Countermeasures

Thank you for listening to this season of Countermeasures so far. We will be back on December 3rd with more conversations with leading public health experts.

Biological threats, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate, pose growing challenges for global security. In this episode, experts from the U.S. and Europe discuss how public–private partnerships, global cooperation, and sustained investment can strengthen biodefense and ensure the world is prepared before the next crisis begins.

Guests:

• Christopher Frech, Senior Advisor of Global Government Affairs at Emergent BioSolutions
• Wolfgang Philipp, Principal Advisor and Chief Science Officer at the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)

Although Smallpox has been eradicated, Orthopoxviruses, the group of viruses to which it belongs, still present a major health threat in the form of viruses like Mpox. 

In this episode, we explore the history of Orthopox viruses, the threat they present today, and the strategies for addressing them. Hear from experts who discuss the role of education, vaccination and the One Health approach in mitigating future outbreaks. 

Guests: 

• Dr Rene Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP. Director of Public Health and Editor of the History of Vaccines Project at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. 
• Dr. Martin Muchangi, Director for Population Health and Environment at Amref
• Eric Balsley, Director, Product Management at Emergent BioSolutions

Rising temperatures, global travel, and urbanization are reshaping the landscape of infectious disease. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors are carrying pathogens into new regions, and with them, threats like malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus.

In this episode, we examine the fight against vector-borne diseases. Guests share insights on prevention tools, vaccine advancements, and the power of community education in reducing the toll of these diseases worldwide.



Guests:

• Dr. Matthew Phillips, Physician-Scientist, Mass General Brigham
• Dr. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Professor of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology
• Rob Mather, Founder, Against Malaria Foundation

In our first two seasons, Countermeasures examined the opioid crisis and its far-reaching impact across communities. Now, we’re widening the lens. Season 3 explores emerging global health threats, from bio threats to the growing impacts of climate change, and the people working to prepare for what’s next. Join leading experts, researchers, and practitioners as they share how we can build resilience against the challenges ahead.

When you think of the opioid crisis, older adults are likely not what comes to mind. However, older adults are highly impacted by the crisis. For some, it is a result of the opioid medications prescribed for chronic pain, while others have struggled with chronic substance use disorder for years, even before the crisis began. 

 In this episode, we explore the often unexpected ways the opioid crisis is affecting older adults. We'll dive into why this group is so often overlooked in discussions about dependency and recovery, and examine the unique challenges they face in accessing education and care.

Guests:

• Maryann Mason, PhD,  Sociologist and an associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwestern University
• Mary Nguyen, Pharmacist
• Jessica Liebster, Case Manager at West Neighbourhood House

Going to college is an exciting time filled with new experiences. For some students, it might also be their first exposure to opioids, and they may not know the dangers of accidental overdose. 

However, college is also a time when many students get involved in creating change and promoting education to protect themselves, other students, and their communities. In this episode, hear how the conversation around overdose on college campuses is changing, and the students, administrators, and public health experts working to create safer campuses for everyone. 



Guests:

• Riley Sullivan, Bella Grumet and Kathleen Ready of the Carolina Harm Reduction Union 
• Cori Hammond, M.P.H, Director, Prevention Services, Partnership to End Addiction 
• Alexis Drakatos, Assistant Director of Substance Misuse Prevention at the University of Oregon 

Stress and other challenges often follow us into the workplace, and for those struggling with opioid dependency, the risks can be even more serious. Opioid overdose can happen on the job, yet many employees aren't aware of the warning signs or how to respond to help save a coworker’s life.

In this episode, we explore efforts to create safer, more supportive work environments, including initiatives to make naloxone accessible and build recovery-friendly workplaces. Hear how businesses can be part of the solution.

Guests:

• Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council
• Desiree Voshefksy, Community Impact Manager at  Community Medical Services for Eastern Arizona
• Cal Beyer, Senior Director for SAFE Workplaces at SAFE Project
• Dr. Joel Moody, Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills development

Resources:

• The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the Workplace
• Waging A Counterattack on Opioids: First-Dose Prevention Strategies for the Workplace & at Home

Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and middle and high school students are dying at unacceptable rates. Students across the country are advocating for more education and better access to resources in schools, so they can keep themselves and their peers safe. 

In this episode, hear from some of those students, as well as an adolescent health expert, about how the opioid crisis has touched this population, and how they are working to help create a safer future for everyone. 

Guests:

• Hays Stritikus, Co-Director, Students Against Overdose 
• Dr. Patricia Kapunan, Pediatrician and Adolescent Health Specialist
• Jackson Taylor, student and advocate
• Sujit Hedge, student, advocate and volunteer EMS provider 

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

It takes a village to care for a newborn and navigate early motherhood, but mothers with a history of opioid dependency often lack the community support that can help them thrive. Stigma can be a barrier to getting proper care for themselves and their babies, which may be heightened for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Even the act of asking nurses at the hospital for advice can seem daunting. 

This episode, we talk to people and organizations who are working to reduce stigma and improve outcomes. By providing compassionate care, both mothers and infants can be set up for success. 

Guests: 

• Nikole Young,  Director at Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery Center
• Tara Sundem, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hushabye Nursery
• Justin Phillips,  CEO and Founder of Overdose Lifeline

To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com