Interview with Omari Richins, MPH
Listen Here:
Episode 226 of Public Health Careers
Welcome to the last episode of 2024!
In this special year-end wrap-up, I reflect on some of the most significant public health victories of the year, share quick thoughts on the recent elections, and discuss why your contributions to public health are more vital than ever as we head into 2025.
From malaria vaccine breakthroughs to new strategies for resilience in our field, this episode is packed with insights, gratitude, and actionable advice for public health professionals at every stage of their career.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🌟 7 Public Health Wins of 2024:
- Malaria Vaccine Rollout – A game-changer in saving lives across 17 African countries.
- Gene Therapy for Hearing Loss – A groundbreaking advancement helping children hear for the first time.
- Rwanda’s Fight Against Marburg Virus – A success story in halting an Ebola-like disease.
- Reduced Overdose Deaths in the U.S. – A rare decline in overdose fatalities, saving thousands of lives.
- Obesity Rate Decline – The first significant drop in adult obesity rates in over a decade.
- Firearm Violence as a Public Health Emergency – The U.S. Surgeon General’s bold declaration to protect American youth.
- EPA Regulation on PFAS Chemicals – Landmark steps toward safer drinking water for millions.
🗳️ Quick Thoughts on the Elections:
- How elections shape the future of public health policy.
- Why resilience and advocacy are essential during leadership transitions.
- Tips for staying grounded and proactive in uncertain times.
🤝 Why Public Health Needs You in 2024:
- The looming workforce shortages and how you can fill the gap.
- Networking and skill-building strategies for public health professionals.
- Encouragement and gratitude for those working in local public health.
Highlights of 2024:
📈 Podcast milestones:
- Top 25% of all shows worldwide.
- 63 episodes released, with listeners from 126 countries.
- Over 31,000 downloads and 3,970 minutes of content shared.
🌍 Social media success:
- Over 1.3 million LinkedIn impressions and 22,601 engagements.
- YouTube growth with 46.4k views and 963 new subscribers.
💬 Top-performing LinkedIn post:
“Public health is about collectivism and community. It’s about creating equitable systems and improving the societal determinants of communities.”
Call to Action:
Join the conversation! How will you contribute to public health in 2024? Let’s connect:
- Share your thoughts on social media using #PublicHealthWins2024.
- Subscribe to the podcast for more insights and inspiration in the new year.
- Become part of the free public health community to find your next step and support your journey.
Links from show
22 Public Health Accomplishments in 2024 by Your Local Epidemiologist
How Rwanda is managing to contain the Marburg virus outbreak by LeMonde
9 actually good things that happened in 2024 by Vox
The Most Important Breakthroughs of 2024 by The Atlantic
Staffing Up – Investing in the public health workforce by de Beaumont Foundation
Firearm Violence in the United States by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
The gun violence epidemic is a uniquely American issue. by Brady
What the data says about gun deaths in the U.S. by Pew Research Center
Fact Check Team: US obesity rates see first decline in over a decade by Eyewitness News
Why is the EPA regulating PFAS and what are these ‘forever chemicals’? by AP News
Connect with Guest
Omari Richins, MPH on LinkedIn
