Making Public Health Personal CUNY SPH Podcast | Making Public Health Personal

According to alarming statistics from the CDC, Black women in the US face a stark reality: they are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their White counterparts. In New York City, the situation is even more dire with the mortality risk rising to nine times more likely for Black women than for White women. But why? On this episode of the Making Public Health Personal podcast, join host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon and guests Dr. Deborah Kaplan and Tonya Lewis Lee as they unpack the systemic factors contributing to these disparities and explore what can be done to address them.

Dr. Deborah Kaplan brings to the discussion over four decades of expertise in public health, particularly focusing on maternal, infant, sexual, and reproductive health. As a fierce advocate for racial and gender equity in perinatal outcomes, Dr. Kaplan sheds light on the urgent need to dismantle structural barriers that perpetuate health inequities among communities of color. From her role as Assistant Commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to her current endeavors at CUNY SPH, Dr. Kaplan is not just an ally but a fighter in the pursuit of reproductive justice. We discuss important issues ranging from bodily autonomy to the impact of global conflicts on women and children. Gain helpful insights on how to think globally and act locally in our pursuit of maternal health, reproductive rights, and justice.

We are also joined by the multi-talented Tonya Lewis Lee, an award-winning filmmaker, author, and entrepreneur. Tonya shares insights from her groundbreaking documentary, AFTERSHOCK, which confronts the US maternal mortality crisis. Through powerful storytelling, this film underscores the importance of amplifying marginalized voices and advocating for systemic change. From discussing the history of reproductive justice to emphasizing the importance of recognizing pregnant people, not just women, Tonya inspires us to utilize our own unique talents to create change.

Episode links:
Find out more and connect with Deborah Levine on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-l-kaplan-19842b169/

Find out more and connect with Tonya Lewis Lee on Facebook and Instagram:
@TonyaLewisLee

Watch Aftershock (film) now on Hulu or visit https://www.aftershockdocumentary.com
View the trailer for Aftershock here: https://youtu.be/k63RC0rJEd8

Sexual and Reproductive Justice hub at CUNY SPH: https://sph.cuny.edu/research/srj-hub/
Black mamas matter: https://blackmamasmatter.org/
Let’s talk about sex conference: https://www.letstalkaboutsexconference.com/
Sistersong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective: https://www.sistersong.net/
NYC Abortion Access hub: Call 877-NYC-AHUB (877-692-2482) https://www.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/ms/abortion-hub-info.pdf
Pregnancy Justice: https://www.pregnancyjusticeus.org/
National Postpartum Awareness Week Info: https://www.speakmovechange.net/
Info about voting for reproductive rights in NY (2024): https://ballotpedia.org/2023_and_2024_abortion-related_ballot_measures
ARIAH foundation: https://www.theariahfoundation.org/
Our bodies ourselves (book): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Bodies,_Ourselves
Eyes on the prize (documentary film): https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/eyesontheprize/

Download a transcript of this episode for accessibility: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cme6ukyyd1jre5e5ilwkp/Episode-25-transcript.docx?rlkey=isc6v3y18pd52hrkgplnbdzah&st=7pt32dq3&dl=0

Are you passionate about making a positive impact on marginalized communities facing public health challenges?

This episode of the Making Public Health Personal podcast delves into effective strategies for addressing health issues both locally and globally and explores the unexpected parallels that can drive meaningful change.

Join host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon as she welcomes two distinguished guests: Dr. Philip Kreniske, assistant professor of Community Health and Social Sciences at CUNY SPH and adjunct assistant professor in the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, and Dr. Nicholas Freudenberg, Distinguished Professor of Public Health at CUNY SPH and the faculty director of Healthy CUNY.

Dr. Kreniske discusses his experience using implementation science to study adolescent health in the US and Sub-Saharan Africa. He highlights the research findings and policy implications designed to tackle socioeconomic and racial disparities, which are key contributors to the elevated rates of HIV and mental health symptoms among adolescents. Listeners will gain valuable insights into tailoring public health communication strategies for adolescent care, and discover innovative approaches and technology uses proven to prevent youth HIV and related issues.

Next, Laura shifts the conversation and discusses local challenges and solutions with Dr. Freudenberg. Learn about the innovative CUNY CARES program, which offers vital services such as healthcare, mental health support, and essentials like food and housing to CUNY students. Dr. Freudenberg explores the evidence-based strategies that make CUNY CARES effective, ways you can support this significant effort, and how students in need can access these crucial resources. Listen in as the conversation navigates the complexities of health equity and discover actionable insights to make a meaningful difference in marginalized communities, both locally and globally. 

 

Episode Links:

 

Find out more and contact Dr. Kreniske: https://sph.cuny.edu/about/people/faculty/philip-kreniske/

Find out more and contact Dr. Freudenberg:

https://sph.cuny.edu/about/people/faculty/nicholas-freudenberg/ 

CUNY Cares: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/transformation/cuny-cares/

Download a transcript of this episode for accessibility: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/10xmd11nyzd2vt0vgm68i/Epiode-24-Transcript.docx?rlkey=k2bbvlx98uhv6hhz39ojs8b45&dl=0

This women’s history month special episode of the Making Public Health Personal podcast breaks down the pressing issues surrounding maternal, child, reproductive, and sexual health in the United States. Host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon speaks with three esteemed guests to delve into the unique curriculum offered at CUNY SPH that addresses these crucial areas in sexual and reproductive justice. 


Terry McGovern: Senior Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs at CUNY SPH. Previously, the Harriet and Robert H. Heilbrunn Professor and chair of the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. 


Sarah Pickering: Doctoral candidate in the Community Health and Health Policy (CHSS) program at CUNY SPH with a specialization in Maternal, Child, Reproductive and Sexual Health.


Diana Romero: Director of the Maternal, Child, Reproductive and Sexual Health specialization and CHSS Professor.



Together we’ll unveil the exciting new additions to our sexual and reproductive justice hub at CUNY SPH, including the prestigious Byllye Avery Endowed Professorship in Sexual and Reproductive Justice. Learn about the ongoing research aimed at safeguarding reproductive rights across the nation. Join us as we uncover ways that you can actively contribute to the preservation of reproductive rights and enact meaningful change.



Episode links: 

Organizations to support reproductive justice:

https://allaboveall.org/

https://urge.org/

https://www.sistersong.net/

https://abortionfunds.org/find-a-fund/

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/abortion-access



Learn more and connect with today’s guests:

https://sph.cuny.edu/about/people/faculty/terry-mcgovern/

https://sph.cuny.edu/about/people/faculty/diana-romero/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-pickering-mph-1893a441

Download a transcript of this episode for accessibility: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hdfieu7lv4f1gw6m1w84z/Ep23-transcript.docx?rlkey=1oby681lro6c6jug92nmai390&dl=0

Unlocking opportunities to fund your public health degree and kickstart your career, with Andrea Isabel Lopez, MPH ‘20

Are you looking to pursue a career that supports a cause close to your heart but don’t know where to start?

In the latest episode of the Making Public Health Personal podcast, host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon speaks with Andrea Isabel Lopez about her inspiring journey to success after graduating with an MPH in community health from CUNY SPH. Andrea is currently project manager for the Latinx Arts Consortium of New York and Rita Allen Civic Science Fellow with Ciencia Puerto Rico. 

Listen in for valuable advice on building a lucrative career in public health, incorporating personal passion into your work, and unlocking opportunities for scholarships and fellowships to maximize your graduate school investment. Don't miss this inspiring episode that explores the intersection of personal commitment and professional achievement.

 

Episode Links: 

Find Andrea and Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaisabellopez/ 

Ciencia Puerto Rico: https://www.cienciapr.org/ 

LxNY: https://www.lxnyarts.org/ 

Civic Science Fellows: https://civicsciencefellows.org/  

Download a transcript of this episode for accessibility: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jhytyx7ea5mhw7i7kx1vv/Episode-22-Transcript.docx?rlkey=guw3nz6lte0jn5n44jxuoza5b&dl=0

Embracing Future Tech and AI for Better Health with Dr. Bruce Y. Lee

Have you ever wondered who has access to your data when you let your devices track your steps, food intake and heart rate (among other things)? Should we be afraid of artificial intelligence (AI) chat bots replacing doctors? On this episode of the Making Public Health Personal Podcast, host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon speaks with Bruce Y. Lee, MD, MBA, about the benefits and disadvantages of advanced technology and AI, and how to embrace technology for a better future. Dr. Lee provides invaluable insights for how to make sure you’re getting the most relevant and personalized diet and exercise recommendations from your apps. We discuss current trends and new innovations in advanced technology and communications, including precision nutrition, public health communications, AI in education, Virtual/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) and much more. Listen in as we embrace the transformative potential of technology in improving health outcomes and making a tangible impact on communities worldwide.

Bruce Y. Lee, MD, MBA Dr. Lee is a Professor of Health Policy and Management at CUNY SPH where he is the Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Technology and Communication in Health (CATCH) and the Artificial Intelligence, Modeling, and Informatics for Nutrition Guidance and Systems (AIMINGS) Center which is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and serves as the AI Center for the NIH’s Nutrition for Precision Health (NPH) Consortium. He is a systems modeler, professor, writer, journalist, an expert in computational and digital health and artificial intelligence who has authored over 255 scientific publications focused on developing and using new systems, computational, and AI/modeling methods. Dr. Lee writes extensively for the general media including the NY Times, HuffPost, Time and The Guardian, among many others. He is a senior contributor for Forbes, has a blog for Psychology today and his work and expertise has been featured on television, radio and other forms of media.

Episode Links:

Find out more and connect with Bruce Y. Lee: https://sph.cuny.edu/about/people/faculty/bruce-y-lee/

Read his articles on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brucelee/?sh=2b62dbbd7068

Follow Dr. Lee on X: https://twitter.com/bruce_y_lee

Download a transcript of this episode for accessibility: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5wlrpx2y5yh0xwf5dg5ep/Ep21-transcript.docx?rlkey=qrmko3door1kf1rnwedv3tac7&dl=0

The most pressing global health threat you may not have heard about yet, with Jeffrey Lazarus (Episode 20)

Join host Laura Meoli-Ferrigon on this episode of the Making Public Health Personal podcast with our esteemed guest Jeffrey Lazarus. He is a professor of global health in the Health Policy and Management Department at CUNY SPH, and a research professor at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) in Spain. His decade-long career as a health systems, HIV and viral hepatitis expert at The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe was followed by three years at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. He currently serves as co-chair of the HIV Outcomes Beyond Viral Suppression coalition, a member of the board of directors of the SHARE Global Health Foundation and as a member of the Global NASH Council and the EASL Public Health and Policy Committee, where he leads the global Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives coalition. Professor Jeff is the author of more than 300 publications centered around liver health, viral hepatitis, HIV and COVID-19.

In today’s episode, we’ll discuss the most prevalent liver disease in human history, and why it is largely unknown to the general population. Formerly referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects an estimated 38% of the global adult population, and around 13% of children and adolescents.

Professor Lazarus sheds light on the significance of assigning a new name and diagnostic criteria to this disease. Discover preventive measures, reversal strategies, and the need for integrative services to transform global liver health. Join us for an eye-opening conversation, and learn how we can combat this silent epidemic.

Episode Links:
Learn more and connect with Jeffrey V Lazarus: https://sph.cuny.edu/about/people/faculty/jeffrey-lazarus/
Professor Jeff’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/jvlazarus?lang=en
Professor Jeff’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-v-lazarus-42a86a/

American Liver Foundation Honors Professor Jeffrey V Lazarus, PhD with the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award: https://liverfoundation.org/resource-center/blog/american-liver-foundation-honors-professor-jeffrey-v-lazarus-phd-with-the-distinguished-scientific-achievement-award/

Integrated management of HIV, diabetes, and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: a pragmatic cluster-randomized, controlled trial: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01573-8/fulltext

A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature: https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(23)00418-X/fulltext

NAFLD — sounding the alarm on a silent epidemic: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-020-0315-7
It is time to expand the fatty liver disease community of practice: https://journals.lww.com/hep/fulltext/2023/11000/it_is_time_to_expand_the_fatty_liver_disease.2.aspx

A global research priority agenda to advance public health responses to fatty liver disease: https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(23)00323-9/fulltext

Download a transcript of this episode for accessibility: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fd3rlkerereywwbhgu6am/Ep20-Transcript.docx?rlkey=f5ml0aoumgrt71piugp182kri&dl=0