Violence is a public health crisis—but it is preventable. In this episode of Equal Dose, we dive into data-driven strategies to reduce violence with expert guests Dr.Phyllis Ottley, CDC and Dr. Jeff Temple, UTHealth Houston.
🔎 Learn how community involvement, policy change, and education can break cycles of violence and create safer futures for all.
🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!
👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights.

Links to resources mentioned:

- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10208308/
Phyllis quotes:
- https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/violence-prevention/media/pdf/resources-for-action/CV-Prevention-Resource-for-Action_508.pdf
- https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/main/home/
#ViolencePrevention #PublicHealth #CommunitySafety #EqualDosePodcast
📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Why Violence is a Public Health Issue
02:30 – The Scope of Violence in the U.S.
05:45 – How Data Guides Prevention Efforts
10:20 – Community Interventions That Work
15:00 – The Economic Cost of Violence
18:40 – The Role of Schools in Prevention
22:30 – Policy Changes and Legislative Action
27:10 – Breaking Cycles of Violence Across Generations
30:45 – How to Make a Difference
35:00 – Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

Rural America is facing a hidden crisis—the opioid epidemic is hitting harder than ever, yet these communities often lack access to essential care. 🚨
In this episode of Equal Dose, we dive deep into the challenges of substance use treatment in rural areas, where overdose rates are 45% higher than in cities.
🔎 Why is treatment failing rural communities?
💬 What role does peer recovery support play?
🤝 How can programs like PRISM and ARTEMIS bridge the gap?
Joining us:
📢 Dr. Sarah Kattakuhzy, Director of ARTEMIS, CESAR, University of Maryland, explains how healthcare needs to evolve to better support those struggling with polysubstance use.https://cesar.umd.edu/

📢 Dwayne Dean, a Peer Recovery Specialist, University of Maryland, with 11 years in recovery, shares his powerful personal story—from battling addiction to becoming a lifeline for others seeking recovery.https://www.gmhaddictionlab.org/ddean
Why does this matter? Because peers make recovery possible in ways clinical professionals alone cannot. People struggling with addiction need more than medication—they need trust, community, and someone who truly understands their journey.
🚨 This is more than just a crisis—it’s a public health issue that demands real solutions.
#EqualDosePodcast #OpioidCrisis #RuralHealth #PeerSupport #AddictionRecovery #HealthEquity #SubstanceUse #HarmReduction

CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to Equal Dose Podcast
00:04 – Understanding Rural Health & Health Equity
00:31 – The Opioid Epidemic in Rural America: Why It’s Different
01:12 – Introducing Dr. Sarah Kattakuhzy & Dwayne Dean
02:01 – ARTEMIS & PRISM: Transforming Addiction Recovery
04:45 – The Role of Peer Recovery Specialists in Substance Use Treatment
07:56 – What Is Polysubstance Use & Why Is It More Dangerous?
09:15 – Barriers to Healthcare in Rural America (Provider Shortages, Transportation, Telehealth Gaps)
12:35 – The Critical Need for Harm Reduction in Addiction Treatment
15:02 – Changing the Stigma Around Addiction & Drug Use
18:27 – How Peer Recovery Specialists Build Trust & Save Lives
21:34 – Why Rural Communities Struggle More with Substance Use Care
25:50 – The Future of Addiction Care: What Needs to Change?
28:45 – How the Patient Advisory Committee is Reshaping Research
31:12 – Final Thoughts & The Path Forward
32:00 – Next on Equal Dose: Preventing Violence in Communities
32:15 – Like & Subscribe to Support Health Equity Conversations

In this episode of Equal Dose, we dive deep into the overdose crisis, a pressing public health challenge in the United States. Host Autria Godfrey discusses the alarming statistics, the evolving drug supply, and the innovative strategies being deployed to save lives.

Featuring insights from:
- Dr. Allison Arwady, Director of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, on the role of data in overdose prevention.

- Dr. Eric Wish and Erin Artigiani from the Center for Substance Use, Addiction, and Health Research, University of Maryland who reveal the impact of urinalysis programs and their potential to shape policy.

We also examine how public health interventions, harm reduction, and real-time data collection are making a tangible difference in reducing fatalities.
💡 Don't miss this vital conversation on how communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers can work together for a healthier future. Like, comment, and subscribe to support our mission of health equity!

Chapters:

Introduction
00:00:00 - Welcome to Equal Dose: Exploring health equity and better outcomes.
Overview of Overdose Prevention
00:00:27 - Topic introduction: Overdose prevention strategies and statistics.
Key Guests and Disclaimer
00:00:42 - Introducing Dr. Allison Arwady, Dr. Eric Wish, and Erin Artigiani.
00:01:07 - Podcast disclaimer about medical advice.
Rising Overdose Statistics
00:01:28 - Laila Rizvi shares insights on overdose fatalities and trends.
Hopeful Trends in Overdose Declines
00:02:52 - Discussion on a 10% decline in overdose fatalities since 2022.
CDC’s Approach to Overdose Prevention
00:03:30 - Dr. Arwady explains the CDC’s prevention and intervention strategies.
Data-Driven Prevention
00:05:24 - Importance of data in identifying overdose spikes and trends.
Case Study: New Jersey’s Overdose Response
00:09:19 - How local data-driven interventions reduced fatalities.
Emerging Drug Threats
00:11:41 - Medetomidine and other new substances in the drug supply.
Adapting Interventions for Diverse Communities
00:15:00 - Tailoring strategies to address different demographics and behaviors.
Predictive Analytics and Overdose Prevention
00:17:03 - Using predictive technologies to anticipate and prevent overdoses.
Youth Substance Use Prevention
00:20:27 - Progress in youth substance use and prevention strategies.
Future of Overdose Prevention
00:22:30 - Innovations on the horizon for overdose prevention efforts.
Urinalysis and the EDDS Program
00:25:25 - Dr. Wish explains the history and impact of the EDDS project.
Polysubstance Use and Policy Implications
00:29:03 - The challenges of addressing polysubstance use in public health.
Importance of Non-Stigmatizing Language
00:33:13 - How language affects treatment and recovery outcomes.
Challenges in Expanding EDDS
00:34:24 - Funding and implementation barriers for the EDDS program.
Collaborative Approaches to Substance Use Treatment
00:36:01 - Healthcare and community-based program collaborations.
Innovations in Data Application
00:38:00 - Developing toolkits and virtual communities for ED staff.
Closing Discussion
00:43:00 - Recap of challenges and successes in overdose prevention.
Looking Ahead
00:44:32 - Preview of the next episode: Rural health and polysubstance abuse.
Credits
00:45:02 - Acknowledgment of the production team.

In this episode of Equal Dose, we delve into the pressing issues surrounding disability, health equity, and systemic ableism. Join hosts Autria Godfrey, Stephen Horn, and Laila Rizvi as they speak with leading experts, including Sharon Milberger, Jaime Junior from Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute and Professor Michelle Meade from the University of Michigan’s Center for Disability Health and Wellness.
Discover the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, explore groundbreaking initiatives like MVP Certification for accessible healthcare, and hear firsthand about the intersection of disability, advocacy, and systemic change.

📌 Topics covered:
• The social and medical models of disability
• Addressing ableism in healthcare
• Building trust in public health systems
• Advocating for inclusive policies

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel and join the conversation on how we can create a healthier, more inclusive future for all.
- https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s0716-Adult-disability.html#:~:text=The%20latest%20data%2C%20from%20the,having%20a%20disability%20in%202022.
- https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240063600
- https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/health-equity-ableism-primer.pdf
- https://nwlc.org/resource/forced-sterilization-of-disabled-people-in-the-united-states/.
-https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8722582/#:~:text=Across%20participants%3A%2079.8%25%20%E2%80%9Cstrongly,have%20worse%20QOL%20than%20people

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Welcome to Equal Dose
00:00:12 - Meet the Hosts
00:00:41 - Today's Topic: Disability and Health Equity
00:01:05 - Disclaimer
00:01:22 - Expert Guests on Disability and Inclusion
00:02:03 - Broad Demographics of Disability
00:03:01 - Economic Costs of Disability
00:04:00 - Ableism in Healthcare
00:05:05 - Historical Ableism in the U.S.
00:06:02 - Creating Accessible Healthcare Systems
00:07:50 - Systemic Barriers to Inclusion
00:10:00 - Disability Advocacy in Leadership
00:12:15 - Advocacy and Personal Experience
00:15:30 - Public Trust in Healthcare Systems
00:19:00 - Training Gaps in Medical Education
00:22:00 - Public Perceptions of Disability
00:25:00 - The Role of UCEDDs in Systems Change
00:30:00 - Legal Gaps in the ADA
00:33:50 - Distrust in Public Health Post-COVID
00:38:00 - Future Actions for Disability Equity
00:39:50 - Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview

In this special episode of Equal Dose, we mark the 70th anniversary of the first successful organ transplant and explore the powerful impact of organ donation and transplantation. Join hosts Autria Godfrey in Washington, DC, and Stephen Horn in London as they dive into personal stories and groundbreaking advancements in the field of transplantation.
Episode Highlights:
- Kristina Moon shares the legacy of her late husband, firefighter Billy Moon, and the incredible story of the lives he saved through organ donation.
- Dr. Luke Yates from the UK charity Live Life Give Life discusses his personal story of loss and his advocacy for increased organ donor registration.
- Jeff Orlowski, CEO of LifeShare Network, explains the latest transplantation technologies and successful outreach for donor registration.

Tune in to hear these stories of resilience, legacy, and innovation as we honor the progress in organ donation and the ongoing need to support those waiting for transplants.
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to spread awareness and celebrate the gift of life that organ donation brings.
Resources and Links:
Learn more about organ donation: NHS Organ Donation (UK) / OrganDonor.gov (US)
The Billy Moon Foundation: billymoonfoundation.org
Live Life Give Life: livelifegivelife.org
LifeShare Network: lifeshareok.org
#EqualDosePodcast #OrganDonation #TransplantAnniversary #HealthEquity #Podcast #transplant #health
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome to Equal Dose
00:03 - Introduction to Social Determinants of Health
00:08 - Hosts Introductions: Autria Godfrey and Stephen Horn
00:13 - Podcast Focus on Health Equity
00:23 - Episode Topic: 70th Anniversary of Transplantation
00:49 - Medical Disclaimer
01:14 - Guest Previews: Kristina Moon, Luke Yates, and Jeff Orlowski
01:35 - Historical Background: First Kidney Transplant (1954)
01:43 - Transplant Between Identical Twins
01:51 - Nobel Prize for Dr. Joseph Murray's Work in Transplantation
01:58 - Transplant Statistics in the UK
02:05 - Guest Introduction: Laila Rizvi, WebsEdge
02:19 - Impact of Organ Donation: Current Statistics and Challenges
03:05 - Introducing Kristina Moon and the Legacy of Billy Moon
03:33 - Kristina Moon Shares Her Story: December 2022
04:39 - Billy Moon’s Organ Donation: Saving Five Lives
05:50 - The Billy Moon Foundation and Its Mission
07:22 - Maintaining Connections with Organ Recipients
08:39 - Meeting Billy's Heart Recipient: An Emotional Moment
09:37 - Heartbeat Keepsake with Build-A-Bear
10:10 - Introducing Luke Yates from Live Life Give Life
10:24 - Luke's Story: Waiting for a Transplant for His Wife
12:02 - The Challenge of Waiting for a Transplant
13:00 - Organ Shortage and Cultural Barriers in the UK
15:08 - Jeff Orlowski on Advances in Transplantation Technology
16:55 - Normothermic Perfusion vs. Cold Storage for Organs
18:48 - Increasing Organ Donation in Underrepresented Communities
22:10 - Organ Donation as a Human Gift
25:10 - Collaborations with Communities and Healthcare Providers
28:03 - Logistics of the Donation and Transplant Process
31:28 - Closing Remarks and Thank You to Guests
31:38 - Preview of Next Episode: Equity in Data and Health Research
32:10 - Equal Dose is Brought to You by WebsEdge

Welcome to the debut episode of Equal Dose, the podcast dedicated to exploring ways to improve health outcomes for everyone!
In this first episode, hosts Autria Godfrey and Stephen Horn dive into a pressing issue affecting countless lives across the United States: access to mental health services.
They are joined by Dr. Mark Komrad, a renowned psychiatrist and faculty member at Johns Hopkins, Tulane, LSU, and the University of Maryland. Together, they unpack the complex landscape of mental health care, discussing:
Insurance Barriers: How limitations and restrictions by insurers inhibit access to mental health treatment.
Recent Policy Changes: An exploration of the Biden administration's new rule aimed at expanding access and lowering costs for mental health and substance use disorder care.
Ethical Dilemmas in Psychiatry: Delving into topics like involuntary treatment and the challenges psychiatrists face.
Innovations in Mental Health Support: Introducing Healthy Gamer, a platform supporting mental health in the gaming community, especially among younger generations.
Join us for an insightful conversation that sheds light on why mental health care can be so difficult to access and what steps are being taken to break down these barriers.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!
#worldmentalhealthday #EqualDosePodcast #MentalHealth #HealthEquity #MentalHealthAccess #BreakingBarriers #PodcastLaunch #MentalHealthAwareness #Healthcare #Wellbeing #DrMarkKomrad #HealthyGamer #WebsEdge #StephenHorn #AccessToCare #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastDebut #HealthForAll #InnovationInHealthcare #MentalHealthForAll

Program Notes:
https://familymedicine.uw.edu/rhrc/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/10/RHRC_DBOCT2022_PSYCHIATRIST_Andrilla.pdf
https://www.nami.org/support-education/publications-reports/public-policy-reports/a-long-road-ahead/\
https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/You-Need-Help!/Mark-S-Komrad/9781616494551.
YouTube Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Equal Dose
00:07 - Exploring Health Equity
00:14 - Today's Topic: Access to Mental Health Services
00:27 - Disclaimer
00:55 - Introducing Laila Rizvi
01:11 - Transatlantic Effort
01:25 - Unpacking Mental Health Services
01:34 - Upcoming Interview with Dr. Mark Komrad
01:52 - Barriers in Mental Health Care
02:06 - Background: Mental Health Parity Act
02:33 - NAMI Survey Findings
02:54 - Crisis Response vs. Prevention
03:02 - Biden Administration's New Rule
03:32 - Mental Health Coverage on Par with Physical Health
04:05 - President Biden's Statement
04:44 - Interview with Dr. Mark Komrad Begins
05:02 - Discussion on the New Rule
05:47 - The Three P's: Prior Authorization, Parity, Programming
06:11 - Challenges with Parity Enforcement
06:45 - Prior Authorization Hurdles
07:06 - Ghost Networks in Insurance
07:56 - Is the New Rule Comprehensive Enough?
08:47 - Reimbursement Rates and Insurance Participation
09:49 - Current State of Mental Health Services
10:45 - Telehealth's Impact on Access
12:00 - Shortages in Mental Health Care
12:42 - Ethical Dilemmas in Psychiatry
13:16 - Involuntary Treatment Ethics
14:33 - Physician-Assisted Suicide Debate
16:30 - Differences in Legislation Across States
17:30 - Potential Consequences of Policy Changes
18:12 - Introduction to Healthy Gamer
19:05 - Mission of Healthy Gamer
20:22 - Coaching vs. Therapy
21:45 - Educational Resources and Parental Support
22:33 - Dr. Komrad's Book: You Need Help!
23:20 - Empowering Families
24:50 - Navigating Involuntary Treatment Systems
26:06 - Closing Remarks with Dr. Komrad
26:12 - Preview of Next Episode
26:44 - Upcoming Guests
27:52 - Final Thoughts and Farewell
28:11 - Credits