New York State Department of Health Launches "New York Public Health Now" Podcast

Episodes will Feature Conversations with State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald on Timely Public Health Topics

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 13, 2023) - The New York State Department of Health today launched Episode 1 of the new podcast, New York Public Health Now. With each episode, Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, along with co-host Johanne Morne, Deputy Commissioner for Health Equity and Human Rights and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner, will speak with guests as they explore the critical issues, innovations, and initiatives that shape the health and well-being of New Yorkers.

"On this new podcast, we will ask the toughest public health question of all: Why?," Dr. McDonald said. "Why is a question we ask throughout life and it drives our curiosity and understanding. So, join me as we talk about the critical issues facing public health, the challenges and the solutions, and also ask why."

Every few weeks, a new episode will drop with conversations on topics like health equity, the opioid epidemic, maternal mortality, climate change, air and water quality, and much more. The co-hosts will also discuss all of the great work happening at the Department of Health, in places like the Wadsworth Center, New York's world-class public health laboratory, and New York State of Health - the state's health insurance marketplace.

Johanne Morne said, "I'm looking forward to our conversations with public health leaders here at the New York State Department of Health and beyond, as we will talk about a whole range of timely public health topics, and I encourage everyone who cares about public health or their own health, to find time listen. Because, if it matters to you, chances are we are talking about it."

New York Public Health Now is available on most podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Google Podcasts. To subscribe, simply tap or click the follow or subscribe button in your podcast player.

Listeners and potential guests can also reach out to share their thoughts on public health matters and to proposed issues to discuss by email at PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov.