Healthy Chicago Podcast

Often operating in obscurity, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a vital volunteer group of both medical and non-medical professionals, organized on a local basis to help provide needed services to their communities during emergencies and disasters. In this episode, Andreea Lazaroiu (Project Coordinator) and Molly Gabaldo (Project Administrator) talk about CDPH’s emergency preparedness program and how the department recruits, organizes, and leads Chicago’s arm of the MRC, and welcomes new volunteers seeking to use their time and expertise to strengthen our communities.Learn more about the MRC at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdph/provdrs/emergency_preparedness/supp_info/medical-reserve-corps.html#modalgalleryTo join the Chicago MRC, go to https://chi.gov/4s1kl9r and select "Chicago Medical Reserve Corps” in the Organization section.

As we recognize Suicide Prevention Awareness Month throughout September, Patricia T. Johnson (Public Health Administrator) and Mawiyah Coates (Public Health Administrator) discuss CDPH’s Suicide Prevention Initiative; the Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training program; and other resources, such as 988 Lifeline, and activities, like the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk on October 3, 2026.If you or someone you know needs crisis support, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to chat.

Postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis have received increased attention recently, highlighting the importance of checking in on new and expecting parents and recognizing when they may need support. In our latest episode of the Healthy Chicago Podcast, we discuss commonly overlooked signs that a new parent may be struggling, what postpartum psychosis is and how it differs from postpartum depression or anxiety, and what warning signs mean someone needs help right away. If someone you know is struggling with maternal mental health, help is available: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262 Illinois MOMS Line: 1-866-364-6667 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988Find resources on CDPH's website at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/onechifam/home/pregnancy-sexual-parental-health/parental-health/maternal-mental-health.html

PlayStreets Chicago is a collaborative, community-led initiative designed to foster healthier, stronger communities. The initiative creates safe and accessible neighborhood spaces for health and wellness activities, recreation, creativity, learning, social connection, and access to community resources. Miguel Lopez (Public Health Administrator at CDPH and PlayStreets Lead) is joined by Lisa Butler (Program Director for Phalanx Family Services for PlayStreets in the far south region) and Felicia Walker (Founder and Executive Director of City Motivators) to discuss PlayStreets in 2026, what drives their work in the communities, and how Chicagoans can get involved.

“Me & Nic Broke Up” is a CDPH campaign that encourages Chicago youth to break away from their toxic relationships with nicotine and instead to focus on their personal well-being. On this episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, we collaborate with From The ‘Go Show and True Star Media to encourage a candid discussion around awareness and support for those most impacted by vaping. Co-hosts Gary Langfield Jr. and Iesha Brown talk with CDPH spokesperson Juan Ortega and Gen Z creator of the viral “Scuba” dance, Desean “Scuba” Logan-Russell, about why it’s important to discuss vape-free living, the negative effects of smoking, the predatory marketing of nicotine companies, and resources available to those who want to “break up with with nic.”Visit MeAndNicBrokeUp.com for more information.This episode was produced by True Star Media Photo Cred: Christopher Lockridge + Deshaun AdamsProduction Assistant: Micaiah IssacProduction Assistant: Caleb IssacProduction Assistant: Christopher LockridgeAssociate Producer: Julius RossCo-Host: Gary Langfield Jr.Co-Host: Iesha Brown • TikTok: @truestarchicago • YouTube: True Star Media • LinkedIn: True Star Media • Facebook: True Star Foundation • Instagram: @truestarchicago