Public Health Out Loud

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 abou...

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 me...

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...

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...

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...

When Rhode Island voted to legalize cannabis use for adults in 2022, it signaled a shift in public attitudes toward the drug. But as cannabis becomes more widely used, health and safety risks like impaired driving can be a serious concern. Make no mistake – driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous no matter the substance. However, studies have shown that cannabis may not be perceived i...

They're in our air, our water, and even our bodies! Microplastics are tiny - even microscopic - but their impact on our health and our environment is anything but. University of Rhode Island’s, Dr. Vinka Craver joins Public Health Out Loud for this season six premiere to share some horrifying truths about microplastics in our world.  Learn more about the Socio-ecological Impact of Microplasti...

Bullying is a major public health issue that can have a long-term impact on health and development. Unfortunately, despite its seriousness, the issue is common and widespread. About one in five high school students reported being bullied on school property in the past year. More than one in six high school students reported being bullied online or electronically.   In this episode, Stephanie Pagli...

There’s no doubt that donating blood can save lives. But winter is one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products. Holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses, and the recent extreme weather means that the folks over at the Rhode Island Blood Center (RIBC) are scrambling to meet patient needs.   In this episode, RIBC Vice President of Operations, Hunter Shaffer talks about the...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our culture and the way we live our lives in so many ways.  While we may not understand its full potential yet, we do know it can, and in many ways has already revolutionized many industries and fields of study.  In this episode, Dr. Atin Jindal, assistant professor of medicine and director of medical informatics at Brown University joins Dr. Philip Chan fo...

It’s called “hygiene insecurity” and while you may not be aware of it, there is an overwhelming need for hygiene products in the state. An estimated 38% of Rhode Island families struggle to afford hygiene products, and 2 in 5 individuals struggle to purchase menstruation products. Amenity Aid, Rhode Island’s only hygiene bank, would like to eliminate this problem. In this episode, the organization...

Alcohol is the most used substance among adults in the United States despite being known to cause cancer, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and more.  Approximately 600 people die in Rhode Island every year from excessive alcohol use. In this episode, Linda Mahoney, associate director for the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and Emily Ledingha...

The holidays are upon us but respiratory viruses like COVID-19, Flu, and RSV don’t make great gifts. In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Bornschein, State Epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, shares the best ways to keep viruses from spreading to our friends, to our loved ones, and in our communities.  For more information and data, visit health.ri.gov/respiratoryviruses.  

While much of the national conversation about overdose focuses on younger populations, a new campaign spearheaded by our state health and behavioral health agencies aims to prevent drug overdose deaths among middle-aged and older Rhode Islanders. In this episode, Steven Boudreau, director of equity and engagement and the public information officer at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging and Li...

It’s not easy for adults and adolescents to know where to find accurate and trusted sexual and reproductive health information. In this episode, Karin Wetherill, co-director of Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition joins us to talk about a new app that might just make the learning process a little easier. It’s called “RIght to Know” and it connects young people and caregivers with the facts about...

There’s been a lot of talk about Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, in the news – specifically the claim that there is a link between this over-the-counter pain reliever and Autism. In this episode, Dr. Yvette Yatchmink, formerly the clinical director of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, shares what we know from the data and what it means for pregnant people.

Animal-assisted therapy - what is it and how effective is it in a therapeutic setting? In this episode, Kerri Lynch, Director of Occupational Therapy at Butler Hospital and Susan Parker, President and Founder of Paws From the Heart Pet Therapy share what they know based on their years of experience working with these unique and highly-trained pets. 

Problem gambling - it's on the rise here in Rhode Island but it's not just happening at the casino or the racetrack. Online forms like sports betting have become a powerful draw for many. How does one know when it’s become a problem? What are the warning signs? In this episode, Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of Health Science at Johnson & Wales University and Adjunct Professor o...

September is suicide prevention month. It’s a time to raise awareness, dispel stigma, and take action around this urgent mental health issue. In this episode, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's  Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor talk about how we can best look out for each other and take steps to prevent suicide in our commu...

After losing his son to cancer five years ago, Dr. George Beauregard, a twenty-year internal medicine physician and life-long resident of Massachusetts, used his grief to spread an important message. In this episode he joins Dr. Philip Chan to talk about his new book, “Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer,” as well as important advice on prevention and symptoms that shoul...

August is National Breastfeeding Month – a time to celebrate and bring awareness to breastfeeding. In this episode, Mary Catherine or “MC” Curran, a WIC lactation consultant and nutritionist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and RIDOH’s own Dr. Olutosin Ojugbele, a pediatrician at Hasbro Children's Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medici...

It's National Health Center Week - a time to recognize and celebrate the role of health centers in our communities. These nonprofit clinics provide affordable, high-quality care to more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders. At a time when primary care is at a critical shortage in Rhode Island, the community health center model may be just what the doctor ordered. In this episode, Dr. Elena Kwetkowski...

There has been a lot of talk about cannabis in the news lately and some people question whether cannabis is the answer to a wide variety of health conditions, including pregnancy-related morning sickness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. But what should you know about cannabis products if you are planning a family?  In this episode, Dr. Mara Coyle, a neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital and...

Every community has its own story. These stories are shaped by it’s residents, as well as policies and systems that influence community well-being. Comparing data by neighborhood or zip code, can not only help tell that story, but can also help shape policies that better serve those communities. In this episode, RIDOH's Michelle Wilson, chief of the Health Equity Institute and JoAnna House, a...

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by men and boys. In this episode, Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of Health Science at Johnson & Wales University and adjunct professor of Epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health joins Dr. Chan to talk about why encouraging men to prioritize their well-being and seek help...