This is Public Health

Men die almost 6 years earlier than women are almost 4 times more likely to die by suicide in Illinois. This June, we’re recognizing Men’s Health Awareness Month and discussing how Illinois is taking steps to close this gap. In this episode of This Is Public Health, Andrew Lerch, Section Chief for Men’s Health at IDPH, shares insights on the current state of men’s health in Illinois, why preventiv...

Measles has returned to Illinois, and case counts across the United States have now exceeded 1,000. We’ve seen your questions and heard your concerns, and now we have answers.   In this episode of This Is Public Health, we cover all you need to know to keep yourself and your loved ones protected from measles. Dr. Jennifer Seo, Pediatric Medicine Medical Advisor at IDPH, discusses what measles is,...

In this episode of This is Public Health, we're covering the important topic of maternal and infant health and what we’re doing to improve health outcomes in Illinois. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Lisa Masinter, OB/GYN and Deputy Director of the Office of Women's Health and Family Services at IDPH, and Dr. Robin L. Jones, OB/GYN, Institutional Lead for Birth Equity at Rush Universit...

In this episode of This is Public Health , we’re diving into the future of Illinois’ public health workforce. Join us for a conversation with Kristin Rzeczkowski, Workforce Director at the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Molly Peters, Public Health Administrator at Greene/Scott County Health Department and co-chair of the Public Health Workforce Transformation project. Kristin breaks dow...

Public health is everywhere—protecting us from disease, ensuring access to care, and responding to crises. But what happens when funding cuts threaten its impact? In this special episode, IDPH’s Director Dr. Sameer Vohra joins us to kick off 30 Days of Public Health , highlighting why we celebrate this work, the challenges of sustaining it, and what’s ahead for Illinois. We’ll discuss how public h...

Mental health and substance use disorder are deeply connected, yet stigma and systemic barriers often prevent people from accessing the care they need. In this important episode of This Is Public Health, we're joined by Julia Strehlow, Senior Advisor to the Director at IDPH; Melissa Stalets, Deputy Director of the Office of Health Promotion at IDPH; and Dr. Nicole Gastala, Medical Director for...

In this episode of This is Public Health , we're exploring how racism impacts health outcomes and what actions are being taken to create more equitable communities. Dr. Janice Phillips, Assistant Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Illinois State Representative Camille Lilly join us to discuss the ways systemic racism affects health and the work being done to address it....

In this episode of This is Public Health , we explore the crucial issue of chronic disease prevention through the lens of health equity. Our guests, Dr. David Chung, a family practice physician from Sparta, IL, and a member of the Illinois State Board of Health, and Dr. David Ansell, Chief Health Equity Officer and Senior Vice President for Community Health Equity at Rush University Medical Center...

In this episode of This is Public Health , we explore the world of emerging diseases—from what they are to how public health systems work tirelessly to detect and respond to potential threats. Join us as: 🩺 Dr. Arti Barnes, IDPH Chief Medical Officer, defines emerging diseases and explains their impact on global health. 🚨 Andrea DosSantos, Deputy Director, IDPH Office of Preparedness and Respons...

Welcome to a brand new season of This is Public Health ! In this episode, we explore Healthy Illinois 2028, a transformative initiative aimed at improving health and advancing equity across the state. Comprised of the State Health Assessment (SHA) and the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), Healthy Illinois 2028 is a collaborative effort to align resources, processes, and priorities for maximum...

As 2024 comes to a close, join us for a conversation with IDPH Director Sameer Vohra in this special episode of This is Public Health. Together, we reflect on the year's achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in public health, while looking ahead to 2025. From addressing community health to setting the stage for the future, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating...

In this episode of This is Public Health , we're joined by Andrea Perez, Section Chief for HIV/AIDS, and Marleigh Andrews-Conrad, Ryan White/Part B Program Administrator at IDPH to discuss the state of HIV in Illinois. Discover how IDPH is working to address HIV through innovative programs and resources aimed at prevention, treatment, and support. Follow This is Public Health on Spotify so you nev...

In this episode of This Is Public Health , we explore the unique challenges facing rural Illinois and the innovative solutions that aim to bridge these gaps. Join us as we sit down with Kristen Nolen, Section Chief for the IDPH Center for Rural Health, and Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association. Kristen provides insight into the concept of healthcare deserts - regions with limit...

In recognition of Diabetes Awareness Month, this episode of This Is Public Health dive in to the realities, challenges, and resources surrounding diabetes in Illinois. Join us as we speak with IDPH Diabetes Program Manager Keturah Tracy about the growing prevalence of diabetes, its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of prevention and early detection. From understanding the risk...

In this episode of This is Public Health , IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra is joined by Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. Lt. Governor Stratton shares her personal experience as a caregiver for her mother, highlighting the emotional and practical challenges many families face when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's. Together, they explore the importance of public health initiative...

In this heartfelt episode of This is Public Health , we sit down with Phallisha Curtis, Chief of Women's Health Services at IDPH, to discuss life-saving resources provided by the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP). This program offers free screenings and services to uninsured and underinsured women across Illinois, giving them access to care. We also hear from Halie, who shares he...

As the fall season sets in, respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. In this timely episode of This is Public Health , brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we are joined by infectious disease experts: Graham Briggs, IDPH Epidemiologist Dr. Arti Barnes, IDPH Chief Medical Officer for an in-depth discussion on...

In this episode of This is Public Health , we dive into the world of data modernization and explore how it's transforming public health in Illinois. We're joined by experts: Dejan Jovanov, Informatics Section Chief at IDPH Dr. Abel Kho, Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Our guests discuss the innovative technologies and strategies that are helping...

In this episode of This Is Public Health, brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we tackle the urgent issues of overdose awareness, substance use, and harm reduction. With opioid-related overdoses on the rise, it's more important than ever to understand the tools and strategies that can save lives and support those struggling with substance use. We're joined by experts...

In this episode of This is Public Health , brought to you by the Illinois Department of Public Health, we're discussing the importance of immunizations as children head back to school this fall. We're joined by Dr. Hillary Spencer, IDPH Infection Prevention Medical Advisor, and Dr. Michelle Barnes, President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. They explain Illino...

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...

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 importa...

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, discuss...

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 Man...

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 oth...