This is Public Health

A Closer Look at Men's Health: Risks, Screenings, and Prevention

Men die almost 6 years earlier than women are almost 4 times more likely to die by suicide in Illinois. This June, we’re recognizing Men’s Health Awareness Month and discussing how Illinois is taking steps to close this gap. In this episode of This Is Public Health, Andrew Lerch, Section Chief for Men’s Health at IDPH, shares insights on the current state of men’s health in Illinois, why preventive care is often overlooked, and how we can better engage men in their own health journeys.    Episode Resources  IDPH’s Men’s Health Webpage: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/mens-health.html [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/mens-health.html]   Men's Health Initial Assessment 2024-2025: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/mens-health/initial-assessment-2024-2025.html [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/life-stages-populations/mens-health/initial-assessment-2024-2025.html]   988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org/ [https://988lifeline.org/]

Measles 101: What It Is, Why It's Dangerous, and How to Stay Protected

Measles has returned to Illinois, and case counts across the United States have now exceeded 1,000. We’ve seen your questions and heard your concerns, and now we have answers.   In this episode of This Is Public Health, we cover all you need to know to keep yourself and your loved ones protected from measles. Dr. Jennifer Seo, Pediatric Medicine Medical Advisor at IDPH, discusses what measles is, addresses common misconceptions about measles treatments – and emphasizes why vaccination is the best, and only, protection against measles.   Episode Resources  Measles Information, Case Counts, Exposure Locations, and More: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/measles.html [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/measles.html]   School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/school-vaccination-coverage-dashboard.html [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/school-vaccination-coverage-dashboard.html]   Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/measles-outbreak-simulator-dashboard.html [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/measles-outbreak-simulator-dashboard.html]

Delivering Change: Improving Maternal and Infant Health in Illinois

In this episode of This is Public Health, we're covering the important topic of maternal and infant health and what we’re doing to improve health outcomes in Illinois. Join us for a conversation with Dr. Lisa Masinter, OB/GYN and Deputy Director of the Office of Women's Health and Family Services at IDPH, and Dr. Robin L. Jones, OB/GYN, Institutional Lead for Birth Equity at Rush University Medical Center, and Chair of IDPH's Maternal Mortality Review Committee.  Dr. Masinter shares why maternal and infant health is a key pillar of the Healthy Illinois 2028 state health improvement plan, what Illinois is doing to address health equity issues, and how we can help newborns thrive in their first year. Dr. Jones explains the disparities in maternal mortality, barriers to equitable care and potential solutions, and the importance of addressing substance use disorders among pregnant persons and new mothers.   Episode Resources  Healthy Illinois 2028 State Health Improvement Plan: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/provider-partner-resources/healthy-illinois.html [https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/provider-partner-resources/healthy-illinois.html]   2023 Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Report: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health/mmmr/maternal-morbidity-mortality-report2023.pdf [https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health/mmmr/maternal-morbidity-mortality-report2023.pdf]   2024 Illinois Infant Mortality Data Report: https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health/perinatal-health/fetal-and-infant-mortality-report-2024.pdf [https://dph.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idph/publications/idph/topics-and-services/life-stages-populations/maternal-child-family-health-services/maternal-health/perinatal-health/fetal-and-infant-mortality-report-2024.pdf]   Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative: https://ilpqc.org/ [https://ilpqc.org/]   Illinois Helpline: https://helplineil.org/app/home [https://helplineil.org/app/home]

Workforce Matters: Investing in People, Impacting Communities

In this episode of This is Public Health, we’re diving into the future of Illinois’ public health workforce. Join us for a conversation with Kristin Rzeczkowski, Workforce Director at the Illinois Department of Public Health, and Molly Peters, Public Health Administrator at Greene/Scott County Health Department and co-chair of the Public Health Workforce Transformation project. Kristin breaks down what workforce transformation really means and how it’s poised to improve health outcomes across the state. Molly shares her frontline perspective on what keeps people motivated in public health—and why investing in the workforce is an investment in every community’s well-being. Whether you're a public health professional or simply curious about how systems evolve to meet community needs, this episode highlights the people, passion, and planning behind the progress.

30 Days of Public Health: A Conversation with IDPH's Director

Public health is everywhere—protecting us from disease, ensuring access to care, and responding to crises. But what happens when funding cuts threaten its impact? In this special episode, IDPH’s Director Dr. Sameer Vohra joins us to kick off 30 Days of Public Health, highlighting why we celebrate this work, the challenges of sustaining it, and what’s ahead for Illinois. We’ll discuss how public health acts as a shield, protecting communities in ways we often don’t see, and share our plans for the next month. Plus, if you’re considering a career in public health, you won’t want to miss this conversation! 🎧 Tune in to learn why public health matters—and how you can get involved.