97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck speaks with Gary Collins of Piedmont Health Services, Dana Iglesias of UNC Family Medicine, Jean Phillips-Weiner of the Orange County Health Department, and Ciara Zachary of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
This hour focuses on the state of health care in 2025, both nationally and here in our community. Public health officials recently shifted their efforts to focus more on equity, working to identify and address health disparities and to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare. There’s now a widespread backlash against equity efforts – but the underlying concerns still remain. To what extent are health officials still focusing on equity? What is being done today to address those issues? And what, in general, is the state of health care in America today? What are the biggest challenges and obstacles, and what needs to be done to overcome them? Our four panelists weigh in from a variety of perspectives, ranging from research labs to clinical practices to local government agencies to community health centers.
The 2025 “Forum On The Hill” is presented by the Town of Chapel Hill, UNC Health, Wegmans, Coleman Merritt Murphy & Rainsford P.C., and The Law Office of Chris Barnes. Listen to the panels live on 97.9 The Hill WCHL the week of Dec. 8-12 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., or revisit them the day after on-demand at Chapelboro.com, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe:
Related Stories
‹

Here's How the Orange County Governments, Community Are Recognizing Veterans DayMonday marks Veterans Day across the country, and there are several ways the Orange County community is recognizing the holiday.

Rep. David Price, Local Officials Honor Orange County Veterans with CeremonyOne hundred years after President Woodrow Wilson first declared Armistice Day, local representatives and the Orange County veterans community gathered to celebrate and recognize the efforts of those who served. The Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the site of the Orange County Veterans Memorial, located by the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. […]

UNC: 'Walk Out' Protest for Palestine Leads to 'Significant Damage' of BuildingsUNC Students for Justice in Palestine held a demonstration on campus Thursday, which led to the vandalism of several university buildings.

Orange County Community Members Gather for Veteran's Day; Memorial Project ProgressesCommunity members gathered at the Orange County Veterans Memorial on Wednesday for a Veterans Day recognition ceremony and updates on the project.
![]()
UNC Celebrates Veteran's DayUNC faculty and students celebrated Veteran’s Day on Wednesday. Retired Major General Lawrence L. Wells of the 9th Air Force addressed ROTC students during a ceremony. After the ceremony was over, the University hosted its second annual Tar Heel Tribute, as another way to honor veterans and share their experiences. Listen below to a recap of the […]
![]()
The Morning News: Digital Learning at CHCCS, New Chatham Commissioner, College World SeriesIn today's news: CHCCS approves a new digital learning plan, and Chatham Commissioners appoint Sheriff Mike Roberson to their board.
![]()
The Morning News: Glenwood Elementary Closing, Orange County Finalizes Budget, UNC Baseball Hosts Super RegionalIn today's news: the CHCCS school board votes to shut down Glenwood Elementary after the upcoming school year.

UNC Club Brings Solar Energy to TABLE, Saving the Pantry Money and Expanding Food AccessWhile not visible to those passing by, something new decorates the rooftop of TABLE’s downtown Carrboro facility.

'Together is The Only Path Forward': Orange County's Habitat for Humanity Hosts Affordable Housing SummitAmid a shortage of affordable housing – both locally and nationally – the Orange County chapter of Habitat for Humanity recently held a summit to discuss how leaders can collectively aim to better address the issue.
![]()
Equity in Health Care - December 11, 2025What is the state of health care today, both nationally and here in our community? And what needs to be done to address disparities?
›