A new educational segment for Public Television explores the essential partnerships between foster families, local businesses, and social service organizations.

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The educational program “Empowered with Meg Ryan” is scheduled to film a new segment featuring Utah Foster Care in February of 2026. This production, slated for distribution to Public Television stations nationwide, focuses on the systemic structures and community networks that assist children and young adults as they transition through the foster care process. By examining the logistical and emotional frameworks within the state of Utah, the segment provides an informative look at how specialized training and local partnerships contribute to the long-term success of individuals who have experienced out-of-home care.

“Children and families in foster care thrive when they are surrounded by consistent, caring support,” said Nikki MacKay, CEO of Utah Foster Care.“This segment highlights the power of community and the role each of us can play in creating environments where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered to build their own futures.”

The upcoming segment highlights the lived experiences of individuals who have navigated the foster care system, focusing on the transition from state care to independent adulthood. Research indicates that the presence of consistent, non-familial support structures significantly influences a young person’s ability to achieve educational and professional milestones. The production documents how Utah Foster Care facilitates these connections by identifying, educating, and supporting a diverse network of foster families. By prioritizing trauma-informed care and reunification efforts, the organization seeks to maintain the child’s connection to their biological family and community whenever safely possible.

Viewers will learn about the multi-faceted approach required to address the current shortage of foster homes—a trend observed across the country over the last five years. The program explains the rigorous training protocols developed to prepare families for the unique responsibilities of fostering, ensuring that every household is equipped to provide a nurturing environment. Beyond the immediate family unit, the narrative explores the “wrap-around” services provided by local businesses and volunteers. These community members offer supplementary resources that allow foster parents to focus on the primary needs of the children in their care. This collective model of responsibility demonstrates that the welfare of youth in the system is not solely a governmental task but a community-wide endeavor. By highlighting these collaborative strategies, the segment aims to inform the Public Television audience about the various ways informed citizens can contribute to the stability of the foster care infrastructure, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or opening their homes to those in need of temporary or permanent placement.

About “Empowered with Meg Ryan”: “Empowered with Meg Ryan” is an educational series that utilizes high-quality cinematography and storytelling to bring important social, environmental, and medical stories to the forefront of the public consciousness. Distributed to Public Television stations across the country, the program provides a platform for organizations and innovations that are shaping the future. For more information, please visit: www.empoweredprogram.com

About Utah Foster Care: Utah Foster Care is a non-profit organization established in 1999 to find, train, and support Utah families who provide a safe and nurturing home for children in foster care. By partnering with both public and private sectors, Utah Foster Care works to ensure that every child in the system has a dedicated network of support to help them heal and grow. For more information, please visit: utahfostercare.org

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SOURCE Empowered with Meg Ryan

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A new segment of “All Access with Andy Garcia” is set to provide Public Television audiences with an educational look into the innovative model of Community Health Centers. The program has partnered with Siouxland Community Health Center (SCHC) for a segment focusing on Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and their unique structure designed to offer affordable, high-quality primary care to every individual who walks through their doors. The program, which filmed at the Sioux City, Iowa location on December 4, 2025, will explain the foundational principles of FQHCs and the diverse population they serve, including those who are commercially insured or on Medicare who may be looking for a new medical home. This production offers valuable information by illustrating how FQHCs operate as an essential piece of the national healthcare infrastructure.

“We’re honored to share the story of Siouxland Community Health Center on All Access with Andy Garcia,” said Mark Donaldson, Chief Executive Officer of Siouxland Community Health Center.  “Our mission has always been simple—remove barriers, meet people where they are, and deliver exceptional care to every patient who walks through our doors. This opportunity allows us to highlight how community-driven healthcare can improve lives and strengthen the wellbeing of the entire Siouxland region.”

This segment will inform a broad audience about how FQHCs prioritize integrated, patient-centered care with a strong emphasis on prevention, often leading to better long-term health outcomes. Viewers will learn about the compelling story of SCHC, which was established through the collaboration of two local hospitals to address a crucial community need for accessible healthcare. This origin story speaks directly to their enduring mission of providing a necessary safety net. The segment will showcase the comprehensive nature of care available at SCHC, detailing how they offer services far beyond standard primary medical treatment. Specific attention will be given to the critical access they provide to dental and prenatal care, two essential services that can often be difficult for individuals to secure affordably.

Furthermore, the segment will highlight the convenience of an on-site pharmacy, complete with prescription delivery and drive-thru services, simplifying the process for patients. A deep dive will be taken into the essential role of the expanded care team. This collaborative model involves a diverse group of professionals—Community Health Workers, interpreters, and financial counselors—who work to systematically eliminate common patient obstacles like the need for health education, cultural differences, and securing necessary insurance coverage or financial assistance via a sliding fee scale. By examining the FQHC model, the segment will demonstrate how this community-driven approach, which is guided by a patient-majority board of directors, contributes to managing the rising costs associated with healthcare.

The production will address how the profits generated are reinvested into patient services and the community, rather than external stakeholders. The commitment of Siouxland Community Health Center to its employees will also be noted, recognizing their dedication as the backbone of the organization’s success and its ability to deliver award-winning care in a modern facility. Finally, the segment will briefly explore how SCHC is improving chronic illness management by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and modern practices.

About “All Access with Andy Garcia”: “All Access with Andy Garcia” is a Public Television program dedicated to showcasing the stories behind innovative companies and their contributions to various sectors. Hosted by the acclaimed actor Andy Garcia, the program provides insightful and engaging content designed to inform and inspire a wide audience. Learn more at: www.allaccessptv.com

About Siouxland Community Health Center: Siouxland Community Health Center (SCHC) is a Federally Qualified Health Center committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and compassionate primary health care to all, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Born from a partnership between local hospitals to serve the area’s underserved population, SCHC focuses on integrated, patient-centered care, offering a wide range of services including medical, dental, behavioral health, and pharmacy, all supported by a multidisciplinary team. Learn more at: slandchc.com

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SOURCE All Access