This is Public Health

Illinois Department of Public Health
This is Public Health, a production of the Illinois Department of Public Health, investigates specific aspects of public health in each episode and explores our efforts to make Illinois a safe and healthy place to live.

All Episodes

In this episode of This is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we dive into the topic of gun violence as a public health issue and discuss ways we can work to reduce its impact in our communities. We're joined by IDPH Chief Operating Officer, Shannon Lightner, and Brady: United Against Gun Violence's Chief Officer for Policy & Programs, Christian Heyne. In this episode, we discuss the recent declaration by the U.S. Surgeon General of gun violence as a public health crisis, our partnership with organizations like Brady, and the launch of our new campaign, Pause to Heal, which highlights the importance of firearm restraining orders (FROs) in preventing gun violence. Learn more about FROs: illinois.gov/pausetoheal Learn more about Brady United Against Gun Violence | Brady Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn Follow This is Public Health on Spotify so you never miss an episode. ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn

Jul 15

12 min 59 sec

In this episode of This is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we delve into the academic partnerships and collaborations between the department and public institutions across Illinois. We're joined by IDPH Director, Dr. Sameer Vohra, and University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health Dean, Dr. Wayne Giles. In this episode, we discuss the importance of educating the next era of public health professionals through programs like UIC's and why IDPH is so dedicated to creating and supporting partnerships in every sector public health touches. Follow This is Public Health on Spotify so you never miss an episode. ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn

Jul 1

17 min 16 sec

In this episode of This is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we delve into men's health with a spotlight on prostate cancer awareness. We're joined by Linda Kasebier, IDPH Comprehensive Cancer Control Program Manager and Lester Adams, prostate cancer survivor. In this episode, Linda and Lester share their expertise and personal experiences, discussing the importance of early detection, treatment options, and the support available for those battling prostate cancer. Their discussion aims to raise awareness and provide valuable information to help men take charge of their health. Follow This is Public Health on Spotify so you never miss an episode. ⁠Facebook⁠ | ⁠X⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn

Jun 17

14 min 53 sec

In this episode of This is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we delve into environmental health, both inside the home and outdoors. Whether it's the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the spaces we live in, environmental health affects us all. We're joined by Aaron Martin, Environmental Toxicology Section Chief and Kert McAfee, Lead Program Manager. Further reading: Lead poisoning prevention: dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/lead-poisoning-prevention.html Indoor air quality and healthy homes: dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/toxicology/indoor-air-quality-healthy-homes.html Outdoor air quality and wildfire smoke: dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/wildfire-smoke.html Water quality and wells: dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/environmental-health-protection/private-water.html Follow This is Public Health on Spotify so you never miss an episode. Facebook | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Jun 10

13 min 51 sec

In this episode of This is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we delve into the critical issue of tickborne illnesses during Lyme Awareness Month. Our guests, Jennifer Russell, Director of the Illinois Lyme Association, and Dr. Arti Barnes, Chief Medical Officer at IDPH, join us for an enlightening discussion on the rising prevalence of Lyme disease and other tickborne illnesses in Illinois. Jennifer Russell shares her personal journey and advocacy work with the Illinois Lyme Association, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by those affected by Lyme disease. She discusses the association's efforts in raising awareness, supporting patients, and pushing for better policies and research. Dr. Arti Barnes provides a medical perspective on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tickborne diseases. She explains the latest data on the incidence of these illnesses in Illinois, highlights effective public health strategies, and offers practical advice for protecting yourself and your loved ones from tick bites. Tune in to learn about the signs and symptoms of tickborne illnesses, the importance of early detection, and the best practices for tick prevention. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a healthcare professional, or simply looking to stay informed, this episode is packed with essential information to help you "Fight The Bite." Learn more about the Illinois Lyme Association: illymeassociation.org Facebook | LinkedIn Follow This is Public Health on Spotify so you never miss an episode.

May 20

27 min 17 sec

In this episode of This is Public Health, we explore the critical topic of mental health, with a special focus on children's services during Mental Health Awareness Month. Join us as we discuss Mental Health initiatives with Dr. Dana Weiner, Director of Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, Regina Crider, Senior Policy Analyst, CBHT and Mike Stiehl, Chief Technology Officer, CBHT.

May 6

14 min 11 sec

This is Public Health, a podcast by the Illinois Department of Public Health, looks at a specific aspect of public health in each episode and our efforts to make Illinois a safer and healthier state. We are thrilled to be joined by IDPH Director Sameer Vohra and American Public Health Association Director Georges C. Benjamin this week. They discuss our shared path forward as we battle disparities and inequities in public health.

Apr 29

18 min 21 sec

This is Public Health, a podcast by the Illinois Department of Public Health, looks at a specific aspect of public health in each episode and our efforts to make Illinois a safer and healthier state. Learn the vital importance of Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) laboratories in protecting public health with Bureau chief of testing for IDPH Charles Williams. He explains how the laboratories track various transmission of tuberculosis and outbreaks like COVID-19. Learn how IDPH labs are leading the way in monitoring diseases, safeguarding the health of Illinois' residents.

Apr 22

13 min 23 sec

This is Public Health, a podcast by the Illinois Department of Public Health, looks at a specific aspect of public health in each episode and our efforts to make Illinois a safer and healthier state. This week we are joined by Maura Quinlan, Women's Health Medical Advisor for IDPH, to discuss all things maternal health, including the recent rise in congenital syphilis cases.

Apr 15

11 min 41 sec

This is Public Health, a podcast by the Illinois Department of Public Health, looks at a specific aspect of public health and our efforts to make Illinois a safer and healthier state. This week we are joined by Mona Van Kanegan, Chief of our Oral Health Section to discuss why oral health is the key to overall health and wellness.

Apr 8

14 min 12 sec

Introducing This is Public Health, a new podcast by the Illinois Department of Public Health! Each episode looks at a specific aspect of public health and our efforts to make Illinois a safer and healthier state. This first episode features IDPH Director Sameer Vohra to kick off National Public Health Week, along with our own campaign, 30 Days of Public Health.

Apr 1

13 min 9 sec