PHEC 412: Bold Moves in Behavioral Health, With Dannette R. Smith, MSW

In this episode, Dr. Huntley offers a deep dive into the world of community health assessments. She explores the identity crisis surrounding these assessments, the interdisciplinary nature of public health, and the challenge of industry silos. Dr. Huntley breaks down the five most common types of community health assessments, discusses their critical functions, and highlights what sets her firm apart in delivering impactful, equity-driven health insights. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of how community health assessments drive meaningful change and why they are essential for effective public health action.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dannette R. Smith discuss the evolution of behavioral health services in Colorado, reflecting on personal and professional transitions, the importance of gratitude, and the challenges faced in public health. They emphasize the need for collective action and vulnerability in leadership to effectively serve communities, especially in times of change and uncertainty.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this episode, Dr. Huntley sits down with Dr. Megan Weis, Director of Connecting Communities at the SC Center for Rural and Primary Health Care. Dr. Weis shares her journey into public health, the pivotal role of mentorship, and her passion for bridging academia, practice, and policy. The conversation dives into the unique challenges and opportunities in rural health, the importance of community-driven solutions, and innovative programs that connect resources to those who need them most. Listeners will gain insights into the power of collaboration, the impact of thoughtful policy, and the value of amplifying what’s already working in rural communities.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley speaks with Allison Rapp, the president of the Florida Public Health Association. They discuss Allison's journey into public health, her personal experiences that shaped her career, and her passion for mental health and neurodiversity. The conversation also highlights the diverse challenges faced in Florida's public health landscape and the importance of collaboration across different sectors to address these issues effectively.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Scott JN McNabb as he takes us on a fascinating journey through his public health career — from the lab bench to leadership roles at the CDC and Emory University. Discover how mentorship fueled his passion for tackling some of the world’s toughest health challenges, including those in conflict zones. Dive deep into the cutting-edge world of public health surveillance and learn how innovative technologies like ethical AI are revolutionizing the way we collect and communicate vital health data. Dr. McNabb shares candid insights on overcoming communication hurdles and the exciting possibilities that come from integrating health systems and collaborating across disciplines. Whether you’re an epidemiologist, public health professional, or simply curious about how data shapes global health, this episode is packed with stories and ideas that will challenge and inspire you.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Nicole D. Vick discuss the evolution of public health, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced within the healthcare system. Dr. Vick shares her personal journey, including her experiences with workforce development and psychological safety, as well as the support she received during her recovery from a serious injury. The discussion emphasizes the need for community, advocacy, and finding one's strength in the public health landscape.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Dixon discuss the current state of community health, focusing on what is working and what is not in public health. They emphasize the importance of community engagement, resilience among public health professionals, and the challenges posed by recent cuts to public health programs. The discussion highlights the need for data transparency, emergency preparedness, and the integration of One Health principles to address the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Oscar Alleyne discuss the current state of public health in the United States, focusing on the challenges faced by professionals in the field and the importance of resilience and community engagement. They explore how individuals can take action at the local level, emphasizing the need for advocacy, networking, and maintaining a positive mental attitude amidst chaos. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of public health with various sectors and the significance of leveraging local resources and expertise to drive change. In this conversation, Dr. Huntley and Dr. Oscar Alleyne discuss the importance of community engagement and advocacy in public health. They emphasize the need for individuals to actively participate in local meetings and coalitions to understand community issues better. The discussion transitions into navigating the political landscape, highlighting the role of public health professionals in advocacy and the importance of finding common ground in discussions about health. The conversation concludes with a focus on building trust and partnerships to achieve optimal health outcomes for all.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this episode, Dr. Huntley welcomes back Zoila Reyna, founder of Public Health Hired, to discuss the current state of public health careers amidst political changes and the pandemic's aftermath. Zoila shares her journey into public health, the inception of her career coaching platform, and the challenges faced by job seekers in the current market. They explore actionable steps for those affected by layoffs and the evolving landscape of public health job opportunities.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

In this conversation, our guest, Dr. Michelle Taylor shares her journey into public health, highlighting the importance of mentorship, her transition from pediatrics to public health, and her passion for health equity. She discusses her experiences in medical training, the challenges of balancing motherhood and a medical career, and her commitment to educating her community about health disparities and the significance of health services. In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Taylor and Dr. Huntley discuss the challenges and importance of public health, particularly in the context of political changes and misinformation. They emphasize the need for clear communication, the significance of health equity, and the necessity of adapting public health messaging to reach diverse audiences. Dr. Taylor shares her experiences leading a health department in a politically challenging environment and offers advice for public health professionals navigating these turbulent times.   Resources   ▶️ Join the PHEC Community   ▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes    ▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting