About this episode:

Injury prevention—a field focused on preventing injuries from falls, choking, homicides, car crashes, and other incidents—saves lives and money. Now, the United States' leading injury prevention unit, the CDC Injury Center, is grappling with cuts to funding and personnel that debilitate critical work. In this episode: Natalie Draisin, an injury prevention expert, details the lifesaving work at risk in extended funding battles.

Guests:

Natalie Draisin, MPH, MBA, is the director of the North America Office and United Nations representative for the FIA Foundation, an organization promoting road safety. She also serves as an advisor on road safety to WHO and the International Transport Forum.

Host:

Stephanie Desmon, MA, is a former journalist, author, and the director of public relations and communications for the Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs.

Show links and related content:

• Injury prevention is in danger from federal cuts—Baltimore Sun

• With CDC injury prevention team gutted, 'we will not know what is killing us'—NPR

• Dr. Debra Houry on Her Decision to Leave the CDC—Public Health On Call (September 2025)

• Women's History Month: A Conversation With Sue Baker, the "Mother of Injury Prevention"—Public Health On Call (March 2024)

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Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.