HAMPTON — Virginia Peninsula Community College and Riverside Health are collaborating on the latest “Tea with Dr. B” series, which is titled “Breaking Cycles.”
The five-part, talk show-style series will be hosted by VPCC President Towuanna Porter Brannon and is designed to “spark honest conversation, inspire healing and promote holistic wellness,” according to the college.
The first event, on poverty, is scheduled for Oct. 2 from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center in Hampton.
The series continues Nov. 6, Feb. 5, April 2 and June 4 on topics including obesity, addiction and trauma. The series-ending event is “High Tea: A Celebration of Healing.”
“At Riverside Health, we believe that breaking cycles of poverty, trauma, and illness is essential to building stronger, healthier communities,” the Riverside said. “The ‘Breaking the Cycle’ series creates meaningful dialogue around issues that directly affect the well-being of the people we serve. Supporting these events aligns with our mission to care for others as we would care for those we love, while also investing in education and empowerment as pathways to healthier futures.”
All events are open to students, faculty, staff, and community members. Through personal storytelling, expert insight, and shared dialogue, VPCC said “Breaking the Cycle” encourages participants to confront generational patterns and embrace empowerment, resilience and community-centered solutions.
“It allows us to participate in community conversations that spark healing, resilience, and prevention,” Riverside Health officials said. “Health is shaped not only in hospitals and clinics but in schools, families, and neighborhoods. By engaging in initiatives like this, we can work alongside community partners to address root causes of health challenges and promote wellness.”
Panelists for the first event will be Michele Brune, a financial adviser with Edward Jones financial services; Keisha Samuels, department chair of Human Services at VPCC, an associate professor and a community leader; DeAnna Valentine, Hampton’s first director of Economic Empowerment and Family Resilience who has more than 20 years of experience in human services; and Charvalla West, president and CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula.
“Riverside and Virginia Peninsula Community College have a long-standing partnership and continuing that relationship is vital,” company officials said. “VPCC is one of the region’s largest producers of health care graduates, many of whom stay local and join Riverside teams. Together, we are building the next generation of health care professionals while also advancing shared goals of education, access, and community well-being. Sustaining this partnership ensures both organizations can continue making a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
Each event will be shown later on a tape-delayed basis on SKY4 TV (WSKY), according to the college.
For more information on the college, visit vpcc.edu. For more information on Riverside Health, go to riversideonline.com.
