In honor of Black History Month, The Health Advocates welcome Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association (APHA). Dr. Benjamin shares his journey from emergency medicine to public health leadership, offering insights on health equity, community-based advocacy, and the ongoing challenges in public health. He discusses critical topics such as health care access and the importance of listening to communities to drive meaningful change.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about advancing public health for all.

Among the highlights in this episode:

02:08: Dr. Benjamin shares how his initial interest in molecular genetic research shifted toward emergency medicine and public health leadership

03:49: Dr. Benjamin discusses key challenges he has faced, from the HIV/AIDS epidemic to natural disasters and bioterrorism events

05:52: Dr. Benjamin highlights APHA’s focus on health insurance access, food insecurity, climate change, gun violence, reproductive rights, and vaccine advocacy

06:37: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, brings up the challenge of proving public health successes, noting that prevention often goes unnoticed

07:21: Dr. Benjamin explains how public health efforts prevent crises, using measles and vaccine hesitancy as examples

08:39: Zoe asks about the role of partnerships in public health, and Dr. Benjamin emphasizes collaboration as a key strategy

09:50: Dr. Benjamin shares personal experiences and the importance of diverse voices in decision-making

13:02: Zoe asks how public health programs should be evaluated, and Dr. Benjamin explains the importance of listening to communities before implementing solutions

14:45: Dr. Benjamin provides an example of how addressing social determinants of health, like safe neighborhoods, can make healthier choices more accessible

15:27: Dr. Benjamin shares his key takeaway: public health professionals must listen more than they talk

15:49 – Zoe and Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, reflect on Dr. Benjamin’s insights, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in public health

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

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