In this episode, we spotlight a dynamic partnership between an Indiana local health department and Public Health AmeriCorps. Our guests — Jessica Baker, a dedicated Public Health AmeriCorps member, and Michelle Arnold, their host site supervisor — share how they became involved with the program and the impact of their collaboration. Michelle discusses the decision to host an AmeriCorps member and the valuable contributions Jessica has made, both locally and at the state health agency level. Meanwhile, Jessica reflects on their day-to-day responsibilities, motivations for joining, and future career goals. The episode wraps with practical advice for other agencies considering hosting AmeriCorps members and insights into what the supervisor hopes to see in future fellows. It offers a candid look at building the public health workforce through mentorship, service, and shared goals.

Guests

Jessica Baker, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Member

Michelle Arnold, MPH: Public Health AmeriCorps Host Site Supervisor

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Data for Action project supports the integration of data on brain health and caregiving into public health planning efforts. State health leaders in the brain health space from Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey participated in the HBI Data for Action initiative as Cohort 1, with support from the Alzheimer’s Association and ASTHO. This episode showcases the inaugural cohort’s accomplishments.

Guests

Meghan Fadel: Data for Action Lead; Associate Director, Alzheimer’s Association

Elizabeth Conklin, MPH: Connecticut Data for Action Participant; Health Program Supervisor; Heart, Brain and Diabetes Health Unit; Chronic Diseases and Injury Prevention Section; Community, Family Health, and Prevention Branch; Connecticut Department of Public Health

Resources

• CDC: Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Data Portal
• Alzheimer’s Association: BRFSS and Other Data Resources
• Alzheimer’s Association: E-News
• ASTHO: Healthy Aging and Brain Health
• ASTHO: HBI Road Map Module
• ASTHO: Public Health Review Morning Edition

There are many considerations when forming and managing an office of health equity or minority health. The National Association of State Offices of Minority Health shares how agencies across the United States have overcome common challenges and benefited from having a dedicated health equity office. In addition, the United States Virgin Islands Department of Health discusses initial successes and challenges experienced while establishing their office. Finally, the California Department of Public Health, with a well-established office of health equity, shares how their office utilized health equity liaisons and supported rural/tribal communities. This podcast episode complements the recently published ASTHOReport “Establishing an Office of Health Equity or Minority Health,” which examines different approaches to sustainability.

Guests

· Rohan Radhakrishna, MD, MPH, MS, Deputy Director and Chief Equity Officer, California Department of Public Health

· Justa Encarnacion, RN, MBA, HCM, Health Commissioner and Chief Public Health Officer, United States Virgin Islands Department of Health

· Veronica Halloway, Executive Director, National Association of State Offices of Minority Health

Resources

· Establishing an Office of Health Equity or Minority Health | ASTHO

· Islands Health Equity Framework | ASTHO

· Office of Health Equity | California Department of Public Health

· United States Virgin Islands Department of Health

· National Association of State Offices of Minority Health

· Public Health Review Morning Edition