Public Health Joy

S2 Ep 13: Building Connections, Saving Lives


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In this episode, we are talking with Brandon Johnson about building connections and saving lives as a tireless advocate for positive mental health and suicide prevention services. This is where research meets relationship. Together, we will find our public health joy. 


Key Points From This Episode:

  • Introducing today’s guest, Brandon J. Johnson, his work with SAMHSA, and his new role as Acting Branch Chief of the Suicide Prevention Branch. [0:00:50]

  • Why any role can serve you and teach you important transferable skills. [0:04:43]

  • Using passion to help you persevere through difficult challenges. [0:09:24]

  • The adversity experienced by people of color, leading to higher rates of burnout. [0:10:50]

  • What it means to understand your community and tap into what they need. [0:11:22]

  • Shining a light on human connection and how it drives public health work. [0:13:19]

  • Brandon’s thoughts on community engagement when dealing with sensitive topics like

  • suicide, and violence, prevention. [0:16:09]

  • Meeting people where they are and how vulnerability will help you in the long run. [0:21:28]

  • What Brandon learned about human connection from being a research assistant. [0:23:24]

  • An overview of what you learn as an MCHES, how it differs from being a CHES, and how

  • MCHES training enables you to have a community perspective. [0:27:13]

  • Occupying a leadership role and the opportunity to model behavior for others. [0:29:17]

  • Why the real work happens after you take your MCHES exams. [0:30:49]

  • Brandon shares what brings him the most joy in his work. [0:33:24]

  • Find out how you can get in touch with Brandon online. [0:35:55]


  • If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and, leave a review!  For more transcripts, show notes, and more visit: https://joyeewashington.com/podcast/

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    Public Health JoyBy Dr. Joyee Washington

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