This is an episode that’s both informative and inspiring, revealing why public health matters and how it touches the lives of every county resident—every day.

Kenneth Wilson sits down with Franklin County Public Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola for an insightful and engaging conversation about all things public health in Franklin County. Whether you’ve ever wondered what a health commissioner does, how epidemiology helps keep communities safe, or why local partnerships matter, this episode is packed with answers.

Joe Mazzola shares his unconventional journey from political campaign work to leading public health efforts, highlights the broad array of services Franklin County Public Health provides—from food inspections and mosquito control to maternal wellness and addiction support—and unpacks his agency’s innovative work tackling issues like infant mortality and substance use disorder.

The discussion also covers how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the approach to health emergencies, why community initiatives like Recover for Life make Franklin County different, and even how artificial intelligence might impact future public health efforts. Plus, you’ll get a few personal insights about Joe Mazzola through a fun lightning round at the end.

Moments

00:00 "Unexpected Paths in Public Health"

05:58 Epidemiologists: Data-Driven Health Storytellers

08:56 Health Department Services Overview

11:45 Community Health Improvement Plan

13:50 Franklin County Addiction Response Plan

19:16 Housing for Health Innovation

23:05 Beyond Nuisance Abatement

24:59 Townships: Core of Health Department

27:45 Health Prevention Strategies

30:50 "Franklin County Recovery Campaign"

33:52 Pandemic's Impact on Public Health

39:29 AI in Healthcare: Challenges & Trust

40:34 AI Needs Human Oversight

46:52 Support Franklin County Community

47:31 "Amplify Lives, Spread Kindness"

Takeaways

Here are three key takeaways:

• Collaboration is at the heart of progress: Joe Mazzola emphasizes the power of partnerships—whether it's tackling infant mortality through initiatives like Celebrate1 or addressing substance use disorder with the Columbus Franklin County Addiction Plan. Working together with local agencies, townships, and community organizations makes a measurable difference.
• Public health is more than just responding to outbreaks: From environmental health (like food safety and mosquito control) to tackling social determinants, the Franklin County Public Health team focuses on preventive services and holistic health solutions—including innovative housing collaborations for better community outcomes.
• Continuous learning from challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic was a major pivot point, highlighting the need for strong relationships, clear communication, and constant preparedness. As Joe Mazzola shares, these lessons are leading to lasting changes in how the county approaches health emergencies—with an eye on technology and equity.

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Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

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