Building Trust and Change: Public Health Innovations with Nancy Mangieri

Welcome to Impact Unfiltered! In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Mangieri, Chief of Public Health Services for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. Nancy shares how her team uses beloved community puppets—like Rain—to deliver important health messages, from vaccine awareness to water safety, in culturally meaningful ways.We explore the power of community partnerships, the importance of trust in public health, and the impact of empowering Native American leadership in healthcare. Tune in for inspiring stories, creative outreach ideas, and practical advice for making a difference in your community.1. Introduction to Nancy Mangieri and Her RoleNancy’s current position as Chief of Public Health Services for the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community in Scottsdale, ArizonaHer professional background in nursing, public health, and leadership2. Introduction to the Public Health PuppetsDescription and purpose of Rain, the puppet guest, including her traditional dress and symbolic roleBrief overview of the other puppets: River (Rain’s younger brother) and Blue (the nonverbal, imaginative friend)Significance of Blue as a character for nonverbal community members3. Understanding Impact in the CommunityNancy’s definition of “impact” — reaching the intended audience and influencing behavior changeThe importance of providing new options, messages, or solutions to drive positive change4. Storytelling with the Puppets: Community Engagement and MessagingPuppets as community celebrities and their presence on billboardsRange of public health topics addressed through puppet messaging:Vaccination promotionPet health and responsible pet ownershipWater safety and sun safetyNutrition and traditional foodsCollaborative creation of the puppet clubhouse by carpentry interns as a community-driven effort5. Teamwork and PartnershipsThe project’s foundation within the public health departmentCollaboration with IT (for filming), carpentry, and volunteersCommunity-wide support and involvement in puppet activitiesParticipation in community events—retirement parties, parades, and health messaging at public gatherings6. Program Expansion, Tools, and InnovationsBuilding a library of puppet videos for various public health topics, like flu vaccinationIntent to share puppet content and programming with other tribes or expand reach beyond the current communityRecognition and training support from the Intertribal Council of Arizona (funding, program evaluation training)Use of program evaluation and community surveys to refine and guide puppet messaging7. Leadership Reflections and Lessons LearnedAdvice to younger self and those entering the public health field:Explore the broad impact potential of public/population healthAcknowledgment that most health outcomes are shaped in the community, not in clinicsThe rewarding nature of influencing population health8. Value of Native Community Leadership and Sustainable Public HealthRecognition of the talent and resourcefulness within the Native communityImportance of developing Native leaders within public health for long-term sustainabilityExample of team member Haley Bodmer transitioning from medical assistant to impactful disease investigator within the community9. How to Connect and Learn MoreProviding the public health education contact line for further information or to see photos of Rain and the other puppetsEncouragement for listeners to reach out and engage10. Looking to the Future and Final TakeawaysOngoing and upcoming activities, with advice to stay involved directly with the communityEmphasis on building trust through face-to-face engagement and authentic relationshipsParting words on the importance of listening, learning, and being present in community work