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

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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.