Contagious Conversations

Learn about the COVID-19 Detection Dog program—a collaboration between the California Department of Public Health and Early Alert Canines—which is introducing a new, less invasive, and more fun method of testing to schools across the state.  Dr. Carol Glaser of the CADoH and Carol Edwards of EAC tell the story. Carol Edwards began her career in dog obedience training at the age of 13 and since then has immersed herself in the behavioral science of dog training. Dr. Carol Glaser is the Assistant Deputy Director in the office of the State Public Health Laboratory Director and medical officer for the infectious disease laboratories at the California Department of Public Health. Dr. Glaser is also the Laboratory Director for the California Department of Public Health K-12 School Antigen Program. For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:14] Dr. Glaser talks about her background and about her role at the California Department of Public Health. [2:35]  Carol Edwards shares

For our milestone 30th episode, we're bringing you 3 discussions in one! Host Claire Stinson introduces a collection of speakers from this year’s Aspen Ideas Health Festival, an annual event that brings together innovative thinkers and doers to address the world's biggest health challenges. Listen as the CDC Foundation's own Dr. Judy Monroe and Pierce Nelson talk climate change with Dr. Patrick Breysee, wastewater surveillance with Dr. Marlene Wolfe, and restoring trust to public health with Dr. Karen DeSalvo. Dr. Patrick Breysse is the director of the National Center for Environmental Health Agency for Toxic Disease Registry at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Marlene Wolfe is assistant professor for Environmental Health at Emory University. Dr. Karen DeSalvo is chief health officer at Google. For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [2:02] Dr. Patrick Breysee shares his thoughts on how climate and health are related and what we can all do

In this episode, we'll discuss the link between people experiencing homelessness and public health and what CDC is doing to address this issue. CDC's Dr. Emily Mosites details the unique health challenges for those living with homelessness and discusses state and local solutions to this national issue. For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations Key Takeaways: [1:32] Dr. Mosites shares how her work in public health was inspired by her being a global adventurer at heart. [2:43] In her role as Epidemic Intelligence Officer in Alaska, Dr. Mosites investigated an outbreak of a new strain of a Streptococcus that was affecting people experiencing homelessness. Dr. Mosites shares how this outbreak led to her work on issues that affect people experiencing homelessness. [4:14] Dr. Mosites explains the link between people experiencing homelessness and public health. [5:32] What particular challenges did people experiencing homelessness face during the COVID-19 pandemic? [7:17] Did COVID-19 serve as a

How does climate change affect health? What are some successful approaches from public health's past that we can use to tackle this challenge today? And most importantly: how can we all work together to combat this growing crisis? In this episode of Contagious Conversations, Dr. Judy Monroe, president and CEO of the CDC Foundation, discusses these questions and more.   For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:56] Dr. Monroe shares how climate change is impacting health right now. [3:00] Dr. Monroe explains the ways climate change is impacting global health. [5:31] How can we all work to combat this crisis? [7:06] Dr. Monroe explains the urgency around having a national conversation about health and climate change. [8:43] Dr. Monroe discusses the successful approaches from the past that we should consider to protect public health today. [9:48] Has the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst to understand the importance of public health? [11:49] Which populations are mo

“We can’t do the work alone. That is why it is important to have partnerships in our communities.” Hear Dr. Mysheika Roberts discuss this idea and more, as she takes listeners through her own journey in community-centered public health. Plus: how critical relationships helped build trust and shape responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Roberts is the Health Commissioner for the City of Columbus, Ohio, leading a team of more than 500 public health professionals focused on neighborhood-based approaches that address the social determinants of health, from safe affordable housing and education to jobs and violent crime, to decrease health disparities. Dr. Roberts has a 20-year public health background at local, state and national levels. She built a solid foundation in public health early in her career by investigating outbreaks in Ohio for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and leading an STD clinic and hepatitis prevention efforts at the Baltimore City Health Department. For full

What exactly is public health law? Drawing from disciplines like epidemiology, public policy and evaluation, it's a field that we may not often think about in our day-to-day lives. But it has a profound impact on our lifetime trajectory. Sarah de Guia—chief executive officer of ChangeLab Solutions, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses the tools of law and policy to advance health equity—joins Contagious Conversations to discuss how to better engage communities to advance policy development, and how public health law can help facilitate true systemic change.   For more information and a full transcript of this episode, visit Contagious Conversations.    Key Takeaways:  [1:46] Sarah talks about her background, why health equity is important to her and the impact of laws and policies on communities.  [5:57] Sarah talks about her current role at ChangeLab Solutions and what its mission means to her.  [7:30] Sarah explains the five fundamental drivers of health equity.  [8:54] Sarah explains the direct

This is a special edition Contagious Conversations podcast in conjunction with Public Health On Call, a podcast from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. This special edition features a discussion between CDC Foundation President and CEO Judy Monroe, MD, and Joshua Sharfstein, MD, vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Sharfstein and Dr. Monroe discuss the importance of state public health and the future of public health in our nation.   For a full episode transcript, visit cdcfoundation.org/conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:10] Dr. Monroe provides information about her background. [2:15] Dr. Monroe was asked by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to co-chair a commission looking at the public health system in the state of Indiana and making recommendations for future policies. [4:46] Dr. Monroe discusses how this public health commission is structured in Indiana and what they are tasked with. [7:00] Dr. Sharfstein asks abo

In today's world, people are used to having immediate access to data directly from the phones in their pockets. But how do public health agencies ensure that their massive and complex sets of data are managed at both scale and speed? Dr. Daniel Jernigan, who has led CDC's responses to dozens of disease outbreaks and flu pandemics in the United States and around the world, sits down with Claire Stinson to discuss all things data modernization in this episode of Contagious Conversations.   For a full episode transcript, visit cdcfoundation.org/conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:35] Dr. Jernigan shares why he was interested in becoming a disease detective. [3:10] Dr Jernigan talks about his current role at CDC. [4:30] Dr. Jernigan shares how his experience with the H1N1 response helped him prepare to help with the COVID-19 pandemic response. [5:34] What have we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic that is helping us improve the quality, sharing and use of data for preventing chronic and infectious diseases? [7:58]

In this episode of Contagious Conversations, Dr. Anand Parekh breaks down the critical population health and policy issues facing the United States now—plus what's needed in a public health workforce of the future. Dr. Parekh is the chief medical advisor for the Bipartisan Policy Center. Prior to joining the BPC, he served for ten years at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, playing instrumental roles in the implementation of the Recovery Act’s Prevention and Wellness Fund, the Affordable Care Act, and HHS’ Multiple Chronic Conditions Initiative. Dr. Parekh is a board-certified internal medicine physician, a fellow of the American College of Physicians, and an adjunct assistant professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University.  For a full episode transcript, visit cdcfoundation.org/conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:53] Dr. Parekh discusses his role at the Bipartisan Policy Center. [3:52] What is Dr. Parekh’s focus area in health? [5:05] Why is the Public Health Forward framework needed? [7:12]

In this episode of Contagious Conversations, Dr. Heidi Larson discusses the spread of vaccine rumors, how these rumors impact confidence in science, and how we can help put a stop to them. Dr. Larson is the professor of anthropology, risk and decision science and the founding director of the Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. She is also the author of a recent book, Stuck: How Vaccine Rumors Start - and Why They Don't Go Away. For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: 1:22] Professor Larson explains what it means to be called a vaccine anthropologist. [3:53] Professor Larson talks about her research on vaccination rumors and how it relates to COVID-19. [5:45] Professor Larson explains the role of the Vaccine Confidence Project. [9:49]  What has Professor Larson’s research shown about the main causes of rumors and misinformation around the COVID-19 vaccine? [12:54] What has surprised Professor Larson about her research? [14

In this episode of Contagious Conversations, Anna King and Elizabeth Rorick of the National PTA discuss the impact of COVID-19 on schools, children and parents—especially when it comes to mental health—and their advice for nurturing healthy minds. Anna King has over 20 years of leadership experience at all levels of PTA and is a dedicated and passionate child advocate. Elizabeth Rorick has been with the National PTA for more than 12 years, representing PTA before Congress on a vast array of children's education K-12 issues, including special education, early childhood and children's behavioral health. For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:50] Anna talks about the role of the National PTA. [2:30] How has COVID-19 affected Anna’s role as National PTA President? [3:40] Beth talks about her role at the National PTA. [4:38] Beth speaks about the importance of mental health during this pandemic for parents and children. [5:59] Anna shares how COVID-19 is affecting educa

Dr. Judy Monroe hosts Dr. Atul Nakhasi and Dr. Elizabeth Homan Sandoval, frontline doctors working on the COVID-19 response, in a discussion about how vaccine hesitancy continues to be a challenge in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and the power of spreading culturally competent information using trusted voices in our communities. Dr. Nakhasi serves as an advisor to the office of government affairs and policy for the LA County Department of Health Services and is the co-founder of ThisIsOurShot, the country’s leading vaccine trust movement by frontline healthcare workers. Dr. Homan Sandoval is a psychiatrist working with children and teens and also focuses on educating and empowering the Latinx community to get vaccinated and highlighting ways to combat healthcare disparities. For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:54] Dr. Nakhasi shares how COVID-19 changed the work that he does as a doctor. [3:37] Dr. Homan Sandoval talks about how her work with children and teens

In this special episode of Contagious Conversations, new CDC director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky joins CDC Foundation President and CEO Dr. Judy Monroe to discuss CDC's latest work to combat COVID-19, how public health professionals can help prepare communities for a new normal, and her vision for the future of the agency that works 24/7 to protect America's health, safety and security. Dr. Walensky is an influential scholar whose pioneering research has helped to advance the national and global response for HIV and AIDS. She has served as chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Most recently, she served on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic and conducted research on vaccine delivery and strategies to reach underserved communities. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [2:12] Dr. Walensky shares how she decided to work in the field of public health. 

When Dr. Evelyn McKnight was battling breast cancer in 2002, the last thing on her mind was hepatitis C. So when she and her husband Thomas learned she had contracted the virus from unsafe injection practices during her treatment, they were shocked. Now she's sharing the story of how she turned this tragic event into an ongoing campaign for patient safety. Dr. Evelyn McKnight, an audiologist and mother of three, is a nationally recognized patient safety advocate and survivor of one of the largest viral outbreaks in American healthcare history. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:16]  What drew Dr. McKnight to her career as an audiologist. [4:01] Dr. McKnight shares her journey battling a recurrence of breast cancer and learning she had been infected with hepatitis C while receiving treatment. [6:03] Dr. McKnight talks about receiving the diagnosis of hepatitis C. [7:33] Dr. McKnight describes the climate at the moment she and her husband, Tho

After a career in pediatrics and both public and private health leadership, Dr. Lauren Smith is now stepping into the new position of chief health equity and strategy officer at the CDC Foundation. In this episode, she discusses the perspectives on health equity, systemic racism and community resiliency that she's bringing to the role. Dr. Lauren Smith is the chief health equity and strategy officer for the CDC Foundation. In her new role for the foundation, Dr. Smith partners with senior leaders to develop and drive strategic efforts to embed health equity across COVID-19 response activities. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Dr. Smith shares her motivation to work as a pediatrician and how that choice shaped her career. [3:57] Dr. Smith talks about the impact of public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. [7:08] Dr. Smith explains why trust and credibility are part of the core mission of public health. [8:20] Dr. Smith talks about hea

Meet the man whose discovery has made it possible to save millions of lives. In this episode, Dr. Harvey Alter shares the story of his 50-plus year career and how his research led to the discovery of the hepatitis C virus. Dr. Harvey J. Alter is a Senior Scholar at the National Institute for Health and was just named the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his work in discovering the hepatitis C Virus. Dr. Alter’s research focused on patients who developed chronic hepatitis from an unknown agent during blood transfusions. Dr. Alter was also the recipient of the 2015 CDC Foundation Fries Prize for Improving Health, which is an award that recognizes an individual who has made major contributions to improve health. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations.   Key Takeaways: [1:35] Dr. Alter shares how he received the news about receiving the Nobel Prize in Medicine. [2:47] What drew Dr. Alter to the field of health research? [6:40] Dr. Alter talks about his caree

In Season 6 of Contagious Conversations, you'll hear what it was like to discover Hepatitis C from recent Nobel Prize winner Dr. Harvey Alter, learn about the latest strategies for tackling health equity and systemic racism during the COVID-19 pandemic from Dr. Lauren Smith, and find out how advocates like Dr. Evelyn McKnight are working to save lives by preventing unsafe injection practices.

Chief Lynn Malerba has served as a registered nurse, as director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, as chairwoman of the Tribal Council and now as the first female Chief of the Mohegan Tribe. And she’s now drawing on this full history as the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps disproportionately through the Native American population. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). About Chief Malerba: Chief Lynn Malerba the first female Chief in the modern history of the Mohegan Tribe, a sovereign, federally-recognized Indian tribe with a reservation in Southeastern Connecticut. Prior to becoming Chief, Malerba served as chairwoman of the Tribal Council and served in Tribal Government as executive director of Health and Human Services. Preceding her work for the Mohegan Tribe, Malerba had a lengthy career as a registered nurse and as the director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memoria

How much do you really know about contact tracing? And would you have what it takes to be a successful contact tracer? Dr. Joshua Sharfstein of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health takes listeners through the essential ins and outs of contact tracing during a public health crisis like COVID-19. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). About Dr. Sharfstein: Dr. Joshua Sharfstein is the vice dean for public health practice and community engagement, as well as professor of practice in health policy and management, at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Dr. Sharfstein is also director of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative. His previous roles have included secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, principal deputy commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, commissioner of health for Baltimore City, and health policy advisor for Congressman Henry A. Waxman.   Key Takeaways: [1

Daniel E. Dawes is the director of the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine, an institute laser-focused on advancement of health equity. Now Dawes sits down to discuss the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color and marginalized populations, and the importance of understanding political determinants of health in the context of American history. For more information and full episode transcription go to Contagious Conversations (www.cdcfoundation.org/conversations). About Daniel Dawes: Daniel Dawes is a widely respected leader and scholar in the health equity movement and has led numerous efforts to address health policy issues impacting vulnerable, under-resourced, and marginalized populations. Dawes has been instrumental in shaping major federal health policies including the Mental Health Parity Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, and the Affordable Care Act, where he led the largest network of leaders committed to prioritizing health equ