Public Health Out Loud

In Rhode Island, we know that men face struggles with mental health. According to the 2024 Rhode Island Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, almost 11% of Rhode Island men reported that they usually or always feel lonely. From 2020 to 2024, the rate of suicide deaths among Rhode Island men was almost two times higher than the overall population. In this episode, Partnership Manager at Grit Digital Health, Thomas Vosseler, talks about how his team is working with RIDOH to meet the mental health needs of men who are struggling.

Rhode Island's SafeBAE is the only survivor-founded and youth-led sexual violence prevention organization among middle and high school students nationwide. Programs are free for students and designed to equip young people with the tools to prevent harm, support their peers, and drive generational culture change. In this episode, Executive Director, Shael Norris and Director of Strategic Initiatives, Drew Davis talk about the importance of sexual violence prevention among youth and how the organization empowers young people to lead conversations about consent, have healthy relationships, and much more.

For more information about SafeBAE, visit safebae.org.

While falls can happen to anyone, older adults are more likely to experience serious injuries as a result. That's why falls prevention is an important public health issue for all of us, not just for older adults but also for their families, caregivers, and communities. In this episode, Dr. Carol Petrie, a board certified expert in geriatric physical therapy and falls prevention talks about the best ways to reduce our risk of falling, when we should begin thinking about it, advice for caregivers, and so much more.

National Recovery Month has been observed in September in the US since 1989 as a time to promote and support the nation’s strong, diverse, and resilient recovery community. In this episode, Cathy Schultz, MPH, Director of the Governor’s Overdose Task Force, and Stacey Levin, CPRS, CCHW, Deputy Director of Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES), talk about the personal nature behind every recovery journey, the resources available in Rhode Island, and the importance of meeting people where they're at.

International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31. It’s a time to honor the lives lost to overdose, support families and people we care about who continue to grieve, and recommit ourselves to being part of the solution to prevent future tragedies.

In this episode, Ashley Perry, Deputy Director and Overdose Prevention Center Director at Project Weber/RENEW, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit providing compassionate, peer-led harm reduction and recovery support services, talks about the organization's role in coordinating Rhode Island’s annual International Overdose Awareness Day naloxone distribution activities. The statewide celebration will be observed this year on September 1.

For anyone who would like to volunteer to help with the event, please email ioad@weberrenew.org. Click here to find and International Overdose Awareness Day event near you.

As the national cyclosporiasis foodborne outbreak continues to grow, so do questions and concerns. In this episode, Dr. Brendalee Viveiros, Chief of RIDOH’s Center for Food Protection talks about what we know, how foodborne illness investigations like this one work, and steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Rhode Islanders have been hearing frequent news reports about animals testing positive for rabies in heavily populated areas. While we are seeing an increase here in the Ocean State, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. In this episode, Chuck McGinnis, a RIDOH Public Health Nurse and Alexia Larson, a Public Health Epidemiologist, both from RIDOH’s Center for Acute Infectious Disease Epidemiology, talk about what the data show, how to avoid animal bites, and more.

Rhode Island’s healthcare shortage, workforce gaps, and other challenges affect access to care for all who live here. But a movement has been underway for some time to ensure the State has a steady supply of dedicated, well-trained, and highly skilled workers.

In this episode, Rick Brooks, director of Health Workforce Transformation at the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, talks about current initiatives and the importance of having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the communities - and individuals - whom they serve.

Viruses like Ebola, hantavirus, and measles are common in today’s news, and can be a cause for concern, especially during large events like the FIFA World Cup. As thousands of spectators travel to Rhode Island and other nearby states this month, should biothreats - or even bioterrorism - be on our radar? In this episode, Dr. Charles McKay, a retired physician trained in emergency medicine and medical toxicology talks about biological threats and gives practical information on how we can all be better prepared in our communities.

Drowning is a leading cause of death in childhood, especially for children age 1 to 4. But prevention measures are needed at all ages. In this episode, Pediatric Emergency Medicine Specialist, Rebecca Wingerter and Executive Director of Stages of Freedom, Ray Rickman talk about water safety measures, the disparities that exist among Black and low income people, and the skills everyone should know that could save a life.

In this episode, Yale School of Public Health’s Dean, Dr. Megan Ranney, talks about what the data show and what can potentially be done to address gun violence and mass shootings. Even here in Rhode Island, gun violence has made recent headlines. In December, an armed suspect killed two students at Brown University and wounded nine others. In February, an armed shooter killed two and injured three others before turning the gun on themselves at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket. But prevention is about more than making legislation.

A new, independent film coming to Rhode Island this weekend. The Chaplain and the Doctor follows ICU physician, palliative care doctor, and filmmaker, Jessica Zitter, and her collaboration with a hospital chaplain named Betty Clark. The film explores how compassion, curiosity, and interdisciplinary collaboration can transform the care of patients and families during some of the hardest moments of their lives. In this episode, Dr. Jessica Zitter talks about her film, her experience, and a new kind of care - one that honors the diverse backgrounds of patients, and the most human needs we all share.

When Rhode Island voted to legalize cannabis use for adults in 2022, it signaled a shift in public attitudes toward the drug. But as cannabis becomes more widely used, health and safety risks like impaired driving can be a serious concern. Make no mistake – driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous no matter the substance. However, studies have shown that cannabis may not be perceived in the same light as alcohol or other drugs. In this episode, Mark Schieldrop, of AAA Northeast, talks about the data surrounding cannabis and driving, as well as a program that AAA has spearheaded to shift gears in the perception of risk among young people.

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

Learn more about the Socio-ecological Impact of Microplastics in Coastal Ecosystems Project.

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

In this episode, Stephanie Pagliarini, a school psychologist working hard to change the social norms among young students at the George J. West Elementary School in Providence, and Maria Garcia, School Psychology Practicum graduate student at Rhode Island College, share information and some real-world advice for parents and caregivers.

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

For more information visit https://www.ribc.org/ and download the Rhode Island Blood Center App.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing our culture and the way we live our lives in so many ways. While we may not understand its full potential yet, we do know it can, and in many ways has already revolutionized many industries and fields of study.

In this episode, Dr. Atin Jindal, assistant professor of medicine and director of medical informatics at Brown University joins Dr. Philip Chan for a fascinating discussion on how AI technology is being used to improve health, what the future may look like in this area, potential challenges, and more.

It’s called “hygiene insecurity” and while you may not be aware of it, there is an overwhelming need for hygiene products in the state. An estimated 38% of Rhode Island families struggle to afford hygiene products, and 2 in 5 individuals struggle to purchase menstruation products. Amenity Aid, Rhode Island’s only hygiene bank, would like to eliminate this problem. In this episode, the organization’s Founder and Executive Director, Liz Duggan and Board Chair, James Rajotte talk about how they accomplish their mission.

Alcohol is the most used substance among adults in the United States despite being known to cause cancer, liver disease, cardiomyopathy, and more. Approximately 600 people die in Rhode Island every year from excessive alcohol use. In this episode, Linda Mahoney, associate director for the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals and Emily Ledingham, senior alcohol epidemiologist at the Rhode Island Department of Health talk about what people need to know and where to find help when it's needed.

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

For more information and data, visit health.ri.gov/respiratoryviruses.