The NACCHO Podcast Series

NACCHO’s Podcast From Washington: Boulder County Environmental Health Division in Colorado’s Training Program to Improve Food Handling and Safety Practices Oct 17, 2024

Washington, DC, October 17, 2024 — On this podcast episode, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Director of Government Affairs, Victoria Van de Vate, and Lauren Soule, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provide insights into federal funding now that Congress is out of session until after the election. They also discuss a recent Coalition to Stop Flu congressional briefing featuring NACCHO member Dr. Dianna Abney, Health Officer at the Charles County Health Department in Maryland, a 30th anniversary of the Vaccines for Children Program event featuring NACCHO’s Board President Dr. Michael Kilkenny, and an open letter from NACCHO CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman to local health departments impacted by the recent hurricanes. For more updates and to subscribe to NACCHO’s weekly newsletter, visit: www.naccho.org/advocacy.

Later in the program (5:03), in this second installment of a five-part Food Safety series, Nicholas Adams, Senior Program Analyst on NACCHO’s Food Safety Team, is joined by Lane Drager, Consumer Protection Program Coordinator at Boulder County Public Health in Boulder County, Colorado. Boulder County has served for several years as a mentor for NACCHO’s Food Safety Mentorship Program under the NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model, NACCHO’s Food Safety Workgroup, and with the Council to Improve Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response. In their conversation, Drager discusses Boulder County Environmental Health Division’s oral learner train the trainer program that provides essential food safety training to retail food service staff, regardless of their spoken language. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, retail food establishments experienced a significant labor shortage that led to burnout and high turnover. The labor shortage forced establishments to hire staff inexperienced in food handling and in recent years, it has been critical for local health departments to update their education and training programs to teach proper food handling practices and information on food safety to a wider audience. Drager also shared the improvements in Boulder County’s food safety management systems that can help inform other local health departments in their food safety work.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

Podcast From Washington: Pima County Health Department in Arizona Discusses Their Process for Responding to Foodborne Illness Outbreaks Sep 19, 2024

Washington, DC, September 19, 2024 — On this podcast episode, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Director of Government Affairs, Victoria Van de Vate, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provide an outlook for federal funding this fall, as the deadline approaches. They also discuss the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing titled, “Investing in a Healthier America: Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment. For more updates and to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit: www.naccho.org/advocacy.

Later in the program (7:08), Nicholas Adams, Senior Program Analyst on NACCHO’s Food Safety Team, is joined by Amanda Anderson, Consumer Health and Food Safety Manager at the Pima County Health Department in Arizona — and a member of the 2024 Cohort of NACCHO’s Food Safety Mentorship Program under the NEHA-FDA Retail Flexible Funding Model Grant Program. In this pilot episode of a five-part Food Safety series, Anderson shares how Pima County’s processes for monitoring and responding to foodborne illness outbreaks has significantly improved due to their work on Standard 5 of the FDA’s Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards and with the Council to Improve Foodborne Illness Outbreak Response. The discussion is focused around improving and utilizing a data-driven foodborne illness tracking program that has made major impacts in Pima County’s efforts to respond to outbreaks.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

NACCHO’s Podcast From Washington: Special Episode Explores Best Practices for Effective Emergency Preparedness Work on the Local Level Sep 12, 2024

Washington, DC, September 12, 2024 — On this special podcast episode, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Director of Government Affairs, Victoria Van de Vate, welcomes special guest Eric McNulty, Associate Director of the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative at Harvard University, for a bonus episode on best practices to implement for effective preparedness work on the local level. September is National Preparedness Month, and every year NACCHO reinforces the importance of preparing for emergencies and disasters in order to keep families and communities safe.

During this episode, McNulty shares key approaches that public health officials can apply to build trust in their communities, which is essential in any crisis. As McNulty describes, public health officials can position themselves as a trusted voice by engaging in day-to-day conversations with their communities, lead through complexities by identifying the disconnect in a crisis, and make it a daily practice to strengthen communications outreach plans that are relatable and easy to grasp. It is also important to prioritize a crisis recovery plan when preparing for the next public health emergency. Early next year, NACCHO will convene at the 2025 Preparedness Summit, which aims to explore this topic further through the theme of “Pathways to Recovery in the Aftermath of Disasters.” For more information on how to obtain a media pass for the 2025 Preparedness Summit please contact lharley@naccho.org – limited passes are available.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

NACCHO’s Podcast From Washington: Experts Discuss Key Findings From NACCHO’s New 2024 Public Health Informatics Profile Aug 23, 2024

Washington, DC, August 23, 2024 — On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provided an outlook for federal funding this fall, amid the summer Congressional recess and the upcoming election season. They also discussed the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Senate Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (also known as the Labor-HHS bill), and how that sets up possible funding negotiations later this year. For more updates and to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit: www.naccho.org/advocacy.

Later in the program (6:34), NACCHO’s Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Meghan Shea, Senior Program Analyst - Informatics, discussed key findings from NACCHO’s 2024 Public Health Informatics Profile. The first-of-its-kind assessment fills a key gap in our nation’s understanding of the information science workforce, data systems, and the overall scope of informatics at the local public health level. The findings illuminate a wide picture of informatics and data modernization efforts across the country. Notably, key findings show that while over half of local health departments are working on data modernization initiatives, most are doing so without a dedicated informatics team or department. There is also a high level of interest in using AI, with over half of local health departments interested in adapting AI or machine learning into their work.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

NACCHO’s Podcast From Washington: Experts Discuss Key Findings From NACCHO’s Recent Immunization Study Jul 12, 2024

Washington, DC, July 12, 2024 — On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, discussed the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill (also known as the Labor-HHS bill). The bill covers topline dollar amounts for key public health agencies as well as programs important to local health departments. For more updates and to subscribe to the weekly newsletter, visit: www.naccho.org/advocacy.

Later in the program (6:26), NACCHO’s Kellie Hall, Director of Data Communications; Robin Mowson, Director of Immunization; and Amy Maxson, Senior Program Analyst, discussed key findings from the 2023 Immunization Profile Study released last month. The report shows that half of local health departments reported limited staffing as a key challenge in conducting immunization-related services, despite the recent growth in the overall workforce driven by COVID-related funding. Local health departments have improved access to routine immunizations by expanding clinics in community settings and fostering partnerships with healthcare providers or community leaders. Despite the increased activities to expand access, 82% of local health departments still reported that vaccine hesitancy was a barrier to conducting immunization-related activities.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

Podcast From Washington: Experts Discuss Changes in Local Health Department Infrastructure From New Forces of Change Survey Report Jun 14, 2024

Washington, DC, June 14, 2024 — On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provided an outlook on the Fiscal Year 2025 federal funding landscape and the implications for local public health.

Later in the program (5:02), NACCHO’s Kellie Hall, Director of Data Communications; David Okereke, Senior Research Specialist; Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs; and Meghan Shea, Senior Program Analyst for Informatics, discussed important research findings from NACCHO’s 2023 Forces of Change Survey, which assesses changes in local health department infrastructure driven by public health trends. The recently released report describes local health department billing capacity, the use and growth of the community health worker workforce, social determinants of health activities, and data modernization efforts.

To learn more about the findings from the 2023 Forces of Change Survey, visit www.naccho.org/forces.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

Podcast From Washington: Update on H5N1 and Local Health Department Pilot Program Addresses Substance Use Disorders in Pregnancy May 17, 2024

Washington, DC, May 17, 2024 — On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs, and Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs discussed the current status of the H5N1 avian “bird” flu outbreak in dairy cattle and the situation on coordinating a federal-level response, from making personal protective equipment (PPE) readily available to testing livestock and farmworkers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that local health departments connect individuals to testing if they observe an increase in sick animals and farmworkers, utilize CDC communication resources, and ensure that farms and farmworkers have access to PPE.

Later in the program (13:24), Elana Filipos, Program Analyst on the Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health team at NACCHO, and Mary “Maret” Wachira, Health Educator Consultant and IBCLC at the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus), discussed how DOH-Citrus initiated a pilot program to provide prenatal care and treatment for pregnant people with substance use disorders (SUDs). Drug overdose deaths in pregnant and postpartum women increased significantly between early 2018 to late 2021, according to a recent study by researchers at the National Institute on Drug Abuse at the National Institutes of Health. However, pregnant people seeking support for an SUD during the perinatal period may face stigmatizing barriers to care that prevent them from accessing medical treatment and behavioral interventions. To address this growing public health concern, DOH-Citrus implemented a holistic prenatal care service model that incorporates Medication for Opioid Use Disorder services and mental health counseling during routine prenatal care appointments to improve outcomes for pregnant people and infants in their community.

Learn more about the Citrus County program via a journal article published in the Maternal and Child Health Journal, titled “Addressing Perinatal Opioid Use at a Local Health Department in Florida.”

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the over 3,300 local governmental health departments across the country. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information, visit www.naccho.org.

Podcast from Washington: New Changes to the WIC Program and Local Health Officer Discusses Overdose Crisis in America Apr 19, 2024

Washington, DC, April 19, 2024 — On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, spoke about recent changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and final FY2024 funding amounts for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, which include programs and agencies crucial for public health. Sign up here to receive our Congressional Action Alerts.

Later in the program (5:14), Emily Winkelstein, Director of Overdose Prevention at NACCHO, and Dr. Michael Kilkenny, Chief Executive of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department in West Virginia and incoming NACCHO President, discussed efforts to advance evidence-based overdose prevention initiatives on a local level, with a focus on communities particularly hard-hit by overdose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released its overdose mortality data for 2022 showing that while fatal overdose rates remained somewhat stable between 2021 and 2022, the number of fatal overdoses had claimed the lives of 107,941 peope in 2022. The data also shows that synthetic opioids combined with stimulants, coming from supply contamination, polysubstance use, or both, are drivers in the fourth wave of the overdose crisis. Dr. Kilkenny discussed some of the harm reduction strategies his jurisdiction has implemented, the importance of using a holistic approach to substance use that centers dignity and respect for people who use drugs, and why using data to understand the scope and needs of the communities most impacted will help address the overdose crisis.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the country’s over 3,300 local governmental health departments. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information about NACCHO, please visit www.naccho.org.

Podcast from Washington: Local Public Health on the Hill Recap and Local Health Department Addresses the U.S. Measles Outbreak Mar 22, 2024

Washington, DC, March 22, 2024 — On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, recapped NACCHO’s annual Local Public Health on the Hill event, which engaged over 100 Congressional Offices on key policy and funding needs of local health departments. Later, they discussed the release of President Biden’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget proposal. Learn more about the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program, and read NACCHO’s blog post, “White House Release President’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Proposal.”

Later in the program (6:21), Robin Mowson, Director of Immunization at NACCHO, and Amber Tirmal, Immunization Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, discussed the recent measles outbreak in the United States and initiatives they have implemented to prevent another spread in Philadelphia. As of March 14, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 58 measles cases in 17 different states, matching the total number of U.S. cases reported in 2023. Earlier this year, Philadelphia had eight confirmed cases. Now that their outbreak is over, they continue to focus their efforts on using data-driven approaches to identify and address lower pockets of vaccination coverage, educating communities on vaccine health and building key partnerships, specifically with the local school district. Listen to the episode and read NACCHO’s new blog on the measles outbreak.

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About NACCHO

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) represents the country’s over 3,300 local governmental health departments. These city, county, metropolitan, district, and tribal departments work every day to protect and promote health and well-being for all people in their communities. For more information about NACCHO, please visit www.naccho.org.

Podcast From Washington: FY2024 Appropriations Update and NACCHO Releases New Data on Local Health Department Infrastructure and Services Feb 23, 2024

On this month’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, gives an update on the FY2024 appropriations negotiations and what to expect from Congress.

Later in the program (2:36), Timothy McCall, NACCHO’s Director of Research, was joined by NACCHO staff, Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs, and Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, to discuss on the recent release of the 2022 National Profile of Local Health Departments (Profile Study).

The Profile Study represents the largest and most reliable data source on local health department infrastructure and practice. In their conversation, they dig into key findings about the current local health department workforce, including that more than 70% of local health departments reported that their agency, leadership, or personnel experienced harassment because of COVID-19 response activities. They also discussed the most recent data on the size of the local health department workforce and the context that likely contributed to it, as an influx of funding during the pandemic helped bolster the workforce to grow by 19%. They note that this increase is almost certainly short-lived without additional, long-term investment in the local health department workforce.

With the new Profile data now published, the group also discussed how these data are being used to help drive NACCHO’s policy advocacy at the federal level. One of NACCHO’s top priorities is to support all local health departments and serve staff at all levels by advocating for funding to support new positions, improve recruiting efforts with the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment program, and boost retention by providing key training, support, and professional development opportunities for local health department staff.

Podcast from Washington: Hill Update and NACCHO’s 2024 Legislative and Policy Agenda Jan 26, 2024

On this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, cover the appropriations process and give an update on government funding, including rescissions of unobligated funds. They also discuss NACCHO’s 2024 legislative and policy agenda, highlighting this year’s most important issues for local public health.

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Podcast From Washington: Harassment of Public Health Officials During COVID-19 and its Lasting Impact Dec 15, 2023

On this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provided a Congressional update on upcoming government funding challenges. They also discussed recent letters that NACCHO sent to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion on Healthy People 2030 objectives and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of STD Prevention about its proposed guidelines on the use of doxycycline as post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent STI transmission.

Later in the program (4:50), Timothy McCall, NACCHO’s Director of Research, hosted a discussion with co-authors Rita Burke, Associate Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences and Pediatrics at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine; Larissa Chiari-Keith, Chief Executive Officer of Alala Advisors; and Emma Hunter, Health Emergency Preparedness Analyst at San Mateo County Health, to talk about their recently published qualitative analysis of California public health officials’ experiences of harassment during COVID-19.

NACCHO's Forces of Change survey found that 60% of local health departments reported their agency, leadership, and/or staff were targeted with harassment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, one study found that 20% of Americans felt that harassing public health leaders was justified early in the pandemic; this rose to 25% in 2021. Even though this harassment crisis surfaced three years ago, the impacts on individuals, communities, and the public health system persist.

NACCHO is drawing attention to this urgent issue. The study aimed to collect qualitative data highlighting the harrowing stories from local health officials and to better understand their experiences of harassment. The pandemic not only exposed vulnerabilities in the public health and healthcare system, but it also subjected local health officials to psychological impacts, systemic backlash, and burnout.

Podcast From Washington: NACCHO Talks Alarming Rise in Syphilis Cases and Local Health Departments Work to Improve Public Health Infrastructure Nov 17, 2023

On this week's podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials' Victoria Van de Vate, Director of Government Affiars, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provided an update on the new "laddered" Continuing Resolution, which created two funding deadlines in early 2024 and avoided an end-of-year government shutdown. They gave an analysis on the House Labor-HHS bill. Also, Mastroberardino and Van de Vate discussed NACCHO's recent response to an RFI from Senator Bill Cassidy on modernizing the CDC as well as a letter that NACCHO sent to the White House Drug Shortage Task Force urging them to prioritize the Bicillin L-A shortage, which is the only treatement available to pregnant individuals with syphilis.

Later in the program (6:08), NACCHO Senior Program Analyst Bianca Lawrence spoke with Susan Tilgner, Executive Director at Ohio Public Health Partnership, and Belinda Leslie, an Administrator with the Portsmouth City Health Department in Portsmouth, Ohio, who are using performance improvement to build the ability of local health departments to improve the quality of their operations and programming and make sure that they meet national public health standards. Ohio Public Health Partnership has participated in the Statewide Association Performance Improvement Training and Technical Assistance Support Initiative to provide tailored accreditation support to local health departments in Ohio, such as Portsmouth City, through their Accreditation Learning Community. Accreditation, like many performance improvement programs, assist local governmental public health in improving their organizational infrastructure so that they can better support all people in their community to live their healthiest lives. Tilgner and Leslie discuss the unique opportunity provided by the Accreditation Learning Community to develop meaningful performance metrics and network with local health department peers in Ohio to learn best practices for accreditation and performance improvement.

Podcast From Washington: NACCHO Opposes Proposed Cuts to Public Health Fund and Local Health Departments Respond to the Overdose Crisis Oct 27, 2023

On this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist welcome Victoria Van de Vate, NACCHO’s new Director of Government Affairs. The team provided an update on government funding and the newly elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. They also discussed a letter that NACCHO and 110 other public health organizations sent to the Senate opposing a proposal to cut $980 million from the Prevention and Public Health Fund, also known as the Prevention Fund, in order to provide funding for the Primary Care and Health Workforce Act.

Later in the program (9:17), NACCHO Senior Program Analyst Francis Higgins spoke with two representatives from local health departments that are doing overdose prevention work: Sixto Aguirre, a CPSW/Case Manager II, Peer Supported Probation at the Rio Arriba Department of Health and Human Services in New Mexico, and Seth Dewey, a Health Educator at the Reno County Health Department in Kansas. Both are NACCHO overdose prevention award recipients. Nearly 110,000 Americans died of overdose in 2022. Aguirre and Dewey discussed their lived experiences, how they got connected to their overdose prevention work, and what their local health departments are doing in response to the crisis. Local health departments are integrating people with lived and living experience into overdose prevention work to strengthen their activities and the communities they serve. Also, they are working with community partners to promote the health and safety of people who use drugs, to support folks who are interacting with the criminal legal system, and to prevent overdose.

Podcast from Washington: Government Funding Outlook/National Preparedness Month Sep 15, 2023

On this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provided an outlook on government funding as August recess has ended and Congress is back in session. They spoke about the possibility of a government shutdown or continuing resolution as the fiscal year ends on September 30. Also, Casalotti and Mastroberardino discussed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsement of updated COVID-19 vaccine formulations that will be available as rates of respiratory infections increase this fall.

Later in the program (8:13), NACCHO Communications Specialist Beth Hess spoke with Deb Kramer, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Director of the Office of Preparedness within the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. During this, National Preparedness Month, they discussed the importance of preparedness both nationally and locally. Kramer also talked about the role of the Medical Reserve Corps in community response, its impact over the past 21 years, and her vision for the program moving forward.

Podcast from Washington: Building Community Resilience Aug 11, 2023

On this week’s podcast, Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provide an update on the appropriations process, as Congress has adjourned for August recess before making a lot of progress on crucial public health legislation. Casalotti covers House and Senate Labor-HHS appropriations, discussing major differences between both bills and the outlook for fall. Mastroberardino discusses the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization, providing insight into political differences in the House and Senate versions of the legislation and potential roadblocks.

Later in the program, NACCHO Communications Specialist Beth Hess spoke with Neil Brockway, Director of Disaster Risk Reduction at the American Red Cross. Brockway joined the 2023 Preparedness Summit in April as one of the plenary speakers on the topic of empowering resilient communities. They discussed the American Red Cross' Community Adaptation Program and how it works to build community resilience. The program concludes with an invitation to submit abstracts for the 2024 Preparedness Summit.

Podcast from Washington: Empowering Resilient Communities Jul 07, 2023

On this week’s Podcast from Washington, Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provide an update on the appropriations process. Casalotti covers House and Senate topline funding amounts and discusses implications for public health. Mastroberardino discusses the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization and provides updates from Congress. She also talks about Dr. Rochelle Walensky’s departure from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and President Biden’s new appointee, Mandy Cohen. Casalotti provides detail about recent Capitol Hill testimony provided by NACCHO members, and finally, invites NACCHO members to attend Government Affairs’ NACCHO360 session, “Informing Public Health Policy in a Complex Political Climate,” on Wednesday, July 12 at the conference in Denver or over the livestream.

Later in the program, NACCHO Communications Specialist Beth Hess spoke with Daniel Aldrich, PhD, Professor of Political Science, Public Policy and Urban Affairs, Northeastern University. Aldrich joined the 2023 Preparedness Summit in April as one of the plenary speakers on the topic of empowering resilient communities. They discussed the importance of social capital—the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a particular society—and the role it plays in empowering communities to thrive.

Podcast from Washington: Debt Ceiling/One Health Jun 09, 2023

In this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Adriane Casalotti, Chief of Government and Public Affairs, and Lauren Mastroberardino, Government Affairs Senior Specialist, provided an update on the debt ceiling, which has been suspended until January 1, 2025, as well as detail on some of the spending limits and claw-backs of previously appropriated funds. They also discussed Dr. Rochelle Walensky’s announced departure from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, provided updates on the reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), and examined the reestablishment of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End the Youth Vaping Epidemic.

Later in the program, NACCHO Communications Specialist Beth Hess spoke with Dr. Mary-Margaret Fill, Deputy State Epidemiologist for the Tennessee Department of Health. Dr. Fill joined the 2023 Preparedness Summit in April as one of the plenary speakers on the topic of One Health. One Health is a collaborative and transdisciplinary approach of achieving optimal health by recognizing the interconnection between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. They discussed the importance of integrating One Health in ongoing prevention, detection, preparedness, and response initiatives and how local public health professionals can incorporate One Health in their planning and response activities.

Podcast from Washington: Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process in Congress / Healthy People 2020 May 05, 2023

In this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Government Affairs team members Kerry Allen and Lauren Mastroberardino provided an update on the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations process in Congress, including how the debt ceiling negotiations may factor in, as well as ongoing congressional investigations into COVID-19 origins. They also talked about the Food and Drug Administration’s move to make opioid reversal medication naloxone available over the counter. Since the Public Health Emergency ends on May 11, Allen provided insight into emerging details from federal agencies about the new landscape of COVID-19 response. Mastroberardino spoke about her experience at the 2023 Preparedness Summit, organized by NACCHO, and discussed her key takeaways and reflections from the largest gathering of public health and preparedness leaders.

Later in the podcast, Ramona Poblete, a Program Analyst at NACCHO, spoke with Rear Admiral Paul Reed, Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, and Glenda Redeemer, MSN, Chronic Disease Prevention Division Manager at Tarrant County Public Health Department in Texas, for a discussion on Healthy People 2030’s Leading Health Indicators.

The Healthy People Initiative serves as the nation’s plan for addressing our most critical public health priorities and challenges. Their discussion explored how local health officials can use the Leading Health Indicators in their work to achieve successful health outcomes in their communities. Learn more about Healthy People tools, features, and partnership initiatives such as the Healthy People 2030 Champion Program.

Podcast from Washington: Local Health Leaders Use Radio to Reach English and Spanish Speakers About Vaccines and Immunizations Apr 14, 2023

In this week’s podcast, the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Government Affairs team members Kerry Allen and Lauren Mastroberardino provided highlights from this year’s Local Public Health on the Hill event. This NACCHO-organized event brought more than 100 public health leaders to meet with 120 members of Congress spanning 30 states. In the midst of these in-person and virtual Hill meetings, President Biden released his Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Request, which contained requests for increased funding for programs at the Department of Health and Human Services. Allen and Mastroberardino also discussed proposed new programs to address pandemic preparedness and adult vaccine access; NACCHO’s recent advocacy actions, which will continue throughout the appropriations process; and NACCHO's work to inform legislative efforts underway in Congress to bolster the public health workforce and reauthorize the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA).

Later in the program, Nicholas Holmes of NACCHO’s Immunization Team spoke with Kate Guzman, the administrator of medical services for the Oakland County Health Division, in Pontiac, Michigan and Carolina Sisiruca, health educator with Centro Multicultural La Familia, about using radio to reach English and Spanish speakers about the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations and other immunizations. They are the developers and co-hosts of the Oakland County Health radio broadcast show – a public health segment that has caught the attention of NPR leaders and has captivated audiences with public health content that empowers listeners to make informed decisions to improve and protect their health and wellbeing.

Podcast from Washington: Omnibus Spending Bill of 2022 and Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program Reauthorized Feb 10, 2023

On this month’s podcast, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Kerry Allen and Lauren Mastroberardino recap key provisions in the omnibus spending bill Congress passed at the end of 2022. Most exciting to NACCHO, the bill reauthorized the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program, which once operationalized will offer loan repayment to public health professionals who agree to serve three years at a local, state, or Tribal health department. They also reflect on the beginning of the 118th Congress, highlighting recent committee hearings and votes in the House related to rolling back COVID-19 related policies. Kerry and Lauren also talk about NACCHO’s 2023 Federal Legislative and Policy Agenda and remind listeners about the upcoming virtual Public Health on the Hill event on March 6-10.

Later in the program, Victoria Freire, NACCHO’s Senior Program Analyst of Rural Health, spoke to Ron Sprong, the Community Health Manager, Mental Health First Aid instructor and Peer Recovery Specialist at Greene County Health Department in Carrolton, Illinois.

NACCHO has just launched its Rural and Frontier Public Health section of the website, and in recognition of the unique challenges that rural and frontier health departments have, in today’s interview Sprong discusses rural health department’s activities in operations, community health and emergency preparedness.

Podcast from Washington: Health Equity in Action Dec 08, 2022

In this week’s podcast, Kerry Allen welcomes a new member to the NACCHO Government Affairs team, Lauren Mastroberardino. Kerry and Lauren provide an update on mid-term election outcomes and implications for the upcoming year, which will see divided government in Washington. Congress is back for a lame-duck session, and Kerry and Lauren cover ongoing Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations considerations. They also discuss NACCHO’s advocacy to pass the Public Health Loan Repayment Program in end-of-year legislation, including how members can take action to urge their members of Congress to support the program. They celebrate the CDC’s recent announcement of over $3 billion in first-of-its-kind funding directly to local, state, and territorial jurisdictions to support public health workforce and infrastructure. Finally, the team encourages listeners to save the date for NACCHO’s Virtual Hill Week, which will be held March 6-10.

Later in the program, Hassanatu Blake, NACCHO’s Director of Health Equity and Social Justice, speaks with Dr. Simbo Ige, Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Health Equity and Capacity Building at the New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene about the continued need to push health equity in practice despite the wind down of federal funding for COVID programming. As our country continues to reflect on the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hassanatu and Dr. Ige discuss how local health departments are rethinking how health inequities are addressed in public health practice. They also talk about the $2.25 billion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Including Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities monumental grant and how it has supported New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s systematic approaches to addressing health inequities. Lastly, Dr. Ige shares with listeners crucial information to follow and support New York City Department of Health’s equity work.

Podcast from Washington: Federal Funding, NACCHO’s priorities for 2023, and LHD's MPX Response Oct 27, 2022

In this week’s podcast, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Adriane Casalotti and Kerry Allen provide an update on the status of federal funding and discuss NACCHO’s priorities for a possible Fiscal Year 2023 omnibus appropriations bill. They also review the progress made on legislation to establish a public health loan repayment program, and ongoing NACCHO efforts to get that across the finish line before the 117th Congress ends, including an upcoming opportunity for NACCHO members to engage with their federal lawmakers in support of the program. Adriane describes the implications of and discussion around the recent CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine. Finally, the team reminds listeners that many public health policy decisions will hinge on the outcome of the upcoming midterm elections and urges everyone to vote.

Later in the program, we talk about one of the latest outbreaks – monkeypox (MPX) – with Dr. Philip Huang, Director of the Dallas County Health and Human Services, Andy Meléndez Salgado, MPH, Manager of the Public Health Emergencies and Environmental Health Unit of the New Orleans Health Department, and Dr. Judith Shlay, Associate Director of the Public Health Institute at Denver Health. We discuss how local health departments are working to reach populations at risk for MPX and how lessons learned from COVID-19 response are helping local jurisdictions to address MPX.

Podcast from Washington: The Future of Public Health Emergency Preparedness Sep 29, 2022

In this week’s podcast, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Adriane Casalotti and Kerry Allen catch up on the busy summer, which started out at NACCHO 360, our annual conference. They cover two recent “wins” in administrative advocacy: the CDC public health workforce funding opportunity and a repeal of the so-called “public charge” rule NACCHO had opposed during the last administration. They also discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, which expanded no-cost vaccine coverage for adults in Medicare and Medicaid and made $369 billion in climate change investments. Finally, they update on the current state of play in Washington as Congress works on a way forward on a short-term funding bill that will kick negotiations on full fiscal year 2023 appropriations to after the mid-term elections.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month, the podcast also features a discussion about the future of CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program, which marks its 20th year in 2022. Ben Robison, Health Commissioner for the Wood County Health Department in Ohio, joins the podcast to talk about the importance of PHEP locally, how the program might evolve in the future, and how you can get involved in advancing PHEP's evolution in your jurisdiction.

Podcast from Washington: The Importance of Public Health Law Jun 17, 2022

In this week’s podcast, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Adriane Casalotti and Kerry Allen discuss the much-anticipated funding opportunity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Strengthening the US Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems.” They also summarize recent developments in Congress on gun safety legislation and the ongoing stalemate around supplemental COVID-19 funding.

The podcast also features a discussion about the upcoming Inaugural Public Health Law Practitioners Convening that will be held on August 17-19 in Chicago. The conference theme is “Law, Policy, and Equity in Public Health Practice.” Podcast guests are Gerard “Jerry” Giuliano, Director of the Office of Public Health Legal Affairs for the Nassau County Department of Health, and NACCHO’s Director for Public Health Law and Policy Geoffrey Mwaungulu, Jr. Law and policy practitioners are integral to state, tribal, local, and territorial public health practice. They develop and interpret public health authorities, enforce regulations, and leverage the law to positively impact community health. To support the critical role of public health law and policy professionals, CDC and NACCHO have organized this inaugural convening for practitioners.

Podcast from Washington: The Impact of the MIP Initiative on MIP Members May 20, 2022

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti talk through the status of FY2023 appropriations bills. They also discuss the fate of a COVID-19 emergency supplemental spending bill as COVID-19 cases rise across the country. Finally, they examine a new NACCHO report on the state of local vector control capacity in the U.S.

Later in the program, Ian spoke with African American Infant and Maternal Mortality Initiative (AAIMM) Outreach and Engagement Director for LA County Public Health and NACCHO Maternal Child Health, Infectious Disease, and Preparedness (MIP) Workgroup member Adjoa Jones. They talk about her role in the community and the maternal child health program in LA County. They also examine NACCHO’s efforts to strengthen and support the maternal child health program nationwide.

Podcast from Washington: Forces of Change Report May 06, 2022

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Kerry Allen discuss the release of NACCHO’s 2020 Forces of Change report that shows changes in public health trends. They also summarize NACCHO’s response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rules to prohibit menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Finally, they recap Congressional budget hearings held over the last week, and Moderna’s request to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 and under.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with NACCHO Director of Research Tim McCall to hear more about the new 2020 Forces of Change report. They cover how the report is put together through local health department outreach, and a few interesting findings the report uncovers. Finally, they discuss how to access the 2020 Forces of Change report and how users can request datasets to conduct additional analysis.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO Celebrates National Public Health Week Apr 08, 2022

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Kerry Allen celebrate National Public Health Week. During National Public Health Week NACCHO recognizes and thanks public health professionals from across the country who are vital to the health and safety of the communities they serve. They discuss the President’s FY2023 Budget Request and the $10 billion COVID-19 emergency supplemental currently under negotiation in Congress (see more below).

Later in the program, in recognition of National Public Health Week, Ian Goldstein speaks with Health Director for the Granville-Vance Public Health District and NACCHO President Lisa Macon Harrison. They discuss the importance of National Public Health Week and how NACCHO can better support public health professionals. They also discuss how local health departments can engage and collaborate with partners to support public health and health equity.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO Recognizes World TB Day Mar 24, 2022

In this week’s Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Kerry Allen summarize the status of the PREVENT Pandemics Act. They also discuss the administration’s urging of Congress to pass additional COVID-19 emergency supplemental funding. Finally, they cover a study released by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health that identified reports of harassment across local health departments.

Later in the program, in recognition of World TB Day, Ian speaks with Deputy Public Health Director and Director of Community Health Services for Genesee and Orleans Counties Brenden Bedard. They discuss tuberculosis (TB) programs in his rural jurisdiction that contains a large population of migrant workers and the need to develop partnerships to address TB needs in the community. Brenden also describes how COVID-19 affected his health department’s TB program.

Podcast from Washington: Healthy People 2030 Mar 10, 2022

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Adriane Casalotti and Ian Goldstein discuss the House passage of a $1.5 trillion omnibus bill that will fund the government through the rest of fiscal year 2022, which ends in September. They also discuss policy riders that made their way into the bill, including the classification of synthetic nicotine as a tobacco product.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with Dr. Mary Pittman, President and CEO of the Public Health Institute. They discuss an overview of the Healthy People 2030 goals and how PHI is incorporating those objectives into its work. Dr. Pittman offers tips for state-led organizations and health departments on how to engage stakeholders in adopting the Healthy People 2030 framework.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO’s Year Ahead with CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman Feb 03, 2022

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss NACCHO’s comments on the draft text release of the PREVENT Pandemics Act. They also discuss the Republican-led Healthy Futures Task Force request for information on how to address major public health issues and NACCHO’s response.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with NACCHO CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman about NACCHO’s goals for the year and lessons learned in 2021. They also discuss how NACCHO continues to support local health departments through the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, they discuss local health department activities and their ability to juggle multiple public health crises.

Podcast from Washington: Resilience Catalyst Program Jan 20, 2022

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the Senate reintroduction of the bipartisan Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Act (S. 3506). They give an update on the FY2022 appropriations process, as the deadline for federal funding under the current continuing resolution expires on February 18. They also discuss the Biden Administration’s plan to distribute masks and at-home COVID-19 tests, and the nomination of Dr. Robert Califf as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Later in the program, Ian speaks with Lindsey Sullivan, Director of Health Promotion for AppHealthcare at the Appalachian District Health Department, and Angela Graham, Executive Administrator at the Center for Health Equity at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, to discuss the Resilience Catalysts program. They discuss how their local health department got involved in the project and how participation in the project built resilience in their communities.

Podcast from Washington: Preparing for the Omicron Variant with Chris Hoff Dec 16, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Kerry Allen review Congressional action this week to raise the debt limit. They also discuss the Biden administration’s lead pipe and paint action plan and the Senate hearing on the nomination of Dr. Robert Califf to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with Director of Community Health Resources for DuPage County, IL Chris Hoff about preparedness activities around the arrival of the Omicron variant. They also discuss the community’s response to the current rise in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.

Podcast from Washington: National Opioid Settlements with Brad Anderson Dec 02, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the pending government shutdown unless Congress passes a continuing resolution before federal government funding runs out on December 3. They also discuss the arrival of the omicron variant and President Biden’s 9-point plan to combat the pandemic. Finally, they discuss the passage of the Build Back Better Act in the House.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with Senior Assistant County Counsel for Washington County, OR Brad Anderson. They discuss his work as a county attorney on the national opioid settlements and his hopes of how those dollars will be spent in the county. They also discuss how local health departments could receive funding through the settlements.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO’s ACIP Liaison Matt Zahn Nov 12, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss NACCHO’s letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland. They also discuss a House subcommittee markup on the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act, as well as updated Build Back Better Act (BBBA) legislative text.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with Deputy Health Officer for the Orange County Health Care Agency and the NACCHO liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Matt Zahn. They discuss the role of the liaison as well as the role of local health officials on the ACIP.

Podcast from Washington: Community Benefit Insight Oct 29, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the latest bill text for the Build Back Better Act that includes $7 billion for public health infrastructure. They also discuss the testimony from NACCHO President Lisa Macon Harrison at the bipartisan hearing for the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with Project Director for Community Benefit Insight at RTI International Laura Marcial. They discuss the Community Benefit Insight tool and how its data can be used by local health departments to determine how much is spent on health care in their communities.

Podcast from Washington: Surgo Ventures with Dr. Sema Sgaier Oct 08, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the agreement reached by Congress to lift the debt ceiling until December. They also discuss emergency authorization use of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 – 11, new rules for the Title X family planning program, and the implications of the Administration’s proposal to ramp up at-home rapid testing.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with Dr. Sema Sgaier, co-founder and CEO of Surgo Ventures, a dynamic action tank that combines philanthropy with data scientists, behavioral scientists, and technologists to solve some of the most intractable health problems and develop scalable solutions to move them to action. Dr. Sgaier talks about how Surgo developed surveys on projected vaccination rates among adults.

Podcast from Washington: Authors of Broke in America: Seeing, Understanding, and Ending U.S. Poverty Sep 23, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the looming deadline to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government by the end of the fiscal year on September 30, while also lifting the debt ceiling before a default. They also discuss the Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of COVID-19 booster shots for those over 65, or over 18 and immunocompromised.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with the authors of Broke in America: Seeing, Understanding, and Ending U.S. Poverty, by Colleen Shaddox and Joanne Goldblum. They discuss how the authors became inspired to write a book about poverty in America and the solutions proposed in the book to tackle some of the nation’s biggest challenges for impoverished people, such as access to clean water, housing, and transportation.

Podcast from Washington: Equitable Approaches to Recruitment and Hiring at Local Health Departments Sep 09, 2021

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the actions Congress must take before the end of the fiscal year on September 30. They also discuss the reconciliation bill and the looming debt ceiling vote.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with Ethan Johnson, Communications and Performance Management Director at the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, and Erika Lautenbach, Director of the Whatcom (WA) County Health Department, about equitable approaches to recruitment and hiring at local health departments. They discuss how COVID-19 has changed the way their health departments recruit and retain employees.

Podcast from Washington: A Look Back at Zika Virus Jul 08, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs Senior Specialist Ian Goldstein discusses the current Senate negotiations on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package. He also discusses the FY2022 budget allocations for the Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) appropriations bill.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Alvina Chu, Interim Director for the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, to take a look back at the Zika virus response in 2016. They discuss how the challenges from the Zika outbreak differ from COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned that helped to prepare the department for the COVID-19 response.

Podcast from Washington: The All of Us Research Program Jun 24, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the proposal for the 21st Century Cures 2.0 discussion draft released by Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Fred Upton (R-MI). They discuss the public health provisions in the bill and its chances of passage. They also discuss the FY2022 appropriations process, as Congress breaks for July 4 recess.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with Craig Braquet about the All of Us Research Program, which seeks to break down barriers that exist in medical research studies by expanding the diversity in research and clinical trials to include individuals with disabilities. They discuss the importance of people with disabilities’ participation in the program.

Podcast from Washington: CDC HIV Programs, Local to Global Jun 10, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the release of President Biden’s first full budget request to Congress. The two dive deeper into Congress’ reception to the budget request and new proposals for public health programs. They also discuss Senate confirmation hearings for President Biden’s nominees to Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) and Assistant Secretary at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein talks with Jonathan Hanft, Ryan White Program Coordinator for Hennepin County Public Health, MN, as well as Dr. Minesh Shah, Deputy Country Director of HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) Programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Ethiopia. They each discuss the impact COVID-19 has had on their HIV programs, as well as the challenges of HIV work during a pandemic.

Podcast from Washington: Vaccinating the 12 – 15-Year-Old Population May 27, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the reintroduction of the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act by Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO); alongside Dr. Michael Burgess (R-TX); Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Chair of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee; and Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Ranking Member. They discuss the next steps for passage and how NACCHO members can help the bill cross the finish line.

Next, NACCHO Senior Director of Infectious Disease and Informatics Lilly Kan pays tribute to former NACCHO employee James "JR" Ransom, Senior Analyst for Immunization and Infectious Disease Policy, who recently passed. She reflects on his time at NACCHO and all the great work he did in local and global immunization and infectious disease efforts.

Later in the Program, Ian Goldstein talks with Dr. Ying Ying Goh, Director and Health Officer of the Pasadena Public Health Department. They discuss the Food and Drug Administration's recent Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents 12 - 15 years old. Dr. Goh shares how her local health department is collaborating with schools and other partners to vaccinate children and adolescents.

Podcast from Washington: NY SACHO and the Local Health Department Response to COVID-19 May 13, 2021

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest funding announcements from the administration from the American Rescue Plan Act. They also discuss the latest Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) roll back of LGBTQ regulations from the Trump administration.

Later in the program, Ian spoke with members of the New York State Association of County Health Officials about their partnership with the Region 2 Public Health Training Center on their report In-Progress Review of local health departments' response efforts to COVID-19. The team discusses lessons learned from the pandemic and a series of recommended actions for departments, county governments and New York State.

Podcast from Washington: The FRED Overdose Simulator Tool Apr 29, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss President Biden’s first address to Congress. They also discuss the FDA decision to prohibit the sale of menthol flavors in tobacco products, and the Biden Administration’s latest guidelines for medication-assisted treatment.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with Dr. Nisha Nataraj, a statistician on the Applied Research, Evaluation, and Integration team in the Division of Overdose Prevention at the CDC, and Dr. Mark Roberts, professor of Health Policy and Management at the University of Pittsburgh. They discuss their collaborative effort to build the Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiologic Dynamics (FRED) simulator for opioid use disorder and overdose, and how local health departments can use the FRED tool to simulate the disease progression of prescription and illicit opioid use disorder.

Podcast from Washington: Maternal and Child Health During a Pandemic Apr 15, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the release of President Biden’s FY2022 Skinny Budget request to Congress. They also review congressional priorities for the next month, and the release of a CDC report that showed an increase in opioid overdose deaths.

Later in the program, Ian speaks with Susan Pinnock, nursing supervisor for the maternal, child, and family program at the Washington County Health Department. They discuss how maternal and child health programs have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and collaborative efforts among maternal and child health programs with infectious disease and preparedness programs.

Podcast from Washington: Lead and Health in All Policies at the Boston Public Health Commission Apr 01, 2021

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest confirmed Biden administration health nominees. They also discuss the Transgender Day of Visibility and funding announcements for local health departments. Later in the program, Ian spoke with two members of the Boston Public Health Commission: Director of Environmental and Occupational Health Division Paul Shoemaker and Program Supervisor for the Environmental and Occupational Health Division Stephanie Seller. They discuss the lead landscape in Boston and how the health department is working with other government agencies and non-profits to eradicate lead poisoning.

NACCHO Podcast Series: The PRISM Initiative for Maternal and Child Health Mar 25, 2021

In this week’s special edition of the NACCHO Podcast Series, NACCHO staff members Ian Goldstein and Adele Appiah introduce a collaborative podcast between NACCHO and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) to discuss the PRISM Initiative. This episode brings together doulas and Substance Use and Mental Health professionals to discuss the use of doulas to support substance use disorder, recovery, and treatment. Guests for this episode include Amy Chen, senior staff attorney for the National Health Law Program’s Doula Medicaid Project; Joyce Miller and Melinda McMichael, Doula Certified Peer Recovery Specialists; and Jessica Stieger, AMCHP Program Manager of Infant Health.

Podcast from Washington: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day Mar 18, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act and the investments it makes in the public health response to the COVID-19 Pandemic and beyond. They also discuss the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investment announced this week to address COVID-19-related health disparities and health equity. Later in the program, Ian talks with Tuberculosis Control Officer at Seattle & King County Public Health Dr. Masa Narita as well as Country Director with the CDC Division of Global HIV/AIDS in Zambia Dr. Simon Agolory. Both guests discuss World TB day and how the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted TB prevention and control efforts both globally and domestically.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO Virtual Hill Week Mar 04, 2021

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill currently in the Senate and the testimony of NACCHO President Jennifer Kertanis in last week’s House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) Subcommittee hearing.

Later in the program, Ian talks with Adriane Casalotti, NACCHO Chief of Government and Public Affairs, about NACCHO’s first virtual Capitol Hill Week, in which 90 NACCHO members had over 125 meetings with their elected representatives and senators via Zoom and telephone. Adriane and Ian discuss the importance of Capitol Hill Week, as well as the need for sustained advocacy for public health priorities throughout the year.

Podcast from Washington: Naloxone Training at the Indiana State Museum Feb 04, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the Biden Administration’s proposal for a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, and executive orders signed by President Biden pertaining to the Affordable Care Act, Title X family planning, and climate change.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Cathy Ferree, President and CEO of Indiana State Museums, and Dr. Eric Yazel, Health Officer at Clark County Health Department, to talk about the museum’s latest exhibit, designed to raise awareness of the state’s opioid epidemic. The exhibit also features a Naloxone training partnership with the Clark County Health Department. They discuss how the curation was developed and why highlighting the opioid epidemic in Indiana was important to the Indiana State Museums.

Podcast from Washington: Older Adult Falls Prevention Jan 21, 2021

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the Executive Orders following the inauguration of Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, and Vice President Kamala Harris. They also discuss the release of $19 billion in COVID-19 mitigation and testing money being sent out via the Epidemiology and Lab Capacity (ELC) Enhancing Detection Expansion grants. Later in the program, Ian sits down with Kevin McGinnis, program manager of Community Paramedicine, Mobile Integrated Health Care and Rural Emergency Care at the National Association of State EMS Officials. They discuss community paramedicine and how these programs help to prevent older adult falls.

Podcast from Washington: Healthy People 2030 Jan 07, 2021

In the first Podcast from Washington of 2021, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the Senate run-off election in Georgia, and the $22 billion in funding from the CDC for states, localities, and territories in support the nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Later in the program, Ian talks about the development of the Healthy People 2030 framework with Captain Paul Reed, MD, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Medicine and Science at HHS. Ian also discusses implementation of Healthy People 2030 with Bryn Manzella, MPH, the Quality Improvement Officer and Director of Quality Improvement at the Jefferson County Department of Health.

Podcast from Washington: National Influenza Vaccination Week Dec 11, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest bipartisan $908 billion coronavirus relief package unveiled this week and its chances of passing the Senate. They also discuss President-elect Joe Biden’s picks for key federal health agencies.

Later in the program, as part of NACCHO’s observation of National Influenza Vaccination Week, Ian Goldstein spoke with Dr. L.J. Tan, Chief Strategy Officer for the Immunization Action Coalition and Co-Chair for the National Adult Immunization Summit and National Influenza Vaccine Summit. They discussed how this year’s flu season will help prepare the field for the rollout and distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, and the role of the National Adult and Influenza Immunization Summit’s (NAIIS) work to address and resolve influenza immunization issues.

NACCHO Podcast Series: The Presidential and 117th Congressional Transition Dec 03, 2020

In this week’s special episode of the NACCHO Podcast Series, Ian Goldstein talks with Adriane Casalotti, NACCHO’s Chief of Government and Public Affairs, about the organization’s transition documents that were submitted to the Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress. They discuss the process for drafting transition documents, as well as how they are used by the new Administration and Congress. Finally, they talk about the negotiations for the next COVID-19 relief package.

Podcast from Washington: Fighting COVID-19 in a Small Local Health Department Nov 19, 2020

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss NACCHO recommendations for the incoming Biden-Harris Administration and the 117th Congress. They also discuss the 12 appropriations bills introduced in the Senate last week.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein speaks with Lisa Harrison, Local Health Director for Granville-Vance District Health Department and NACCHO Board member. They discuss how her small local health department is managing the coronavirus pandemic and how vital federal funding is to the effort. They also discuss how Granville-Vance is preparing for a mass vaccination event.

Podcast from Washington: Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension Nov 05, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the outcome of the 2020 election and the balance of power in Congress. They also discuss the election implications for the agenda of the 117th Congress.

Later in the program, Ian interviews Dr. Michael Sells, PhD, MS, CHES, Public Health Advisor on the Advancing Population Health Team of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the CDC to discuss the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. They discuss the need for greater hypertension control and explore evidence-based interventions that can be implemented, adapted, and expanded in diverse settings across the U.S.

Podcast from Washington: Managing Multiple Crises in Seattle-King County Oct 22, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest negotiations for another coronavirus relief package. They also discuss an imminent COVID-19 vaccine rollout and how NACCHO is working to ensure local health departments receive the federal resources they need.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein interviews Director for Public Health Seattle-King County Patty Hayes, RN, MN and Program Associate at the Big Cities Health Coalition Gabrielle Nichols. They discuss Public Health Seattle-King County’s response to multiple crises including COVID-19 outbreaks, smoke from neighboring wildfires, and civil unrest due to the ongoing impacts of racism.

Podcast from Washington: Non-COVID Clinical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic Oct 08, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the continuing resolution passed by Congress to avert a government shutdown. They also discuss HEROES 2.0 passed by the House, and two House “Dear Colleague” letters that garner support for local public health.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Rear Admiral Betsy L. Thompson, MD, MSPH, DrPH, Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service and Director of the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the CDC, to discuss the Framework for Healthcare Systems Providing Non-COVID-19 Clinical Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. They discuss the development of a comprehensive framework to balance the necessary provision of non-COVID-19 medical services while minimizing risk to patients and healthcare personnel during the pandemic. Rear Admiral Thompson also highlights key considerations local health departments and healthcare systems should consider when managing cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Podcast from Washington: The NACCHO Profile Study Sep 24, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the approaching end of the fiscal year on September 30, and how Congress intends to keep the government funded. They also discuss the forecast for a coronavirus relief package that will benefit local health departments. Finally, they discuss the imminent rollout of a coronavirus vaccine.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Karla Feeser, NACCHO’s Senior Research Analyst; Dr. Jacquelynn Orr, Program Officer for Research Evaluation and Learning at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and Dr. Sergey Sotnikov, Economist at the Center for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support at the CDC to discuss the findings of NACCHO’s 2019 Local Health Department Profile Study. They discuss their research and evaluation of Profile data and how that information can be invaluable for health departments, policymakers, and researchers to better understand funding, workforce, capacity, and other aspects that affect the way services are resourced and delivered by local health departments in their communities, as well as how they compare to health departments of other sizes or in other states.

NACCHO Podcast: Public Health Law and the Pandemic with Jerry Giuliano Jul 30, 2020

In this week’s Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the next emergency supplemental coronavirus bill introduced in the Senate. They also discuss the temporary halt to the Trump administration’s public charge rule.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein spoke with Director of the Office of Public Health Legal Affairs for Nassau County Department of Health in NY Gerard “Jerry” Giuliano. They discuss legal protections for health department employees, as well as the legalities of mask mandates. They also discuss the difficulties of contact tracing and the effectiveness of subpoenas.

NACCHO Podcast on Vector Control in New Orleans Jul 02, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss next week’s NACCHO 360 virtual conference. They also discuss NACCHO’s latest report on the impact of COVID-19 on local health department immunization programs and the next coronavirus emergency response package in Congress.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein spoke with Director for the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board Claudia Riegel and NACCHO’s Director of Environmental Health Dr. Chelsea Gridley-Smith to discuss NACCHO’s vector control during COVID-19 report. Riegel gives a firsthand account of how her team is working to control the mosquito and rodent populations in New Orleans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO’s COVID-19 Datalab Resource Jun 11, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss NACCHO’s statement on racially driven violence against black Americans. They also discuss how police reform discussions have already started on Capitol Hill.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein spoke with NACCHO’s Emily Yox about NACCHO’s partnership with ESRI and implementation of its COVID-19 dashboard resource. They discuss how the resource was developed and how local health departments can best utilize the online resource.

Podcast from Washington: The Effects of COVID-19 on HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis Programs May 28, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the introduction of the Senate bill “Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Act,” introduced by Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Cory Booker (D-NJ). They also discuss the next phase of COVID-19 emergency supplemental bills.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein chatted with Leah Casanave, Supervisor of the STD Prevention and Control Program at Douglas County Health Department, NE and Kat Kelley, NACCHO’s Senior Program Analyst for HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis. They discuss the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on local health department’s HIV, STI and viral hepatitis programs and services.

Podcast from Washington: Author Dr. Paul Offit May 14, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the next phase of emergency supplemental bills known as HEROES Act. They discuss the inclusion of the “Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Act” and other provisions in the bill that will impact public health.

Later in the program, Emily Yox, NACCHO program analyst, talks with author Dr. Paul Offit about his latest work, Overkill: When Modern Medicine Goes Too Far. They discuss his thoughts on public health, and how COVID-19 will change the public health landscape.

NACCHO Podcast from Washington: How Human Services and Public Health Services Collaborate with ACF Apr 30, 2020

In this week’s Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein speaks with Adriane Casalotti, NACCHO’s Chief of Government and Public Affairs. They discuss ways in which NACCHO is serving local health departments during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the new legislation championed by NACCHO and introduced by Reps. Jason Crow (D-CO) and Michael Burgess (R-TX): the Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program. They also discuss NACCHO’s contact tracing position paper.

Later in the program, Ian talks with Lynn Johnson, Assistant Secretary at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF), and Natalie Grant, Director of the Office of Human Services, Emergency Preparedness and Response. They discuss how local health departments that provide health services can work with ACF, and the importance of emergency preparedness and a coordinated national response to COVID-19.

World Immunization Week with CDC’s Dr. William Schluter and NACCHO CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman Apr 16, 2020

In this week’s episode from the NACCHO Podcast Series, Ian Goldstein is joined by NACCHO CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman to discuss the importance of World Immunization Week. They also talk about the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic and how NACCHO is serving local health departments.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein talks with Dr. William Schluter, Director of the Global Immunization Division in the Center for Global Health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mr. Goldstein and Dr. Schluter discussed World Immunization Week (April 24 to 30) and the importance of immunization in improving the health and well-being of individuals worldwide. They also discussed the many gains that have been made in immunization globally and where challenges still exist.

NACCHO Podcast Series: The State and Local Health Department Perspective on the COVID-19 Outbreak Apr 02, 2020

On this week’s NACCHO Podcast Series episode, Ian Goldstein talks with NACCHO Chief of Programs and Services Dr. Oscar Alleyne about his time in the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Emergency Operations Center. They also discuss the vital role of local health departments in the COVID-19 response.

Later in the program, Ian chats with the Commissioner for Public Health for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Dr. Steven J. Stack and Public Health Director for WEDCO District Health Department, KY Dr. Crystal Miller. They discuss the Kentucky response to COVID-19 at the State and local levels, including how local health departments are working with State partners to track the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.

NACCHO Podcast Series: The State and Local Health Department Perspective on the COVID-19 Outbreak Apr 02, 2020

On this week’s NACCHO Podcast Series episode, Ian Goldstein talks with NACCHO Chief of Programs and Services Dr. Oscar Alleyne about his time in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Emergency Operations Center. They also discuss the vital role of local health departments in the COVID-19 response.

Later in the program, Ian chats with the Commissioner for Public Health for the Commonwealth of Kentucky Dr. Steven J. Stack and Public Health Director for Wedco District Health Department, KY Dr. Crystal Miller. They discuss the Kentucky response to COVID-19 at the State and local levels, including how local health departments are working with State partners to track the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Podcast from Washington: On the Frontlines of the Opioid Epidemic with Barbara Marsh Mar 19, 2020

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, sheltering-in-place NACCHO government affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the government actions taken since the president declared a national emergency. They also discuss how funding is being distributed to state health departments and directly-funded local health departments over the next few weeks.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Barbara Marsh, Assistant to the Health Commissioner, Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County, OH. They discuss how her health department has been able to curb the opioid epidemic in the community, and how members of her local health department deal with substance-use tragedies as members of the community.

Podcast from Washington: Active Design Assistant Director Joshua Langham Mar 05, 2020

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the $8.3 billion COVID-19 emergency supplemental package that passed the House and is up for a vote in the Senate. They also give a recap of NACCHO’s Week of Congressional Action where public health advocates took to Capitol Hill to discuss public health funding and priorities.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Assistant Director for Active Design at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Joshua Langham. He spoke about his focus on increasing opportunities for physical activity and overall health through the design of the built environment.

Podcast from Washington: Author of Narkomania Dr. Jennifer Carroll Feb 20, 2020

In this week’s Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss NACCHO’s Leadership Week and how you can participate in NACCHO’s Virtual Hill Day to advocate for public health programs. They also discuss the local health department response to COVID-19 and how NACCHO is reporting back to Congress and the Administration about local health department activities.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Dr. Jennifer Carroll, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Elon University to discuss her new book Narkomania, which considers if a person is predisposed to substance use disorders. They also discuss her background in substance use, harm reduction, and overdose prevention.

Podcast from Washington: Public Health 3.0 with Carol Moehrle and Molly McNamara Feb 06, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest from Washington, DC and the novel coronavirus outbreak. They also discuss the State of the Union address, as well as a hearing on e-cigarettes.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Molly McNamara, Training Officer at Maricopa County Department of Public Health and Carol Moehrle, Health Director at the Idaho North Central District, to talk about Public Health 3.0, and what it means to be a Community Health Strategist.

Podcast from Washington: Global Health Interview with Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Jan 22, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus from China. They also cover this year’s NACCHO 360 conference in Denver, July 7–9, and the CDC’s rollout of the Active People, Health Nation Initiative, designed to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.

Later in the program, Emily Yox, NACCHO’s program analyst for global health, sits down with America Bracho, MD, MPH, of Latino Health Access, and Ginger Lee of Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services. America discusses how she formed Latino Health Access in 1993 as one of the first place-based interventions in the United States. This program uses Promotores or community health workers, to help improve health outcomes among Latinos in Santa Ana. As the program began to grow, America partnered with Ginger and the local health department on a number of initiatives, and they continue to see improvements in areas such as diabetes, mental health, and nutrition.

Podcast from Washington: Global Health Interview with Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services Jan 22, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus from China. They also cover this year’s NACCHO 360 conference in Denver, July 7–9, and the CDC’s rollout of the Active People, Health Nation Initiative, designed to help 27 million Americans become more physically active by 2027.

Later in the program, Emily Yox, NACCHO’s program analyst for global health, sits down with America Bracho, MD, MPH, of Latino Health Access, and Ginger Lee of Long Beach Department of Health & Human Services. America discusses how she formed Latino Health Access in 1993 as one of the first place-based interventions in the United States. This program uses Promotores or community health workers, to help improve health outcomes among Latinos in Santa Ana. As the program began to grow, America partnered with Ginger and the local health department on a number of initiatives, and they continue to see improvements in areas such as diabetes, mental health, and nutrition.

Interview with NYC MRC Director Betty Duggan Jan 16, 2020

Ian Goldstein interviews Betty Duggan, director of the New York City Medical Reserve Corps. They discuss how she came into her role as director in a large metropolitan area. She shares how she was able to recruit over 4,000 new MRC volunteers, and talks about some of the activities and exercises developed to enhance New York City’s preparedness readiness.

Podcast from Washington: Betty Duggan, Director of the NYC Medical Reserve Corps Jan 09, 2020

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the FY2020 appropriations bill that was signed into law before the holiday break. They also review NACCHO’s 2020 Legislative Agenda and how public health advocates can take their priorities to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Finally, they discuss the Trump Administration’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) e-cigarettes final guidance.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein interviews Betty Duggan, director of the New York City Medical Reserve Corps. They discuss how she came into her role as director in a large metropolitan area. She shares how she was able to recruit over 4,000 new MRC volunteers, and talks about some of the activities and exercises developed to enhance New York City’s preparedness readiness.

NACCHO Podcast with Stacy Collins, Associate Director, Health Systems Transformation at the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP) Dec 05, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the continuing resolution to fund the Federal Government, which runs out on December 20. They also discuss two congressional hearings this week that dealt with influenza season, and the Administration’s ban on flavored e-cigarettes.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Stacy Collins, Associate Director, Health Systems Transformation at the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs to discuss the growing maternal mortality rate in the U.S., as well as the significance of the Affordable Care Act in improving health outcomes of youth and maternal mortality rates. They also talk about how the dismantling of the Affordable Care Act would disrupt the entire healthcare system.

Podcast from Washington: Global Health Exchange with Dr. Lee Smith Executive Director and County Health Officer, Monongalia County Health Department Nov 14, 2019

In this week’s Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team member Ian Goldstein discusses tobacco legislation advanced by the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee that would raise the federal tobacco purchasing age to 21, ban flavored tobacco products, and require face-to-face sales. He also discusses the Senate HELP Committee hearings on vaping, and the continuing resolution to fund the government, which runs out on November 21.

Later in the program, Emily Yox, NACCHO’s program analyst for global health, sits down with Dr. Lee Smith, the Executive Director and County Health Officer of Monongalia County Health Department in West Virginia. In their discussion, Dr. Lee describes how his county is using the popular dating app Grindr to share information and encourage testing for syphilis, after an outbreak that started primarily among MSM in early 2019. Smith drew inspiration for this program from a South African presentation he attended a decade earlier on the value of cell phone data, and was able to adapt those ideas into an initiative that addressed a specific community need.

Podcast from Washington: Creating Parks and Protecting Land with Matthew Clarke, Director of Creative Placemaking for Trust for Public Land Oct 31, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the passage of the Preventing Online Sales of E-Cigarettes to Children Act, which would require adults to sign for vaping products delivered by mail. The legislation also implements new safeguards, such as age verification requirements that would prevent the online sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. They also discuss the Senate movement of FY2020 appropriations, before the current continuing resolution expires November 21.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sits down with Matthew Clarke, Director of Creative Placemaking for the Trust for Public Land to discuss how Matthew became involved in urban creative placemaking. They discuss his influences as an architect and urban space creator, as well as Clarke’s latest book The Field Guide for Creative Placemaking in the Parks, a how-to resource for community development.

Podcast from Washington: Global Health Security Podcast Part 2 Adopting Vector Control Initiatives to a U.S. Context with Dr. Umair Shah Oct 17, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, NACCHO Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the latest from Capitol Hill and recent hearings on e-cigarettes, vaccines, and emergency preparedness.

Later in the program, Emily Yox, NACCHO’s program analyst for global health, sits down with Dr. Umair Shah, former NACCHO President and Executive Director for Harris County Public Health in Texas, to discuss several health department programs that were inspired by successful global health work. Dr. Shah discusses two interventions specifically around mosquito and vector control that were initially carried out in India, Brazil, and Australia before being adopted by Harris County to align with their specific needs.

NACCHO Podcast on NACCHO’s Latest Opioid Report with Program Analyst Francis Higgins Oct 03, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Government Affairs team members Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss the continuing resolution signed by President Trump that will keep the federal government funded through November 21. They also discuss how Congress is dealing with the youth vaping epidemic, and the latest news related to the mysterious vaping illness.

Later in the program, Ian sits down with Francis Higgins, NACCHO’s Injury and Violence Prevention Program Analyst, to discuss NACCHO’s Environmental Scan Report. The Environmental Scan looks at local health department prevention activities related to the opioid epidemic, and Francis shares the report’s findings and how local health departments can use it as a vital resource to understand the epidemic.

Podcast from Washington: NACCHO Global Health Security Podcast Part 1: Duncan Stephenson Chief Executive for the Royal Society for Public Health Sep 19, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the Senate Appropriations Committee’s release of its FY2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill. They also discuss the federal crackdown on flavored e-cigarettes and the latest news on the vaping illness.

Later in the program, Emily Yox sits down for a Skype interview with Duncan Stephenson, the Deputy Chief Executive for the Royal Society for Public Health in the United Kingdom to discuss his Health on High Street project. This model uses data to score shops found on UK High Streets to create a measure to determine the “healthiness or unhealthiness” of 70 UK towns and cities. This model is now migrating to the United States to rank the healthiness or unhealthiness of U.S. main streets, with a final report coming out in early 2020. They discuss the catalyst behind starting this work, how they scored and ranked the streets, and its adaptation within the U.S. context.

Podcast from Washington: Shelly Schwedhelm, Executive Director for Emergency Management & Biopreparedness for Nebraska Medicine Sep 12, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Eli Briggs and Ian Goldstein discuss breaking news, as the Food and Drug Administration is finalizing plans to ban all flavored e-cigarette cartridges from the market in an effort to discourage youth vaping. They also discuss the cancellation of the markup for the Senate FY2020 Labor, Health & Human Services, (LHHS) Education appropriations bill.

Later in the program, in a nod to National Preparedness Month, Ian Goldstein sits down with Michelle (Shelly) Schwedhelm, executive director for Emergency Management & Biopreparedness at Nebraska Medicine. They discuss developing a regional public health response system for disasters, as well as Shelly’s role in the 2014 Ebola education training program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She also shares how local health departments can develop a structure that incorporates clinical systems with public health.

Podcast from Washington: CDC Deputy Director for Public Health Service and Implementation Science Dr. Stephen Redd Aug 29, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington Ian Goldstein and Adriane Casalotti discuss Congress’ return to Capitol Hill after Labor Day to tackle appropriations for FY2020 that begins October 1. They also discuss the proposed rule change to 42 CFR Part 2, regarding mental health records sharing. Finally, they discuss the Surgeon General’s latest campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of marijuana for teens and pregnant women.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Deputy Director for Public Health Service and Implementation Science at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Dr. Stephen Redd. They discussed the threat of a global pandemic and the ability of the US to respond to an outbreak. They also discussed climate change and how communities can better prepare for natural and manmade disasters.

Podcast from Washington: Kentucky River Health District Scott Lockard Aug 15, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Eli Briggs and Ian Goldstein discuss the passage of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 and how that will affect appropriations bills for FY2020. They also discuss the final “public charge” rule from the Trump Administration. Finally, they discuss August recess and how you can get involved in public health advocacy.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Public Health Director for Kentucky River District Health Department Scott Lockard. They discuss the implementation of the department’s needle exchange program and how other health departments can replicate positive health outcomes. They also discuss the challenges and community buy-in for the project.

Podcast from Washington: Bell County KY Health Director Teresa Hunter Jul 25, 2019

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 agreement that would raise cap levels for non-defense discretionary spending in FY2020 and FY2021. They also discuss the Administration’s new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules, and the Food and Drug Administration’s anti-smoking campaign aimed at youth.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Public Health Director for Bell County, KY Teresa Hunter. The discussed overprescribing rates in Bell County and how that contributed to the opioid epidemic. They discussed activities the county health department has done with support of NACCHO to curb the opioid epidemic.

Podcast from Washington: Interview with Jennifer Kiger from Harris County Public Health Jun 27, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the House passage of the Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS) and Education appropriations bill and the public health implications. They also discuss NACCHO Annual 2019 activities.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Chief of the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness for Harris County Public Health Jennifer Kiger. They discussed the lessons learned from Hurricane Harvey and the value of storytelling when it comes to emergency preparedness. They also discussed the chemical plant fire in eastern Harris County that happened in March.

Podcast from Washington: A Conversation with the Cabell-Huntington - WV Health Department Jun 13, 2019

In this week’s episode of the Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the movement of four House FY2020 appropriations bills packaged into a minibus. They also discuss the long-awaited passage of the Pandemic and All-Hazards and Advancing Innovations Act reauthorization. Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with a panel of local health professionals from the Cabell-Huntington Health Department in West Virginia. They discussed the health department efforts to control a Hepatitis A outbreak, and how the opioid epidemic has affected those efforts. The panel also discussed the need for community partnerships to manage the outbreak response.

Podcast from Washington: Interview with Jeff Schlegelmilch May 30, 2019

On this week’s episode of the NACCHO Podcast Series, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss Memorial Day recess and items the Congress will have to take up when they return next week. The House will have to pass the Senate version of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act. They also discuss the Department of Health and Human Services proposed rule that would roll back health care protections for transgender patients.

Later in the program Ian Goldstein sat down with the Deputy Director for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Earth Institute Jeff Schlegelmilch. They discussed understanding the nation’s readiness to prepare for and respond to disasters, with a focus on children. They discussed data collection of past hurricanes and the gulf oil spill, looking at long-term impacts, particularly in children and their adverse childhood experiences.

Podcast from Washington: Interview with Amanda Hunter Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness May 16, 2019

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein discusses NACCHO Model Practice award winners and de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health. He also talks about the disaster relief package and public health infrastructure bills introduced in the House.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Hospital Preparedness Coordinator for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness Amanda Hunter. They discussed Hepatitis A outbreaks in the Louisville area and the role of the hospital preparedness coordinator. They also discussed the role of the hospital preparedness coordinator in a mass casualty event.

Podcast from Washington: Interview with Amanda Hunter Louisville Metro Department of Health and Wellness May 16, 2019

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein discusses NACCHO Model Practice award winners and de Beaumont Foundation’s 40 Under 40 in Public Health. He also talks about the disaster relief package and public health infrastructure bills introduced in the House.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Hospital Preparedness Coordinator for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness Amanda Hunter. They discussed Hepatitis A outbreaks in the Louisville area and the role of the hospital preparedness coordinator. They also discuss the role of the hospital preparedness coordinator in a mass casualty event.

Podcast from Washington: Interview with Broward County's Terri Sudden May 02, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Eli Briggs and Ian Goldstein discuss the House Labor, Health and Human Services (LHHS), and Education appropriations bill that seeks to boost federal funding for public health programs. They also discuss the Climate Action Now Act (H.R. 9) in the House.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response at the Broward County Health Department Terri Sudden. Sudden talks about her health departments response to two mass shootings; one at the Ft. Lauderdale airport, and the mass shooting that took place at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.

Podcast from Washington: Healthcare Ready Executive Director Dr. Nicolette Louissaint Apr 19, 2019

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Eli Briggs and Ian Goldstein discuss a vaccine resolution passed by the Senate. They also discuss the introduction of a comprehensive House bill that would ban flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes, including menthol, as well as raise the minimum age of purchase for tobacco products to 21.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with the Executive Director of Healthcare Ready Dr. Nicolette Louissaint. They discussed how the Healthcare Ready project came about and how local health departments can utilize private partnerships in their preparedness activities. They also discussed steps in making governments and healthcare providers response ready.

Podcast from Washington: TFAH Director of Government Relations Dara Lieberman Apr 04, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Eli Briggs and Ian Goldstein discuss the Public Health Preparedness Summit that took place in St. Louis, MO. They also discuss events surrounding National Public Health Week.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) Director of Government Relations Dara Lieberman. They discussed TFAH’s report “Ready or Not,” and how the report has been received. They also discussed the importance of advocacy for public health at the federal level and strategies to help public health workers tell their stories to bring attention to their work and advocate for increased public health funding.

Podcast from Washington: Forces of Change 2018 Survey with Dr. Debra Dekker and Claude Alix-Jacob Feb 28, 2019

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein provides a run-down of the week in public health in Washington including a new CDC report that shows HIV prevention has stalled in recent years. He also discusses the House effort to pass a universal background checks bill, and a hearing on the measles outbreak in 10 states.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Director of Evaluation for NACCHO Dr. Debra Dekker. They discuss the 2018 Forces of Change Survey that reports on the challenges facing local health departments. They are joined via telephone by Claude Alix-Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer of Cambridge Public Health Department who shares his story about using Forces of Change data.

Podcast from Washington: Forces of Change 2018 Survey with Dr. Debra Dekker and Claude Alix-Jacob Feb 28, 2019

In this week's episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein provides a run-down of the week in public health in Washington including a new CDC report that shows HIV prevention has stalled in recent years. He also discusses the House effort to pass a universal background checks bill, and a hearing on the measles outbreak in 10 states.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with Director of Evaluation for NACCHO Dr. Debra Dekker. They discuss the 2018 Forces of Change Survey that reports on the challenges facing local health departments. They are joined via telephone by Claude Alix-Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer of Cambridge Public Health Department who shares his story about using Forces of Change data.

Podcast from Washington: de Beaumont Foundation CEO Brian Castrucci and TFAH CEO John Auerbach Feb 14, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the possibility of another government shutdown. They also discuss gun violence prevention legislation that was introduced in the House by Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL). NACCHO will also comment on the proposed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rule that would require able-bodied persons receiving SNAP benefits to work. Finally, they discuss the National Youth Tobacco Report from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein sat down with CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation Brian Castrucci and CEO and President for Trust for America’s Health John Auerbach to discuss their Health Affairs blog article surrounding the social determinants of health. The two CEOs discussed evidence-based policy solutions to tackle social inequities in communities.

Podcast from Washington: Dr. Kelly Gebo, All of Us Program Jan 31, 2019

On this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington, Ian Goldstein and Eli Briggs discuss the end of the five-week Government shutdown and the three-week continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government funded while Congress and the President work out a deal to fund border security. They also discuss the measles outbreak in seven states.

Later in the program, Ian Goldstein talked with Chief Medical and Scientific Office of the All of Us Research Program Dr. Kelly Gebo. They discussed the goal of enrolling one million participants in the research program. They also discussed how local health departments can use the depth, data, and research potential of All of Us.

Podcast from Washington: Birth Defects Prevention Month with Dr. Sandra Ford Jan 17, 2019

In this week’s episode of Podcast from Washington Eli Briggs and Ian Goldstein discuss the partial government shutdown that entered its fifth week, and how that is affecting public health and local health departments. They also discuss the Senate hearings for the Attorney General nominee William Barr and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator nominee Andrew Wheeler. Later in the program, Ian Goldstein talked with Health Director for DeKalb County Health Department Dr. Sandra Ford. They discuss risk factors around maternal and child health to bring awareness to Birth Defects Prevention Month. Dr. Ford discussed the challenges in DeKalb county lowering the rates of infant mortality throughout the county.

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