Episode #401 Navigating the Long COVID Journey, With Brooke Keaton

On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Huntley interviews Brooke Keaton, who shares her personal journey with long COVID. Brooke discusses her background in education and social services, her experience contracting COVID-19, and the subsequent challenges she faced with long COVID symptoms. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness and support for those affected by long COVID, as well as the need for a compassionate healthcare approach. In this conversation, Brooke Keaton shares her personal journey with long COVID, discussing the mental health challenges, chronic pain, and the impact on her daily life. She emphasizes the importance of community support and advocacy, particularly for BIPOC individuals who are often underrepresented in research. The discussion highlights the need for awareness and understanding of long COVID, as well as the significance of support systems in navigating these challenges.

Meet Brooke Keaton

Brooke Keaton is married to her college sweetheart, Jared, and a mother to two beautiful daughters, Jaren and Bria. Prior to having Covid in December 2020, Brooke was an Early Childhood Educator. Unable to return to work, she has taken on the role of an Advocate for Long Haulers like herself. Her Long Covid story has been featured on WCNC, Bloomberg Law, Raleigh News & Observer, NC Health News, Msn.com, The Scientist Magazine, and WebMD. She’s also filmed two Long Covid PSA’s for the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast

Conversation Highlights

• Brooke Keaton is a long COVID survivor and advocate.

• She has a background in education and social services.

• Brooke experienced immediate symptoms of long COVID after her initial infection.

• She developed a heart condition as a result of COVID.

• Brooke emphasizes the importance of having a supportive medical team.

• Her journey highlights the need for awareness about long COVID.

• Brooke shares resources such as The Black Long Covid Experience

• Brooke's story is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

• She shares her love for Hallmark movies as a personal joy.

• The conversation aims to humanize the long COVID experience.

• Brooke's advocacy work focuses on supporting others with long COVID. I take medication for anxiety and depression.

• Many have developed autoimmune disorders post COVID.

• Long COVID affects daily life significantly.

• Community support is crucial for those with long COVID.

• BIPOC individuals are often excluded from research.

• Long COVID is an umbrella term for various symptoms.

• It's important to listen to those suffering from long COVID.

• Advocacy can help others feel less alone.

• Support systems can make a difference in recovery.

• COVID is still a current issue affecting many.

“If your research doesn’t include the voices of those most impacted, then it’s not complete.”— Brooke Keaton

Links Mentioned In This Episode:

The Black Long Covid Experience

DrCHHuntley Consulting

PHEC Podcast

Subscribe to the Weekly Podcast Updates Here

Public Health Entrepreneurs

 Keep In Touch:

Brooke Keaton on Instagram

Brooke Keaton on LinkedIn

Brooke Keaton on TikTok

Contact DrCHHuntley Here

Dr. Charlotte Hughes Huntley on LinkedIn

DrCHHuntley on LinkedIn

PHEC Podcast on Instagram

Podcast Links

Enjoying the podcast? Please write a favorable review of the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast in Apple Podcasts.

Continue the conversation in the PHEC Community! Download PHEC Podcast Community App.

Listen to the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast (PHEC Podcast) in Spotify.

Listen to the Public Health Epidemiology Conversations Podcast (PHEC Podcast) on other podcast platforms.

Like This Episode?

Click links below to share this episode with your network!

Comment below with your favorite takeaway!

Public Health Consulting To Support You

DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.