Sunny Side: Joy and Humor in Outreach
To The Point Maryland Podcast: Season 1, Episode 3
Tough days are part of the job when it comes to outreach and community engagement! In this episode we’ll be highlighting the uplifting and humorous stories that keep the work moving forward. We’ll discuss how to support workforce morale, resilience, and community connection through the lens of joy and humor. Our two amazing guests are coming to you straight out of their mobile unit! Be sure to take a listen!
Host
Amalia Amy Zamot, MS, CHRC (Senior Capacity Building Assistance Manager) has served as a frontline Community Health Worker for more than 25 years, with a focus on HIV/STI/HCV and Substance Use. She has extensive experience serving as a liaison between the community and the Department of Health providing direct services to ethnic and racial minority populations throughout large geographic areas. Miss Zamot has been featured in several television and social media outlets such as Lee Pitts Live, Wink news, Fox news and others throughout her career. She is passionate about impacting lives and spreading the word about prevention and treatment for all.
Speakers
Carly Heflin is a career firefighter/paramedic with the Frederick County Division of Fire and Rescue Services and serves as the Community Paramedic for COAST (Community Outreach and Support Team). With more than 17 years of experience in emergency services, she specializes in supporting individuals experiencing substance use disorders, homelessness, and mental health challenges. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal recovery journey, Carly brings a unique perspective to her work. Now more than nine years in recovery, she is passionate about reducing stigma, fostering connection, and helping individuals find pathways to healing and hope through compassionate, person-centered care.
Amanda Halsey is a Peer Recovery Specialist with the Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) in Frederick County. Working alongside a community paramedic, she helps connect individuals experiencing substance use disorders to treatment, recovery resources, and ongoing support services. With a background as both an EMT and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Amanda is passionate about serving others and supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. She brings compassion, lived understanding, and a person-centered approach to helping community members access the care and resources they need to thrive.
Related Resources
Mountains and Margins: Healthcare Access in Western Maryland
Season 1, Episode 1 — This inaugural episode of the “to the POINT Maryland” podcast examines how geography shapes access to care. We are joined by outreach workers from Western Maryland, and together we review some of the issues including transportation barriers, workforce shortages, and informal support networks. What makes outreach here different? How does lived experience come into play to support the community? Tune in to find out!
Pregnancy, Drug Use, and Parental Rights
Season 1, Episode 6 — In this episode, we explore the intersection of pregnancy and substance use. We’ll challenge common myths and misconceptions surrounding this topic, discuss the importance of non-stigmatizing and person-centered care, and explore approaches that support treatment access, healthy outcomes, and family preservation. Join us as we learn from an experienced professional whose work centers on caring for and supporting individuals navigating these complex realities.