There’s no doubt that donating blood can save lives. But winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products. Holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses, and the recent extreme weather means that the folks over at the Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) are scrambling to meet patient needs. In this episode, RIBC Vice President of Operations, Hunter Shaffer talks about the current shortage, challenges to maintaining the supply, and how we can all do our part.

For more information visit ribc.org and download the Rhode Island Blood Center App.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our culture and the way we live our lives in so many ways. While we may not understand its full potential yet, we do know it can, and in many ways has already revolutionized many industries and fields of study.

In this episode, Dr. Atin Jindal, assistant professor of medicine and director of medical informatics at Brown University joins Dr. Philip Chan for a fascinating discussion on how AI technology is being used to improve health, what the future may look like in this area, potential challenges, and more.

It’s called “hygiene insecurity” and while you may not be aware of it, there is an overwhelming need for hygiene products in the state. An estimated 38% of Rhode Island families struggle to afford hygiene products, and 2 in 5 individuals struggle to purchase menstruation products. Amenity Aid, Rhode Island’s only hygiene bank, would like to eliminate this problem. In this episode, the organization’s Founder and Executive Director, Liz Duggan and Board Chair, James Rajotte talk about how they accomplish their mission.