245: Tech Startups, Culture, and Public Health: The bEHR Health Journey with Kwame Terra, MPH

Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Kwame Terra, MPH, the founder and CEO of bEHR Health, who discusses his journey in public health, the importance of health equity, and the innovative approaches his startup is taking to improve health outcomes in the Black community.
Kwame shares insights on preventative health, the creation of a health score, and the bEHRathon initiative aimed at engaging the community in health-promoting activities. He emphasizes the need for self-directed health management and the role of technology in transforming public health. The discussion also touches on systemic barriers to health and the importance of community engagement in achieving health equity.

In this episode we learn about:
- How Kwame blends endurance, innovation, and activism to reimagine how communities engage with health.
- Why creating health-promoting environments is essential for community wellness.
- Why preventable conditions account for a significant portion of healthcare spending and how he’s trying to change it.
- How startups and health technology can effectively address urgent health problems.

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Chapters:
@0:00 Introduction to bEHR Health and Health Scores
@3:57 Kwame's Personal Journey and Background
@7:54 The Shift from Healthcare to Health and Wellness
@12:07 Preventable Conditions and Community Health
@20:17 The BeHRathon Initiative and Community Engagement
@30:47 Public Health Perspectives and Academic Pathways
@42:59 Inclusivity in Health Apps
@47:55 Lessons from Accelerator Programs
@51:55 Scaling Health Solutions
@57:21 Bridging Public Health and Tech
@1:05:20 Advice for Early Career Professionals
@1:08:43 Upcoming Initiatives and Campaigns
@1:11:21 The Furious Five: Quickfire Questions

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