New York Public Health Now

Follow New York Public Health Now
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Join New York State Deparment of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne as they explore the critical issues, innovations, and initiatives that shape the health and well-being of the people of New York. You will hear timely conversations with public health leaders on topics like air quality, climate change, opioids and harm reduction, Wadsworth Center, New York’s world-class public health laboratory, New York State of Health, our health insurance marketplace, Medicaid recertification and much more. If it matters to you, chances are we are talking about it on NYSDOH's podcast, New York Public Health Now.

New York State Deparment of Health (NYSDOH)


    • Jan 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 22m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from New York Public Health Now with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from New York Public Health Now

    s3e07 Partisanship and the Bifurcation of Public Health: Brown SPH's Dr. Ashish Jha's Roadmap for Bridging the Widening Cultural Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 34:17 Transcription Available


    Joining Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne is Brown University's School for Public Health Dean Dr. Ashish Jha.  They discuss Dr. Jah's strategies to "departisanize" public health and reach out to communities that feel disaffected, emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse perspectives in addressing current and future public health challenges.Hear Dr. Jha's personal story, from his initial aspirations to become a journalist to his transition into medicine and his influential role at the federal level assisting the Biden administration as White House COVID-19 response coordinator and most recently as the Dean of Brown University's School of Public Health.Dr. Jha shares his innovative approaches to public health education, including his focus on diversifying the student body, not just along racial lines, but also socio-economic and political, and his focus on integrating new voices and perspectives while preparing students for the evolving challenges and media landscape facing the next generation public health workforce.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    s3e06 Battling Emerging Threats: The Vital Role of Microbiology Research, a Conversation with Wadsworth's Dr. Nicholas Mantis

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 20:03 Transcription Available


    In this episode, Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and Executive Deputy Director Johanne Morne sit down with Dr. Nick Mantis, a Research Scientist and Principal Investigator at the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center, to explore the vital role of microbiology research in improving public health outcomes. Discover how Dr. Mantis and his team's discoveries are paving the way for more effective vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments for a wide range of infectious diseases.From investigating the immune response to Lyme disease to tackling the rise of drug-resistant fungal infections, this episode delves into the critical work that is shaping the future of public health.Find out more about the work being done at the Mantis Laboratory: https://www.wadsworth.org/research/laboratories/mantisIf you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    s3e05 Unraveling the Mysteries and Empowering Patients in the Long COVID Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 23:56 Transcription Available


    Dr. Geeta Sood joins Department of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne to discuss the growing public health concern of Long COVID, highlighting the need for comprehensive care and ongoing research.They explore the diverse range of symptoms associated with Long COVID, from brain fog to POTS, and the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to management and care. The conversation also covers the effects of vaccination and antiviral therapies, such as Paxlovid, in helping to reduce the risk of developing Long COVID after a COVID-19 infection.The Department of Health will also be holding a Commissioner's Medical Grand Rounds on Long COVID on October 13, 2024 at noon - you must register to attend: https://forms.office.com/g/Eus28gsTfkIf you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    s3e04 Integrating Public Health and Social Welfare: A Transformative Merger with Dr. Erin Bell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 15:03 Transcription Available


    In this episode, New York Commissioner of Health Dr. James McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne welcome Dr. Erin Bell, the new dean of the UAlbany College of Integrated Health Sciences, to discuss the strategic merger of the School of Public Health and the School of Social Welfare, creating a groundbreaking interdisciplinary approach to addressing community health and well-being.The conversation delves into Dr. Bell's passion for community engagement and her vision for the new college, where students and faculty work hand-in-hand with local communities to identify and address their unique health and social needs. The new college, which includes over 1,000 students, aims to address health disparities through interdisciplinary approaches.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    s3e03 Climate Change and Public Health: DOH's Dr. Neil Muscatiello and DEC's Sean Mahar Discuss New York State's Collaborative Approach to a Global Challenge

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 29:21 Transcription Available


    In this episode, New York State health and environmental experts discuss the far-reaching impacts of climate change on New Yorkers' health, from heat-related illnesses to the effects of severe weather. The conversation explores the critical partnership between agencies and the innovative tools and programs being implemented to address these evolving threats.New York is taking innovative and proactive steps to understand and address the resulting health impacts of a changing climate. This episode highlights the collaborative work among state agencies in New York to monitor emerging threats, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and implement adaptation measures to build resilient communities.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Celebrating Progress and Charting the Path Forward: NYSDOH's Dr. David Holtgrave and Allan Clear Discuss New York State's Downward Overdose Trends

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 23:21 Transcription Available


    In this episode of New York Public Health Now, Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne welcome the Department of Health's own Dr. David Holtgrave and Allan Clear to discuss the encouraging trends, indicating a decline in fatal drug overdoses across the state and nation. The nationally-recognized leaders explore the potential reasons behind this positive trend and outline strategies to maintain and accelerate the life-saving progress.This episode provides a comprehensive data-driven analysis of the overdose trends in New York, including both fatal and non-fatal incidents, and an in-depth conversation about the harm reduction initiatives spearheaded by the New York State Department of Health over the past decades.Guests discuss how these evidence-based programs have been instrumental in saving lives and reducing the devastating impact of the overdose crisis.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Navigating the Opioid Crisis: A Conversation with Dr. David Holtgrave

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 37:11 Transcription Available


    In the season three opener of the New York Public Health Now podcast, Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne have a conversation with Dr. David Holtgrave, our newest senior policy advisor at the New York State Department of Health.  The discussion delves into the department's efforts to address the ongoing opioid epidemic, with Dr. Holtgrave providing his expansive expertise and insights. The conversation covers topics such as the mechanics and history of opioid antagonists like naloxone, the emergence of alternatives like nalmefene, and the latest trends in fatal overdoses across the nation and here in New York State. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted approach the New York State Department of Health is taking to combat this public health crisis to help save lives. If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    The NYC Care Model: Dr. Ted Long Discusses Providing Universal Access to Primary Care in New York City

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 24:22 Transcription Available


    In the season 2 finale of New York Public Health Now, Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne welcome Dr. Ted Long from NYC Health + Hospitals to discuss expanding access to primary care through the NYC Care program. Dr. Long views healthcare as a basic human right, and shares how the NYC Care program provides universal healthcare access regardless of ability to pay and immigration status, with positive health outcomes including improved control of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Measles in New York: NYSDOH Experts Discuss the Importance of Immunization and the Risks of Vaccine Hesitancy

    Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 24:40 Transcription Available


    New York's Health Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne sit down with NYSDOH's epidemiology experts Dr. Debora Blog and Travis O'Donnell to discuss the risks of measles and the importance of immunization. Learn about measles transmission, complications, historical and recent outbreaks in New York, and much more.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    New York's New Contraceptive Standing Order: Improving Birth Control Access Without a Prescription

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2024 15:19 Transcription Available


    On this episode of New York Public Health Now, Dr. Shaunna Escobar joins hosts Dr. Jim McDonald and Johanne Morne to discuss New York's new contraception standing order which allows people to get birth control from pharmacies without a prescription. Hear why this was implemented and who it aims to help.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Special Eclipse Episode with Jason Gough and Patrick Toye

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 23:15


    On this special eclipse episode of New York Public Health Now, hosts Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne are joined by Jason Gough, a meteorologist and member of Governor Hochul's eclipse communications team, and NYSDOH's Western Regional Office Director, amateur astronomer and eclipse chaser Patrick Toye.They discuss New York's eclipse-related preparations, what to expect before, during, and after the celestial show which will be occurring across New York State the afternoon of April 8, 2024Anyone visiting New York State for the eclipse is encouraged to come early and stay late, and along with extra water, snacks and a full tank of gas, be sure to pack your patience. The number of visitors will likely lead to much longer travel times immediately before and after the eclipse, especially in the North Country of the Adirondacks.Patrick and Jason also share their experiences of viewing previous total solar eclipses, how to view the eclipse safely using ISO-certified eclipse glasses (not regular sunglasses!) and what makes this eclipse both a historic and memorable event.Learn more at iloveny.com/eclipseIf you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Sabrina Dunn Discusses the Diversity in Medicine Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 24:26


    In this episode of the New York Public Health Now podcast, hosts Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne are joined by Sabrina Dunn, a third year medical student at the University at Buffalo.Sabrina talks about her journey to becoming a physician, the barriers she's overcome as a woman of color, and her experiences in the post-baccalaureate program and how it helped prepare her for medical school.Also discussed is the importance of diversity among medical professionals as a means of achieving equitable outcomes in public health.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    NYSDOH Naloxone Study Finds Lower Dose Just As Effective

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 21:08


    Dr. Sharon Stancliffe and Emily Payne join Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne to discuss their groundbreaking study published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report comparing the effectiveness of 4mg and 8mg doses of naloxone. The study, conducted with assistance by the New York State Police, found the higher 8mg dose resulted in more withdrawal symptoms but did not improve survival rates, suggesting the lower 4mg dose may be preferable. Dr. Stancliff and Emily also discuss their careers in public health and harm reduction strategies.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Dr. Cord Stone Discusses the Promotion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Public Health and at NYSDOH

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 17:40 Transcription Available


    In this episode of the New York Public Health Now podcast, hosts Commissioner McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne are joined by Dr. Cord Stone, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the New York State Department of Health.They discuss the links between health disparities and systemic racism, and how addressing implicit bias is key to eliminating health inequities.Dr. Stone shares the work his office is doing to promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the Department and across communities in New York.The significance of recognizing concepts like trauma-informed care and the social determinants of health are also explored as ways to advance health equity.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    The Medicaid 1115 Waiver: An Investment in Our Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2024 21:41


    New York State Medicaid Director Amir Bassiri joins Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne to talk about the new Medicaid 1115 waiver, and how it will transform healthcare delivery for the most vulnerable New Yorkers.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 18:03


    To kick off season two of the New York Public Health Now podcast, Commissioner Dr. Jim McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne sit down with Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Kerri Neifeld to discuss important priorities and initiatives for 2024 including dental care and preventative care, health equity work, and their ongoing shared mission with the Department of Health.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Dr. John Morley Untangles Acronyms, Discusses His Career Path, and the Yankees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 30:00


    For the final episode of season 1 of New York Public Health Now, we feature one of our own: Dr. John Morley.Dr. Morley is retiring at the end of 2023 after a 30+ year career as a doctor, board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine; hospital administrator; and public health leader. He provides a candid, inside glimpse into both the improvements in and continued challenges of the public healthcare system from both a state and federal perspective.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Talking Flu with NYSDOH's Infectious Disease Expert Bryon Backenson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 21:11


    Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne talk flu and the flu vaccine with the Department of Health's in-house infectious disease expert Bryon Backenson.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    New York's Historic Investment in Hospital Cyber Security: A Discussion with Colin Ahern, Drew Hanchett and Matt Wiley

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 22:58


    Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne have an open discussion about cybersecurity and New York's nation-leading proposed cybersecurity regulations and $500 million in funding to help hospitals safeguard health care systems.Joining Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne is Colin Ahern, New York's first Cybersecurity Officer, along with Drew Hanchett, the Department of Health's Chief Health Information Officer and Matt Wiley, an emergency preparedness and response expert, who also helped to draft the regulations.The goal of the proposed regulations is to help strengthen the protections on hospital networks and systems that are critical to providing patient care, as a complement to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Security Rule that focuses on protecting patient data and health records.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Bonus Episode: World AIDS Day and Ending the Epidemic (ETE) Summit 2023 - An Overview with Joe Kerwin and Stephanie McHugh

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 18:21


    In this special bonus episode, Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne talk about the Department of Health's AIDS Institute and their Ending the Epidemic Summit and World AIDS Day 2023 commemoration with Joe Kerwin, Director of the AIDS Institute and Stephanie McHugh from the Office of Planning and Community Affairs at the AIDS Institute.An annual feature of World AIDS Day and the ETE Summit are panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. For those unable to attend the commemoration in person, they may view panels of the quilt virtually through a keyword-searchable website: aidsmemorial.org/interactive-aids-quiltIf you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Respiratory: What You Need to Know About RSV With Dr. Emily Lutterloh

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 14:18


    Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne discuss Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, better known as RSV with New York State Deparment of Health's Director of the Division of Epidemiology Dr. Emily Lutterloh.Programming note: We will have a bonus episode next week in coordination with the Department of Health's AIDS Institute to commemorate the Ending the Epidemic Summit and World AIDS Day.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Dr. Paul Masters, Wadsworth Center's In-House Coronavirus Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 26:15


    Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne sit down for a conversation with Dr. Paul Masters, Wadsworth Center's in-house coronavirus expert on SARS-COV-1, how it relates to COVID-19, PCR, and antibody testing.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Dr. Kirsten St. George, Wadsworth Center Virologist, Talks COVID Testing, Vaccines and Variants

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 20:48


    Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne talk SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19, variants, and genomics with Wadsworth Center's Virology Lab Director Dr. Kirsten St. George.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Health Equity and Diversity at NYSDOH

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2023 24:39


    Commissioner McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Morne discuss health equity and diversity at the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the difference between equity and equality, social determinants of health and why it's important that the department work with the nine Nations within New York State.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Introductions and Welcome

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2023 1:53


    New York State Deparment of Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and Acting Executive Deputy Commissioner Johanne Morne introduce the first trailer episode for New York Public Health Now, NYSDOH's podcast about topical public health issues that shape the health and well-being of the people of New York State.If you have an idea for topics we should discuss, please let us know: PublicHealthNowPodcast@health.ny.gov

    Claim New York Public Health Now

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel