Public Health Out Loud

While falls can happen to anyone, older adults are more likely to experience serious injuries as a result. That's why falls prevention is an important public health issue for all of us, not just for older adults but also for their families, caregivers, and communities. In this episode, Dr. Carol Petrie, a board certified expert in geriatric physical therapy and falls prevention talks about the best ways to reduce our risk of falling, when we should begin thinking about it, advice for caregivers, and so much more.  

National Recovery Month has been observed in September in the US since 1989 as a time to promote and support the nation’s strong, diverse, and resilient recovery community. In this episode, Cathy Schultz, MPH, Director of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force, and Stacey Levin, CPRS, CCHW, Deputy Director of Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES), talk about the personal nature behind every recovery journey, the resources available in Rhode Island, and the importance of meeting people where they're at.

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31. It’s a time to honor the lives lost to overdose, support families and people we care about who continue to grieve, and recommit ourselves to being part of the solution to prevent future tragedies.

In this episode, Ashley Perry, Deputy Director and Overdose Prevention Center Director at Project Weber/RENEW, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit providing compassionate, peer-led harm reduction and recovery support services, talks about the organization's role in coordinating Rhode Island’s annual International Overdose Awareness Day naloxone distribution activities. The statewide celebration will be observed this year on September 1. 

For anyone who would like to volunteer to help with the event, please email [email protected]. Click here to find and International Overdose Awareness Day event near you. 

As the national cyclosporiasis foodborne outbreak continues to grow, so do questions and concerns. In this episode, Dr. Brendalee Viveiros, Chief of RIDOH’s Center for Food Protection talks about what we know, how foodborne illness investigations like this one work, and steps you can take to reduce your risk. 

Rhode Islanders have been hearing frequent news reports about animals testing positive for rabies in heavily populated areas. While we are seeing an increase here in the Ocean State, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.  In this episode, Chuck McGinnis, a RIDOH Public Health Nurse and Alexia Larson, a Public Health Epidemiologist, both from RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology, talk about what the data show, how to avoid animal bites, and more. 

Rhode Island’s healthcare shortage, workforce gaps, and other challenges affect access to care for all who live here. But a movement has been underway for some time to ensure the State has a steady supply of dedicated, well-trained, and highly skilled workers. 

In this episode, Rick Brooks, director of Health Workforce Transformation at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, talks about current initiatives and the importance of having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the communities - and individuals - whom they serve. 

Viruses like Ebola, hantavirus, and measles are common in today’s news, and can be a cause for concern, especially during large events like the FIFA World Cup. As thousands of spectators travel to Rhode Island and other nearby states this month, should biothreats - or even bioterrorism -  be on our radar?  In this episode, Dr. Charles McKay, a retired physician trained in emergency medicine and medical toxicology talks about biological threats and gives practical information on how we can all be better prepared in our communities. 

Drowning is a leading cause of death in childhood, especially for children age 1 to 4. But prevention measures are needed at all ages. In this episode, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist, Rebecca Wingerter and Executive Director of Stages of Freedom, Ray Rickman talk about water safety measures, the disparities that exist among Black and low income people, and the skills everyone should know that could save a life. 

In this episode, Yale School of Public Health’s Dean, Dr. Megan Ranney, talks about what the data show and what can potentially be done to address gun violence and mass shootings. Even here in Rhode Island, gun violence has made recent headlines. In December, an armed suspect killed two students at Brown University and wounded nine others. In February, an armed shooter killed two and injured three others before turning the gun on themselves at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket. But prevention is about more than making legislation. 

A new, independent film coming to Rhode Island this weekend. The Chaplain and the Doctor follows ICU physician, palliative care doctor, and filmmaker, Jessica Zitter, and her collaboration with a hospital chaplain named Betty Clark. The film explores how compassion, curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration can transform the care of patients and families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Zitter talks about her film, her experience, and a new kind of care - one that honors the diverse backgrounds of patients, and the most human needs we all share.