In September I had the honor to host Dr. Dennis Godby for a night in Indiana during his inspiring Walk USA for Health Equity journey from Knoxville, TN, to Milwaukee, WI. This remarkable initiative is not just a walk; it’s a profound mission to raise awareness about the prevailing health inequalities in the United States. Dr. Godby is not only a passionate advocate for health equity but also a dedicated proponent of naturopathic medicine, aiming to increase awareness and accessibility across the nation.
Hosting Dr. Godby became more than just providing shelter for a night; it became an opportunity to be part of a movement that seeks to transform the health landscape of our nation. I hope I am able to do more to support the next legs of his journey!
As he walked, he carried not only a backpack but also a message of hope, advocating for a future where everyone has equal access to healthcare. And, his commitment to including the message of naturopathic medicine is both enlightening and inspiring.
I am grateful to have been a small part of the Walk USA for Health Equity initiative by hosting Dr. Dennis Godby. It was a privilege to witness firsthand the passion and resilience of someone dedicated to creating positive change. I wholeheartedly support this cause and believe that Dr. Godby’s journey is a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards a healthier, more equitable future for all Americans.
Dr. Amy Tweedle, ND, Fishers, Indiana
Dr. Dennis Godby, an author and champion for health equity and access for all, stands out amongst leaders of similar pursuits. Putting his steps where his heart lies, he takes great care and effort to be vocal for his cause – a healthier future for everyone. Dr. Godby has been giving, resourceful, and steadfast toward our shared goals. His selfless sharing of naturopathic education has enriched our endeavors, and the community-at-large. We’re cheering you on, Dr. Godby, on your Walk USA for Health Equity – a massive feat to raise awareness of inconsistencies in health care and access, and for better global health. Thank you for your partnership and care for those in need.
Kristene (K.N.) Smith, CEO
Mental Health California
Dr. Dennis Godby, ND leads with his heart. He sees injustices in the world and literally takes concrete steps to end them. With his project Walk USA For Health Equity, Dennis has embarked on an ambitious challenge to walk the entire breadth of the US bringing attention to the disparities in our healthcare system. Luckily, with a quick smile and uninterrupted friendliness, Dennis is finding many along his route to share in his progress and to help support a change to bring equity for all.
As a skilled healthcare provider and educator, Dennis is a captivating spokesperson to bring diverse communities together to help solve this problem. I urge all of my colleagues, and anyone interested in health equity to check out Walk USA for Health Equity. You can become part of the discussion, take steps in your own local communities, and lend support to those making change.
I am personally honored to have been a part of Walk USA For Health Equity and to have had the chance to host Dennis while he was in NC.
-Dr. Tamberlyn Blinsink, ND, MPH
Dr. Dennis Godby is a health equity advocate and social justice warrior who is committed to creating a better world. Fueled by an understanding of the long-standing disparities in the social determinants of health, Dr. Godby has worked tirelessly over the years to close these gaps so that all people can have access to a better quality of life. His passion for healthy living is evident in all he has done throughout his life, including various runs and walks across the USA, spreading awareness about the importance of naturopathic medicine, and later for health equity. He is more than a thought leader in these areas—he is a “do-er,” seeking to change the narrative about who deserves to be well. His care for humanity is evident in all that he does, both personally and professionally, and it speaks to the depth of his character and the profound compassion that emanates from his heart. Dr. Godby is an incredible inspiration, and our world is brighter because of his presence in it.
—Shacunda Rodgers, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Fundamental to naturopathic medicine is a simple yet profound concept: when you give the body what it needs- fresh air, clean water and food, exercise and healthy relationships, and take away what it doesn’t need— toxicity, the body/mind/spirit thrives. In naturopathic medical school, we budding doctors learned to understand this concept deeply. It was essential to learn how to apply this to our own lives in order to survive the rigors of medical school. In the early 2000s, studied alongside Dr. Godby and marveled at his commitment to his own health. He was the only person in our class that rose way before dawn to deliver newspapers, at a run, before our 7:30 anatomy class! Every day, day in day out, Dr. Godby ran, every morning. I came to learn that running, for a humanistic cause, is woven into the fabric of Dr. Godby’s soul. Over his lifetime, Dr. Godby has run/walked long distances to bring awareness to many social causes. Most recently, I joined him for a walking leg in Wisconsin to raise awareness of inequity in health care. While NDs understand the need for healthy living, there are many social and racial obstacles that interfere with a person’s ability to actualize health. Dr. Godby walks to spread this awareness, and powerful message, to do what you can, one person at a time, to improve the lives of others. Dr Godby is a person who truly, walks his talk.
—Allison Becker, ND, LAc, Evansville, Wisconsin
It was quite amazing to meet Dr. Godby in Chicago and to hear his passion behind the walk. It is a refreshing way to make a statement and bring attention to what matters the most in our public healthcare space. I will definitely continue to cheer him on as he embarks on this extraordinary solo walkathon simply to bring awareness to average Americans about the “Health Equity” messaging across the USA.
Yes, I agree that everyone should have a fair and just opportunity, access, and resource to attain their highest level of health. Thanks for making a stand.
—Dr. Sunhee Williams, ND LAc FABNO; Chicago, IL
On September 16, 2023, Dr. Godby arrived in Lafayette, Indiana, on his way from Knoxville, Tennessee to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was able to accompany him for the last few miles of his walk that day through Lafayette and across the Wabash River to West Lafayette. It was most enjoyable visiting with him along the way and getting to know more about health equity. He was able to speak with a few people in the community along the way and share his story. In the evening, some members of the Lafayette Rotary Club came to share a meal and speak with him about his walk. All of the members enjoyed getting to know him and to focus on this important issue. It was a very positive experience to support Dr. Godby by providing a meal and a place to stay. We wish him safe travels and success as he continues his walk across the USA.
—Renee Figueroa, Lafayette, IN
Hello Rotarians: After volunteering to host Dennis when he arrived at Valpo I began to have second thoughts. Should I have done this? Shortly after he put his pack in the back of my SUV and he crawled into the passenger seat, wet as he had been walking in the rain, and began our first of many conversations, I knew I had done the right thing. He is such an interesting person. He closed his medical practice each year and then continues his walk across the country for a month. WOW! Pretty impressive that he has done all this pre-planning on where he will be each night and what his next destination will be. I encourage Rotarians who are fortunate to have him stop in your community to greet him upon his arrival, house and feed him, and get him underway the next morning. You won’t regret it!
—Bill Steinbrecher, Valparaiso, IN