Public Health Out Loud

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...

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 main...

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...

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, ...

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...

While much of the national conversation about overdose focuses on younger populations, a new campaign spearheaded by our state health and behavioral health agencies aims to prevent drug overdose deaths among middle-aged and older Rhode Islanders. In this episode, Steven Boudreau, director of equity and engagement and the public information officer at the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging and Linda Mahoney, associate director for...

It’s not easy for adults and adolescents to know where to find accurate and trusted sexual and reproductive health information. In this episode, Karin Wetherill, co-director of Rhode Island Healthy Schools Coalition joins us to talk about a new app that might just make the learning process a little easier. It’s called “RIght to Know” and it connects young people and caregivers with the facts about their sexual and reproductive heal...

Problem gambling - it's on the rise here in Rhode Island but it's not just happening at the casino or the racetrack. Online forms like sports betting have become a powerful draw for many. How does one know when it’s become a problem? What are the warning signs? In this episode, Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of Health Science at Johnson & Wales University and Adjunct Professor of Epidemiology at Brown School of P...

September is suicide prevention month. It’s a time to raise awareness, dispel stigma, and take action around this urgent mental health issue. In this episode, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's  Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor talk about how we can best look out for each other and take steps to prevent suicide in our communities.  

To learn more about the wo...

After losing his son to cancer five years ago, Dr. George Beauregard, a twenty-year internal medicine physician and life-long resident of Massachusetts, used his grief to spread an important message. In this episode he joins Dr. Philip Chan to talk about his new book, “Reservations for Nine: A Doctor's Family Confronts Cancer,” as well as important advice on prevention and symptoms that should not be ignored. 

To learn more abo...

August is National Breastfeeding Month – a time to celebrate and bring awareness to breastfeeding. In this episode, Mary Catherine or “MC” Curran, a WIC lactation consultant and nutritionist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital and RIDOH’s own Dr. Olutosin Ojugbele, a pediatrician at Hasbro Children's Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine  talk about why breastmilk is th...

It's National Health Center Week - a time to recognize and celebrate the role of health centers in our communities. These nonprofit clinics provide affordable, high-quality care to more than 200,000 Rhode Islanders. At a time when primary care is at a critical shortage in Rhode Island, the community health center model may be just what the doctor ordered. In this episode, Dr. Elena Kwetkowski, chief medical officer at Comprehe...

There has been a lot of talk about cannabis in the news lately and some people question whether cannabis is the answer to a wide variety of health conditions, including pregnancy-related morning sickness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. But what should you know about cannabis products if you are planning a family? 

In this episode, Dr. Mara Coyle, a neonatologist at Women & Infants Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the Warre...

Every community has its own story. These stories are shaped by it’s residents, as well as policies and systems that influence community well-being. Comparing data by neighborhood or zip code, can not only help tell that story, but can also help shape policies that better serve those communities. In this episode, RIDOH's Michelle Wilson, chief of the Health Equity Institute and JoAnna House, a manger on the COVID Data Team join...

While there are studies that show cannabis may be useful in alleviating pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with certain medical conditions, some doctors and researchers are seeing a rise in unexpected and serious health problems linked to its use – including cannabis use disorder, cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, and even psychosis. In this episode, Dr. Rachel Wightman, an emergency physician who has been at the forefront of...