Countermeasures

The effects of climate change touch communities around the world. In this episode, we look at how climate change is shaping public health today, and how it will continue to test our health systems in the years ahead, and what we can do to be prepared. We hear how climate change has the potential to, and currently is, intensifying many of the health threats we have explored throughout this season. Guests:Kristie L. Ebi, PhD, MPH, Professor, Global Health Professor, Env. and Occ. Health Sciences, University of Washington Department of Global HealthMelissa Furlong, Assistant Professor, Environmental Health Sciences, Arizona State University Zuckerman College of Public HealthEloise Todd, Executive Director and Founder of Resilience Action Network International (RANI)

Since becoming available over the counter, Naloxone has saved countless lives. In this episode, we explore how expanded access is helping communities confront the opioid crisis, the real-world impact on individuals, and the work that still lies ahead. Experts point to broader availability as a key factor in recent declines in overdose deaths, but the crisis is far from over. Many rural and marginalized communities continue to face devastating losses.We look at how easier access to Naloxone is shaping outcomes, supporting harm-reduction efforts, and offering hope where it’s needed most.Guests: Zac Clark, Founder and CEO of Release RecoveryOlivia Sugarman, PhD, MPH, Assistant Scientist at Johns Hopkins School of Public HealthAmy Mccormick, Activist and Co-Founder of Chance for Recovery

From bird flu to COVID-19, the threat of diseases jumping from animals to humans, zoonotic spillover, is a significant challenge to global health. We explore how scientists, health professionals, and communities are working to detect outbreaks before they spread, and what it will take to build a world prepared for the next pandemic.Featuring leading experts in infectious disease and health security, we dive into the systems keeping watch at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.Guests:Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health SecurityDr. Jennifer Nuzzo, Director, Pandemic Center at Brown UniversityDr. Lindsey Shields, Deputy Director, Epidemic Preparedness and Response Initiative, PATH

Biological threats, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate, pose growing challenges for global security. In this episode, experts from the U.S. and Europe discuss how public–private partnerships, global cooperation, and sustained investment can strengthen biodefense and ensure the world is prepared before the next crisis begins.Guests:Christopher Frech, Senior Advisor of Global Government Affairs at Emergent BioSolutionsWolfgang Philipp, Principal Advisor and Chief Science Officer at the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)

Although Smallpox has been eradicated, Orthopoxviruses, the group of viruses to which it belongs, still present a major health threat in the form of viruses like Mpox. In this episode, we explore the history of Orthopox viruses, the threat they present today, and the strategies for addressing them. Hear from experts who discuss the role of education, vaccination and the One Health approach in mitigating future outbreaks. Guests: Dr Rene Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP. Director of Public Health and Editor of the History of Vaccines Project at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Dr. Martin Muchangi, Director for Population Health and Environment at AmrefEric Balsley, Director, Product Management at Emergent BioSolutions

Rising temperatures, global travel, and urbanization are reshaping the landscape of infectious disease. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors are carrying pathogens into new regions, and with them, threats like malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus.In this episode, we examine the fight against vector-borne diseases. Guests share insights on prevention tools, vaccine advancements, and the power of community education in reducing the toll of these diseases worldwide.Guests:Dr. Matthew Phillips, Physician-Scientist, Mass General BrighamDr. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Professor of Internal Medicine and EpidemiologyRob Mather, Founder, Against Malaria Foundation

In our first two seasons, Countermeasures examined the opioid crisis and its far-reaching impact across communities. Now, we’re widening the lens. Season 3 explores emerging global health threats, from bio threats to the growing impacts of climate change, and the people working to prepare for what’s next. Join leading experts, researchers, and practitioners as they share how we can build resilience against the challenges ahead.

When you think of the opioid crisis, older adults are likely not what comes to mind. However, older adults are highly impacted by the crisis. For some, it is a result of the opioid medications prescribed for chronic pain, while others have struggled with chronic substance use disorder for years, even before the crisis began.  In this episode, we explore the often unexpected ways the opioid crisis is affecting older adults. We'll dive into why this group is so often overlooked in discussions about dependency and recovery, and examine the unique challenges they face in accessing education and care.Guests:Maryann Mason, PhD,  Sociologist and an associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwestern UniversityMary Nguyen, PharmacistJessica Liebster, Case Manager at West Neighbourhood House

Going to college is an exciting time filled with new experiences. For some students, it might also be their first exposure to opioids, and they may not know the dangers of accidental overdose. However, college is also a time when many students get involved in creating change and promoting education to protect themselves, other students, and their communities. In this episode, hear how the conversation around overdose on college campuses is changing, and the students, administrators, and public health experts working to create safer campuses for everyone. Guests:Riley Sullivan, Bella Grumet and Kathleen Ready of the Carolina Harm Reduction Union Cori Hammond, M.P.H, Director, Prevention Services, Partnership to End Addiction Alexis Drakatos, Assistant Director of Substance Misuse Prevention at the University of Oregon 

Stress and other challenges often follow us into the workplace, and for those struggling with opioid dependency, the risks can be even more serious. Opioid overdose can happen on the job, yet many employees aren't aware of the warning signs or how to respond to help save a coworker’s life.In this episode, we explore efforts to create safer, more supportive work environments, including initiatives to make naloxone accessible and build recovery-friendly workplaces. Hear how businesses can be part of the solution.Guests:Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety CouncilDesiree Voshefksy, Community Impact Manager at  Community Medical Services for Eastern ArizonaCal Beyer, Senior Director for SAFE Workplaces at SAFE ProjectDr. Joel Moody, Chief Prevention Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister for the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills developmentResources:The Alliance for Naloxone Safety in the WorkplaceWaging A Counterattack on Opioids: First-Dose Prevention Strategies for the Workplace & at Home

Opioid overdose is a leading cause of accidental death in the United States, and middle and high school students are dying at unacceptable rates. Students across the country are advocating for more education and better access to resources in schools, so they can keep themselves and their peers safe. In this episode, hear from some of those students, as well as an adolescent health expert, about how the opioid crisis has touched this population, and how they are working to help create a safer future for everyone. Guests:Hays Stritikus, Co-Director, Students Against Overdose Dr. Patricia Kapunan, Pediatrician and Adolescent Health SpecialistJackson Taylor, student and advocateSujit Hedge, student, advocate and volunteer EMS provider To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

It takes a village to care for a newborn and navigate early motherhood, but mothers with a history of opioid dependency often lack the community support that can help them thrive. Stigma can be a barrier to getting proper care for themselves and their babies, which may be heightened for babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Even the act of asking nurses at the hospital for advice can seem daunting. This episode, we talk to people and organizations who are working to reduce stigma and improve outcomes. By providing compassionate care, both mothers and infants can be set up for success. Guests: Nikole Young,  Director at Heart Rock Justus Family Recovery CenterTara Sundem, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Hushabye NurseryJustin Phillips,  CEO and Founder of Overdose LifelineTo learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Navigating the criminal justice system can be a difficult experience for anyone, but for people who struggle with opioid use, or those in recovery, these challenges can feel insurmountable. Treatment within jails and prisons is not consistent, and people can be left with more challenges than solutions upon release. In this episode, we will hear from people doing the work to move the needle and equip people with evidence-based resources to prevent opioid overdose and promote recovery. Guests:Chris Chavez, Regional Manager of Community Programs at HOPE Incorporated.Dr. Olivia Sugarman,  postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public HealthJason Edgcomb, Superintendent at the LaSalle County JailTo learn more about what Emergent is doing to help combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Welcome back to Countermeasures. In our upcoming season, we are taking a closer look at some of the communities hit hardest by the opioid crisis. From the corridors of elder care facilities to the bustling halls of high schools, we’ll hear from advocates, public health experts, and people who are using their lived experience to make things better for their communities. Together, we'll come to better understand the opioid crisis and discover a new way forward.To learn more about what Emergent is doing to help address the opioid crisis, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Congress plays an important role in addressing the opioid crisis as a public health emergency. In this bonus episode, hear how policymakers are working to identify solutions that help support our communities and turn the tide on the opioid epidemic. GuestsRepresentative Dave Joyce, Ohio’s 14th DistrictJessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO, Addiction Policy ForumResources: Addiction Policy Forum Addiction Policy Forum Training and WorkshopsTo learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Native American communities have been some of the hardest hit by the opioid crisis. To understand why, the historical, social and economic contexts must be taken into consideration. In this episode, hear from experts and those impacted by the crisis to help uncover this important context. Additionally, hear how communities are rallying together to find solutions that incorporate culture and community to support those struggling and seeking recovery. GuestsNathan Billy, Behavioral Health Programs Director, National Indian Health BoardNickolaus Lewis, Vice Chairperson and Portland Area Representative, National Indian Health BoardJudith Surber, AuthorCharlene Bingham, MSWResources:The National Indian Health BoardReservation High The National Native American Boarding School Coalition (U.S)National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (Canada)To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

First responders have been on the front lines of the opioid epidemic since it first began, and have witnessed how it has progressed and changed. In this episode, hear from first responders from across the country, and learn about some of the innovative programs they’re running to address this crisis, and connect more people with recovery support. Plus, hear what is being done to support responders who come face to face with the epidemic every day. GuestsMatthew Burgan, Community Paramedic at Frederick County Division of Fire RescueKevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and Chair of the EMS section of the International Association of Fire ChiefsJohn Potvin, Director, Division of Emergency Medical Service and Deputy Emergency Management Director, East Providence Fire Department Resources: About Safe StationsPrevent Overdose Rhode IslandLawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Frederick County Division of Fire RescueEast Providence Fire Department To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Generations of children have been impacted by the opioid crisis. Children with a parent or guardian who struggles with opioid dependency often feel isolated and don't know where to turn for support. In this episode, we explore Camp Mariposa, a program run by Eluna that provides a safe and fun environment for children and teaches them important life skills. GuestsBrian Maus, Director of Addiction Prevention and Mentoring Programs at Eluna Kobe, mentor and former attendee at Camp MariposaKaia, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa Resources: About ElunaCamp Mariposa To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

For people struggling with opioid dependency, the healthcare system can often be overwhelming and difficult to access, but it doesn’t have to be this way. When first responders, medical practitioners, mental health professionals, and public health experts come together, the healthcare systems can be an avenue for compassionate, evidence-based support.In this episode of Countermeasures, we explore science-backed innovations that help lower barriers to accessing care, rebuild trust, and improve outcomes.Guests: Jessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO, Addiction Policy ForumShannon McLoughlin, Social Worker in Hamilton, CanadaResources: Addiction Policy Forum Addiction Policy Forum Training and WorkshopsHamilton Opioid Information System To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com

Opioid use and dependency can be isolating. Having a robust network of community support is vital, both for those currently struggling and those in recovery. Creating spaces that meet people where they are and provide practical tools and resources without judgment is an important part of addressing this crisis.  In this episode, you will hear from professionals working in this space about the importance of these programs, how stigma continues to create barriers, and what more needs to be done. Guests: Amanda Scott, MPH, CHES, Prevention Services Director at Detroit Recovery Project Amanda Lick, Director, Community Health Solutions at EmergentResources:Detroit Recovery ProjectTo learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com