Healthier Together: Larimer County's Public Health Podcast

What's up in public health this week? Health equity is critical to our mission here at the health department. As we work to provide everyone in Larimer County the opportunity for a healthy life, identifying and addressing inequities is crucial. This week, our Health Equity Initiatives Coordinator, Devontay Tobe , joins us to discuss health equity and how it shows up in the work of the health depar...

What's up in public health this week? The health department recently launched a new Perinatal Nurse Support Program (PNSP). This program provides support for pregnant and postpartum individuals affected by substance use. They work alongside families during pregnancy and early infancy, offering education, resources, care coordination, and encouragement. In this episode, Senior Public Health Nurse K...

What's up in public health this week? Ground-level ozone is Larimer County's most pressing air quality issue. This week, we're joined by Mike Silverstein and Kelsey Simpkins from the Regional Air Quality Council . Mike serves as their Executive Director and Kelsey is the RAQC's Communications and Program Manager. They explain how ground-level ozone forms, how it impacts our health, and steps we ca...

What's up in public health this week? Ticks may be small, but they can have a big impact on human and animal health. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Chris Roundy, Medical Entomologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment , to discuss ticks, tickborne illnesses, and practical steps people can take to prevent tick bites while enjoying Colorado's outdoors. We also discus...

What's up in public health this week? In this episode, we continue our conversation about social prescribing - an emerging approach to supporting health and well-being that connects people with community resources, groups, and activities that support overall health beyond traditional medical care. As our Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) team continues their work to promote social prescribi...

What's up in public health this week? As we enjoy the outdoors this summer, a common risk we encounter in Larimer County is West Nile Virus . This week, we’re joined by Alison Barbee , Communicable Disease Epidemiologist here at the health department, to discuss how West Nile Virus is transmitted, common symptoms, who is most at risk for severe illness, and what residents can do to protect themsel...

What's up in public health this week? Zac Hummel , Community Impact Manager at the Food Bank for Larimer County, joins us to talk about The Lunch Lab , a program that provides free, nutritious meals to school-aged kids during school breaks and throughout the summer. The Lunch Lab food truck travels to libraries, parks, neighborhoods, and other community locations, helping ensure that young people...

What's up in public health this week? Every May, we celebrate Healthy and Safe Swimming Week in the lead up to Memorial Day. Healthy & Safe Swimming Week highlights the roles of swimmers, caregivers, facility owners and operators, and public health officials in preventing disease outbreaks, pool chemical injuries, and drowning. This week, Kate Uchitel, Environmental Health Specialist here at L...

What's up in public health this week? This week, we are thrilled to bring you a feature episode with Dr. Adrienne LeBailly. Dr. LeBailly served as the previous director of the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment before retiring in 2019 after 31 years at the health department. She joins us to share some of the history of public health in Larimer County and reflect on how the work of...

What's up in public health this week? In recognition of Clean Air Month, we’re joined by Stefanie Shoup, Deputy Director for Regulatory Affairs for the Air Pollution Control Division at CDPHE, for a conversation about air quality in Colorado and the state’s ongoing efforts to reduce pollution and protect public health. We discuss how air quality data is collected, the primary drivers of poor air q...

What's up in public health this week? Northern Colorado has experienced more than twice as many red flag warnings as it had at this point in 2025. Ricardo Perez, Public Engagement Manager for the Larimer County Office of Emergency Management, joins us this week to discuss steps we can all take to be prepared for wildfires this season. Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? O...

What's up in public health this week? Social media’s impact on youth mental health has been in the news a lot lately with recent lawsuits against Meta, Google, and others. This week, we asked two guests to share how they see the impact of social media show up in their work with youth: Jonathan Judge, Director of Community Engagement & Campaigns at Rise Above Colorado, shares what Rise Above ha...

What's up in public health this week? In early March, Fort Collins City Council adopted five major priorities for its 2026-2028 term. One of those priorities was Vision Zero, a program working to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries in Fort Collins by 2032. This week, we sat down with the Mayor of Fort Collins, Emily Francis, and Deputy Director of Planning, Development, and Transport...

What's up in public health this week? This week we're celebrating National Infant Immunization Week! Immunizations provide the best protection against many serious diseases for babies and young children when they need it most. Our Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program pairs first-time moms-to-be with specially trained nurses who walk alongside them through pregnancy and the postpartum period. Two...

What's up in public health this week? LCDHE recently adopted a new strategic plan for 2026 to 2028. This week, Strategic Planning, Health Equity, and Partnerships Program Manager, Talia Hirsch, walks us through the new strategic plan and how it informs the work we do at the health department. Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d like us to discuss? Let us...

What's up in public health this week? National Public Health Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of April. Throughout the week we come together to celebrate the impact of public health in improving our day-to-day lives, safeguarding our families, and strengthening our communities. The week is also about honoring the public health workers who show up for us every day. So, for thi...

What's up in public health this week? Transportation is often a significant barrier to accessing healthcare, community services, and social spaces. Jenna Robinson, Executive Director at SAINT Volunteer Transportation, joins us to talk about the work SAINT does and the important role it plays in supporting public health. Do you have a question about public health in Larimer County? Or a topic you’d...

What's up in public health this week? Measles is spreading in Colorado with recent cases in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, and Weld counties. Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, gives us an update on the current situation and answers common questions about measles. The 2026 ACT Human Rights Film Festival begins April 9th. Beth...

What's up in public health this week? This week, we’re thrilled to bring you an extended interview with our Public Health Director, Tom Gonzales. This month marks six years since the national emergency declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve invited Tom to share a bit about what that time looked like from inside the health department, the lessons learned, and the lasting impact the pandemic h...

What's up in public health this week? The Colorado Wastewater Surveillance Program has been instrumental in tracking measles cases throughout the state. LCDHE's Communicable Disease Program Manager, Matt Bauer, joins us to explain what wastewater surveillance is, how it works, and how it supports the work of public health. As spring approaches, we'll soon be seeing more baby animals in our communi...

What's up in public health this week? Tuberculosis cases jumped more than 30% in Colorado in 2025. Dr. Paul Mayer, the health department's Medical Officer, joins us to discuss recent TB trends in Larimer County and answer common questions. This month, Colorado WIC introduced a new food list and shopping guide for WIC participants. Ashley Grier, Nutrition Manager at the health department, joins us...

What's up in public health this week? Partners from throughout the county came together this week for the second annual Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) event. In addition to an overview of recent CHIP activities, attendees learned about social prescribing and heard from a panel of local leaders employing social prescribing at their organizations. Jared Olson, Senior Population Epidemiolog...

In this special monthly edition, we go beyond the headlines to bring you in-depth conversations, practical guidance, and a behind-the-scenes look at the work happening every day at your local public health department. This episode features three segments: What's Public Health Got to Do With It? how public health shows up in unexpected places Back in November, Larimer County voters passed Propositi...

What's up in public health this week? Recently, we've seen an uptick in cases of avian flu in Colorado with a large outbreak at a commercial facility in Weld County and a number of small outbreaks in backyard flocks throughout the state. Heather Reider, Avian Health Program Coordinator at CSU, joins us to talk about the current situation and answer common questions. With Valentine's Day right arou...

What's up in public health this week? February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Tobacco and nicotine use is responsible for 1 in 4 cases of heart disease. Destini Hall, our Senior Health Educator for Tobacco and Youth, and Nina Wickens-Bhowmik, one of our Population Epidemiologists, join us this week to share how nicotine prevention and cessa...