Public Health IS

Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

Welcome to Public Health IS… a podcast dedicated to making public health more accessible to you the public! - brought to you by Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Join Maria Andrea, a passionate public health worker and Community Engagement Specialist for WCCHD, as she discuss all the ins and outs of public health, providing insight into WCCHD, and its impact on day-to-day life.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Public Health IS... Preparedness

    Summary In this episode Maria Andrea explores the vital role of public health in emergency preparedness and response, featuring insights from Lauren Powell, Emergency Preparedness and Response Team Lead at Williamson County and City’s Health District. Learn how community involvement, planning, and coordination help build resilient communities capable of handling natural disasters, health crises, and everyday emergencies. Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/⁠If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Emergency Preparedness 02:34 Understanding Emergency Preparedness and Response 05:03 Community Engagement and Support 07:20 Creating Go Bags for Emergencies 09:46 The Importance of Proactive Preparedness 12:07 Collaboration in Public Health 14:29 Building a Resilient Community 17:23 Conclusion and Call to Action

    21 min
  2. In the News- Driving the Food Truck Permit Transition

    Jun 30 ·  Bonus

    In the News- Driving the Food Truck Permit Transition

    Summary In this episode, Maria Andrea and WCCHD's resident food experts discuss the recent changes in Texas mobile food vending laws, focusing on the new statewide permitting process starting July 1. They explore how these changes benefit vendors, the local role in enforcement, and how vendors can prepare for the transition. As always, if you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, liking, commenting, and sharing this episode with family and friends! Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/. ⁠ Guest names Lori Murphy, Jovette Newton Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Public Health and Food Safety 01:22 Changes in Mobile Food Vending Laws 03:10 Benefits of Statewide Permitting for Food Vendors 05:08 Local Role in Statewide Permitting 06:11 Preparing for the Transition to State Permits 07:43 Final Thoughts and Resources for Vendors Resources Texas Department of State Health Services Mobile Vending Application - https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishment Williamson County and Cities Health District - https://wcchd.org

    10 min
  3. In the News- NWS

    Jun 23 ·  Bonus

    In the News- NWS

    This is a segment called "Public Health IS... In the News" where Maria Andrea discusses emerging public health issues and WCCHD's role in keeping communities healthy and safe. Summary In this episode, we explore the emerging threat of the New World Screwworm fly in Texas, its impact on animal and human health, and the measures being taken to control it. Our guest, Jason Fritz, a public health entomologist, shares insights into the biology of the fly, the control strategies like sterile insect technique, and how the community can stay vigilant. If you suspect a pet, livestock, or wild animal has an NWS infestation, get help as soon as possible.  For pets or livestock, call your veterinarian and contact the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) at 1-800-550-8242 or through your local TAHC regional office.  If you see a live wild animal with larvae, immediately contact Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) through your local wildlife biologist at 1-512-389-4505. For more information on New World screwworm, please visit screwworm.gov.  As always, if you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, liking, commenting, and sharing this episode with family and friends! Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/. ⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Public Health and Emerging Threats 02:34 Understanding the New World Screw Worm 05:15 One Health: The Interconnection of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health 07:51 Risk Assessment: Human and Animal Vulnerability 10:41 Mitigation Strategies and Control Measures 13:16 Public Health Messaging and Community Engagement Resources Texas Animal Health Commission - https://www.tahc.texas.gov/ U.S. Department of Agriculture - https://www.usda.gov/ Sterile Insect Technique overview - https://entomologytoday.org/2018/07/01/sterile-insect-technique-a-success-story-in-pest-control/

    18 min

  4. Jun 16

    Public Health IS... Disease Investigations

    In this episode, Maria Andrea is joined by Kaleb Fowlkes, director of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance to talk about what goes on behind the scenes to track and control infectious diseases in Williamson County as "disease detectives". Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/If you like what you heard, please support this podcast by following, linking, commenting, and sharing with family and friends!

    33 min

  5. Jun 2

    Public Health IS... Social Services

    In this episode, Maria Andrea speaks with Tara Jempty, director of Program Eligibility and Social Services to explore social services, healthcare access, and preventative screenings. Tara shares insights into programs like WilcoCare and the Cancer Screening Initiative, highlighting their impact on community health and the importance of accessible healthcare. Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/

    44 min

  6. May 19

    Public Health IS... Nutrition

    In this episode, Maria Andrea discusses the importance of public health via the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program with Alissa Orozco, the WIC Director. They explore the purpose of WIC, its history, eligibility criteria, application process, and the various support services it offers to families. The conversation highlights the significance of nutrition education, community engagement, the resources available to families in need, and the overall impact of WIC on maternal and child health in Williamson County. Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/

    41 min

  7. May 5

    Public Health IS... Health Services

    In this episode, Maria Andrea and Kaitlin Murphee, the Clinical Services Director, discuss the various programs and services offered by the Clinical Services Division. They emphasize the importance of community outreach, preventative health measures, and the role of public health in saving lives because "health is wealth". The conversation covers topics such as immunizations, tuberculosis, women's health, and the need for connecting communities to essential resources. The episode highlights the significance of education in public health and the collaborative efforts of health workers to improve community health outcomes. Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠⁠https://www.wcchd.org/

    25 min

  8. Apr 21

    Public Health IS... Food Safety

    In this episode, Maria Andrea is joined by Lori Murphy, Environmental Health Director, and Jovette Newton, Environmental Health Supervisor, to discuss environmental health, food safety, and it's impact on the public's health. Learn about the processes, regulations, and tips that help keep your food safe and the community healthy from "farm to fork". Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at ⁠https://www.wcchd.org/

    45 min

  9. Season 1, Episode 2 Trailer

    Episode 2 preview

    Have you ever been curious about the ins and outs of public health? Join Maria Andrea with guests Lori and Jovette in Episode 2, dropping April 21st. And, see how in Lori's words, "public health is everything, everywhere, all at once!" -especially in their division.

    1 min

  10. Apr 7

    Public Health IS... WCCHD

    In this episode, Maria Andrea, the community engagement specialist from Williamson County and Cities Health District, introduces the concept of public health and its significance in everyday life. Joined by Amber Erickson, the Executive Director, and Amanda Norwood, the Medical Director, they delve into the definition of public health, emphasizing its focus on prevention, protection, and promotion for entire communities rather than just individuals. The discussion highlights the essential services provided by health departments, including monitoring food safety, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness, showcasing how these efforts contribute to the overall well-being of the population. Interested in learning more about a specific public health topic? Reach out to us at publichealthistx@wilcotx.gov! And learn more about Williamson County and Cities Health District at https://www.wcchd.org/

    33 min

Trailer

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out of 5
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About

Welcome to Public Health IS… a podcast dedicated to making public health more accessible to you the public! - brought to you by Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD). Join Maria Andrea, a passionate public health worker and Community Engagement Specialist for WCCHD, as she discuss all the ins and outs of public health, providing insight into WCCHD, and its impact on day-to-day life.

Information

  • Creator
    Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Williamson County and Cities Health District
  • Show Website
    Public Health IS