 tablespoons flour

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups milk

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup Romano cheese, grated

1 cup gruyere cheese, grated

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon Worcestershire

Topping:

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Bring large pot of salted water to boil.Add noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.

In large pot over high heat, melt butter then saute diced apple until caramelized and tender. Sprinkle in flour and stir. Cook 1 minute, stirring frequently

Whisk in heavy cream and milk; bring to boil, whisking frequently so milk doesn't burn.

Once boiling, turn heat to low and whisk in cheddar cheese, Romano cheese, gruyere cheese, salt and Worcestershire. Continue whisking until cheese is melted thoroughly

Carefully pour mixture into large blender and blend on high until smooth.

Pour cheese sauce over noodles and stir

Pour macaroni and cheese into 9by-13-inch pan and spread evenly

Heat oven to broil.

To make topping: In medium bowl, melt butter and stir in panko breadcrumbs.

Sprinkle breadcrumbs over macaroni and cheese; broil until golden brown.

AppleWreathSalad

Recipe courtesy of “The Produce Moms” (@theproducemoms)

Balsamic Dressing:

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground

1 large garlic clove, minced

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad: 10 ounces baby arugula

3 Envy apples, sliced

9 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

3 ounces pomegranate arils

3 ounces pecans, toasted

To make balsamic dressing: In small serving bowl, whisk honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Place dressing bowl in center of large board or platter Arrange arugula around dressing bowl in wreath shape.

Place apple slices on top of arugula. Sprinkle on goat cheese, pomegranate arils and pecans

Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus:

Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership is a collection of inspiring and instructive memories compiled from the decade that Mrs. Parks was a guest in author H.H. Leonard’s Washington, DC home. During those years, Mrs. Leonards was able to know the heart, mind, and spirit of the woman who refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama citybus on December 1, 1955.

The author shares her remembrances, both delightful and somber, in a way that offers readers an intimate and personal glimpse into the personhood of Mrs. Parks. Mrs. Parks is a seminal point in the history of civil, human, and women’s rights. Her story, as told through the eyes of H.H. Leonards, also touches on the journey of African-American women who have somehow managed to survive a system that cared little about the indignities they suffered―from discrimination to sexual assault. While many of her contemporaries attempted to define her as the woman who refused to give up her seat on the bus, she was more than the sum of one pivotal decision. She was decidedly multidimensional.

Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus is a personal look into Mrs. Parks’ life, her thoughts, her beliefs, and her immense wisdom that moved people― from world leaders Nelson Mandela, Deepak Chopra, and Pope John Paul II to the smallest of children―to seek and revere her presence.

H.H.Leonards is a wife, mother of three, and founder of O Museum in The Mansion in Washington, DC, where Mrs. Rosa Parks, her friends, and business associates lived with her, at no cost, as part of The Mansion and O Museum’s Heroes-InResidence Program.

O Museum in The Mansion was established February 14, 1980 to provide a safe haven and sanctuary where guests learn from one another and foster the development of diversity, the creative process and the human spirit. The building is a Historic 20th Century Civil Rights Site on The African American Heritage Trail.

Throughout her professional career Mrs. Leonards has focused on making it economically feasible for corporations to leverage their philanthropic contributions for their benefit — and the benefit of society. She has tirelessly worked to encourage companies and individuals to translate their personal visions into a mission of service. As a consultant to Ogilvy & Mather, she helped them create (and make real) cause-related marketing for their clients.

A staunch advocate of social justice through music and storytelling, she is CoFounder of 51StepsToFreedom.org a non-profit organization that is developing a citywide trail that traces America’s struggle for equalityand freedom.

DR. PATRICIA A. SHARPNACK

Da'na