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.
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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.
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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.
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Thank you for listening to this season of Countermeasures so far. We will be back on December 3rd with more conversations with leading public health experts.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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To 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.
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To 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.
Guests
Representative Dave Joyce, Ohio’s 14th District
Jessica Hulsey, Founder and CEO, Addiction Policy Forum
Resources:
To 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.
Guests
Nathan Billy, Behavioral Health Programs Director, National Indian Health Board
Nickolaus Lewis, Vice Chairperson and Portland Area Representative, National Indian Health Board
Judith Surber, Author
Charlene Bingham, MSW
Resources:
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.
Guests
Matthew Burgan, Community Paramedic at Frederick County Division of Fire Rescue
Kevin Joles, Division Chief of EMS at Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical and Chair of the EMS section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs
John Potvin, Director, Division of Emergency Medical Service and Deputy Emergency Management Director, East Providence Fire Department
Resources:
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.
Guests
Brian Maus, Director of Addiction Prevention and Mentoring Programs at Eluna
Kobe, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa
Kaia, mentor and former attendee at Camp Mariposa
Resources:
To learn more about what Emergent is doing to combat the opioid epidemic, visit www.emergentbiosolutions.com
Thank you for listening to Countermeasures, we’re taking a break this week and will be back next Wednesday, November 29 to bring you more on how children and families are impacted by the Opioid Epidemic. To all of our American listeners, we hope you have a great Thanksgiving. We’ll see you next week