In this episode of Ask Cuyahoga, members of the Cuyahoga County Women's Health Commission discuss how grief affects women, families, and communities.

The conversation explores the many forms grief can take, from the loss of a loved one to life changes, trauma, and loss of community and the importance of reducing stigma around seeking support. Guests also discuss healing, community resilience, and resources available to help residents navigate difficult experiences. Additional resources discussed during the episode are available at CuyahogaCounty.gov/podcast.

Guests:

Heather Brissett, Vice President of Community Wellness and Chief Programming Officer, Murtis Taylor Human Services System; Member, Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Commission

Jazmin Long, Chief Executive Officer, Birthing Beautiful Communities; Member, Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Commission

Watch here: https://youtu.be/ZaZ5z51Pbc8

In this episode of Ask Cuyahoga, we explore the work of the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter and the services it provides to residents and their pets.

The conversation focuses on what happens when a dog is lost, how the shelter works to reunite pets with their owners, and why licensing and microchipping are critical. It also highlights resources available to residents, including free microchip registration, pet food assistance, and programs designed to keep dogs in their homes.

This episode also covers ways to get involved, from volunteering and fostering to initiatives like Dogs Day Out and community programs aimed at improving outcomes for dogs across the County.

Guests:

Mindy Naticchioni, Administrator, Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

Jen Huettich, Manager of External Affairs, Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter

Watch here: https://youtu.be/hdEhaaIYvpw

In this episode of Ask Cuyahoga, we explore the creation and ongoing work of the Cuyahoga County Women’s Health Commission.

Established in 2023, the commission brings together community leaders and subject matter experts to identify priorities, recommend strategies, and expand access to resources that support women’s health across the County. The conversation highlights the goals of the commission, the importance of public engagement, and the work underway to address key challenges and improve outcomes.

This episode also looks ahead to upcoming initiatives and events aimed at raising awareness and creating opportunities for residents to share their experiences and perspectives.

Guests:

Yvonne M. Conwell, Cuyahoga County Council, District 7

Tenille N. Kaus, Shaker Heights City Councilmember, Women’s Health Commission Member, and Employment Attorney

Watch here: https://youtu.be/KxG93xAtHyI

In this episode of Ask Cuyahoga, we explore how Cuyahoga County supports residents returning to the community and working toward becoming restored citizens.

Through the Office of Reentry and partnerships with community organizations, reentry efforts focus on removing barriers to employment, expanding access to resources, and creating pathways to stability. The conversation highlights the importance of second chance hiring, the challenges re-entrants face, and the programs helping residents move forward.

This episode also touches on Reentry Month initiatives, including expungement and job fairs that help open doors to new opportunities.

Guests:

Chamomile Ware Hendricks, Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry

Ronnie Cannon, Towards Employment

This special episode of Ask Cuyahoga features a conversation from the Department of Human Resources Inclusion Committee’s Can We Talk: Conversations that Matter series.

Recorded in the Cuyahoga County Council Chambers, Rhonda Crowder, President of the Greater Cleveland Association of Black Journalists, and Justice Melody J. Stewart, former Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio and current member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, discuss The Power of the Ballot.

Their conversation explores the importance of civic engagement, the impact of voting at the local level, and the role individuals play in shaping their communities.

In recognition of Social Work Month, this episode of Ask Cuyahoga highlights the vital role of social work in supporting residents across every stage of life.

From protecting children and strengthening families to helping seniors live safely and independently, social work is a critical part of Cuyahoga County’s continuum of care through the Department of Health and Human Services. Representatives from several County divisions discuss what their work looks like day to day, how they build trust with residents during difficult moments, and what motivates them to continue serving the community.

The conversation offers a closer look at the services available to residents and the people working behind the scenes to support individuals and families throughout Cuyahoga County.

Scams are evolving and so is the effort to stop them.

In this episode of Ask Cuyahoga, we take a closer look at Scam Squad, a financial fraud task force led by Cuyahoga County’s Department of Consumer Affairs. Working alongside federal, state, and local partners, Scam Squad is helping residents recognize, prevent, and report scams before they cause serious damage.

From investment and business opportunity scams to AI-enhanced fraud, Medicare scams, contractor fraud, jury duty schemes, robocalls, and property record fraud, experts share what they’re seeing right now — and the practical steps residents can take to protect themselves.

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a scam, this episode offers clear guidance on what to do next and where to report it.

In this episode of Ask Cuyahoga, we explore one of Cuyahoga County’s newer initiatives focused on reducing violence and strengthening community safety. Myesha Watkins, Administrator of the Office of Violence Prevention, discusses the office’s mission, its collaborative approach, and how the County is working with community partners to build safer neighborhoods.

Cuyahoga County residents were invited to join this live event to learn about the Medical Examiner's Citizens Academy and how to apply to be a part of the program. 

Guests:

Medical Examiner's Office External Affairs Manager Christopher B. Harris

Citizens Academy Graduate and Program Director Mindy Naticchioni

Cuyahoga County residents were invited to ask questions about their property taxes and tax assistance programs during a live event with the Treasurer and Board of Revision.

Guests:

Cuyahoga County Treasurer Brad Cromes

Board of Revision Administrator Ron O'Leary

Cuyahoga County residents were invited to submit questions about the Sexennial Property Reappraisal for a live event with the Fiscal Office and Board of Revision.

Guests:

Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office Director of Operations Lisa Rocco

Board of Revision Administrator Ron O'Leary

Cuyahoga County residents were invited to submit questions about scams for a live event with the Director of Consumer Affairs.

Guests: 

Cuyahoga County Director of Consumer Affairs Sheryl Harris

Cuyahoga County residents were invited to submit questions about their property taxes for a live event with the Treasurer.

Guests:

Cuyahoga County Treasurer Brad Cromes

What is Cuyahoga County’s role in finding permanent support for children in our care? 

Guests: 

Division of Children and Family Services, Deputy Director, Karen Anderson 

Division of Children and Family Services, Deputy Director, Beverly Torres 

Adoptive Parent, Christine Ivaskovic 

https://cuyahogacounty.gov/executive/news/lets-talk-cuyahoga-podcast

County Executive Chris Ronayne delivered his first State of the County address on June 30, 2023 at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica. It was hosted by City Club of Cleveland.

What work is being done to protect Cuyahoga County residents from lead poisoning and promote healthy homes? 

Guests: 

Cuyahoga County Board of Health, Stephanie McConaughey  

Cuyahoga County Office of Early Childhood/Invest in Children, Interim Director, Shawna Rohrman 

City of Cleveland, Lead Senior Strategist, Karen Dettmer 

What is Cuyahoga County’s role in helping reentrants reach their goal of becoming restored citizens? 

Guests:  

Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, Director, Simeon Best 

Case Western Reserve University, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social SResearcher and Professor, Dr. David Hussey 

Cleveland Peacemaker’s Alliance, Outreach Specialist and restored citizen, Vince Evans 

100 Day Check In: Get to know your Chief of Staff.

Guests: 

Cuyahoga County Chief of Staff Eric Wobser 

What kind of impact will a return to routine operations for Medicaid have on Cuyahoga County residents? 

Guests:  

Cuyahoga County Department of Job and Family Services, Administrator, Kevin Gowan 

Center for Community Solutions, President and Executive Director, John Corlett 

MetroHealth Medical Center, Social Work Supervisor, Jason McMinn 

How is Cuyahoga County responding to residents who are experiencing homelessness? 

Guests: 

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry Shelter Coordinator, Angelo Anderson 

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, Vice President of Housing and Shelter, Michael Sering 

Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services, Director, Melissa Sirak