Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore the world of public health policy, where community partners come together to get the word out about public health issues and take action to create change through policies, plans, and laws.

For a transcript of this episode, visit nwcphp.org/pophealth

Let us know what you think about this podcast by completing a short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/POP-2

Interviewees

Katie Strozyk, Opioid Response Coordinator, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services

Chris Chrzan, Public Services Administrative Coordinator, Timberland Regional Library District

Jason Bean-Mortinson, Integrated Care Coordinator, Thurston Mason BH-ASO

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Assessing fentanyl and methamphetamine in the air and on surfaces of transit vehicles
• Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution

Background Reading

• 10 Essential Public Health Services
• Public libraries as partners in confronting the overdose crisis: A qualitative analysis
• Naloxone Distribution for Opioid Overdose Prevention (Training)
• Moving Beyond Fentanyl: Facts, Fiction, and Furthering Engagement (Training)

Acknowledgements/Credits

People of Public Health is created and produced by Erica Ellis and Kevin deVoss. Our producers are Barb Rose and Nikki Dettmar. Patricia Ho makes original illustrations for our episodes.

People of Public Health is brought to you by the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at the University of Washington. Check out our website at nwcphp.org/pophealth. We are a part of the Public Health Training Center Network – check out phtcn.org to learn more.

Episode Summary

Against the backdrop of an opioid epidemic that has raged across the country for decades, a startling shift has emerged that has shaken up how Public Health responds to this crisis. In this episode, we will look behind the scenes at how one local health department monitors and assesses the data in this ever-evolving epidemic, to address its root causes and save lives.

For a transcript of this episode, visit nwcphp.org/pophealth

Let us know what you think about this podcast by completing a short survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/POP-1

Interviewees

Katie Strozyk, Opioid Response Coordinator, Thurston County Public Health & Social Services

Noah Frank, Drug User Health Epidemiologist, Washington State Department of Health

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Thurston County Opioid Response
• Results from the 2023 WA State Syringe Services Program Health Survey
• SUDORS Dashboard
• Opioid and Drug Use Data Dashboard
• Rapid Health Information Network (RHINO)

Background Reading

• Understanding the Opioid Epidemic
• As an Opioids Scourge Devastates Tribes, Lawmakers Work to Provide Relief
• 10 Essential Public Health Services

Acknowledgements/Credits

People of Public Health is created and produced by Erica Ellis and Kevin deVoss. Our producers are Barb Rose and Nikki Dettmar. Patricia Ho makes original illustrations for our episodes.

People of Public Health is brought to you by the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at the University of Washington. Check out our website at nwcphp.org/pophealth. We are a part of the Public Health Training Center Network – check out phtcn.org to learn more.

This series will take a ground-level view of what essential public health work looks like in real communities, highlighting the challenges, successes, and questions that emerge in the everyday work of public health practice. In this season, we learn how Thurston County Public Health & Social Services staff and their partners are working to manage the spiraling opioid crisis.