More than Microscopes: Inside the Public Health Lab

In this episode, Valerie Mora sits down with Evelin Hernandez, Assistant Nurse Manager of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and Jessica Romero, Health Education Assistant of the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, to discuss the ongoing impact of lead exposure on children, families, and communities. They explore common misconceptions about lead poisoning, why lead exposure remains a public health concern, and how exposure can affect a child’s development, learning, and long-term health.Tune in to learn how the RUHS Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program supports families and communities through education, resources, and lead poisoning prevention.To learn more about the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, please visit:https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/childhood-lead-poisoning-prevention

On this episode of EquiTEA, Miguel sits down with members of the RUHS Information Technology team, Matthew, Tolena, and Ashish, to discuss the critical role technology plays in supporting public health. Together, they explore how IT supports public health during emergencies, improves access to services for diverse communities and has transformed the delivery of public health services. They also look at some of the most significant technological advancements of the past 100 years, including electronic health records and telehealth, and discuss how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence could become the next game changer in Public Health.

On this episode of EquiTEA, Irene sits down with Juanita Irvin and Saitt Arvizo of the Immunizations program to discuss the importance of childhood immunizations and their role in protecting individual and community health. Together, they discuss the questions many families have about vaccines, explain why routine immunizations are so important, and share how trusted information and open conversations can empower parents and caregivers to make informed decisions.    To learn more about the Immunizations Program, please visit:    https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/immunization-program  For a list of vaccination clinics throughout the county, please visit:  https://www.ruhealth.org/upcoming-vaccination-clinics

On this episode of EquiTEA, Celeste sits down with Valerie Rodrigues, Sarah Proctor-Hamilton, and Juan Felix, who represent the past, present and future of our Public Health internship program. Together, they share what inspired them to pursue public health, reflect on the lessons and experiences that have shaped their journeys and discuss the impact of hands-on community work. To learn more about the Community Service and Internship opportunities, please visit:   https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/community-outreach 

On this episode of EquiTEA, Health Equity Program Coordinators Irene and Tomi break down the Community Health Assessment (CHA) and the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), explaining how these tools help identify community health needs and guide action to improve health outcomes. Tune in as they discuss how community voices, local data, and strong partnerships work together to shape Riverside County's health priorities and why meaningful community engagement is essential to advancing health equity.   To learn more about the CHA and CHIP, please visit:  https://www.ruhealth.org/ruhs-public-health/national-public-health-accreditation If you are interested in joining the Housing, Mental Health, or Access to Care CHIP Action Groups, please email:  [email protected]

On this episode, Amanda Trinh sits down with Assistant Nurse Manager Tiffany Brisken to unpack the realities of hepatitis in honor of Hepatitis Awareness Month. Together, they break down the various types of hepatitis and how they are transmitted, prevented, and treated. They also highlight how social determinants of health disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and the critical role the Disease Control branch plays in education, prevention, outreach, and connecting communities to care.   Tune in to learn more about the people and processes working to protect and promote public health in our community. 

On this episode of EquiTEA, epidemiologist Jenny Duong sits down with RUHS Public Health Lab Director Dr. Syreeta Steele and Community Outreach Coordinator Janet Garcia. Together, they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the public health lab, explaining how it operates and the critical role it plays in the community. They also explore what health equity looks like in practice, offering real-world insights from their day-to-day work and its impact on advancing community health.   To find out more about the Riverside County Public Health lab, please visit:   https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/laboratory-services 

On this episode of EquiTEA, Juan speaks with Debra Williams of Building Resilient Communities (BRC). Together, they explore climate challenges facing the Inland Empire, highlight the communities most at risk, and discuss how BRC is working to close critical service gaps and strengthen local resilience.  To find out more about BRC or find disaster preparedness resources, please visit:https://brcus.org/To register for the Ark of Safety Summit, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ark-of-safety-community-resiliency-summit-in-person-tickets-1982460598015?msockid=15da5e8b3acb672a26ac4a9a3b4f66e8

On this episode of EquiTEA, Emile Ruiz sits down with Eddy Jara, Claudia Pelayo, Sophie Rodrigues, and Jasmine Martinez of the RUHS Nutrition Branch. In this conversation, they discuss how the new Cardiovascular Health Innovations (CVHI) Program is working to address the factors that impact people with or at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.   To find out more about the CVHI Program, please visit:   https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/cardiovascular-health-innovationTo find out more about other programs the Nutrition Branch offers, please visit:  https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/nutrition-services

On this episode of EquiTEA, Kimberly Jow of RUHS Injury Prevention Services (IPS) sits down with Dr. Travis Tramel of GeriSmiles in honor of Children’s Dental Month. In this conversation, they highlight how the RUHS Oral Health Program along with GeriSmiles work to reduce the gap in dental care access for children across Riverside County.  To find out more about the programs IPS offer, please visit:   https://www.ruhealth.org/public-health/injury-prevention-services To find out more about GeriSmiles, please visit:  https://www.gerismilesmobile.com/