Disease Prevention Episodes

1129: The Rising Cost of Falling Vaccination Rates
May 19, 2026

1129: The Rising Cost of Falling Vaccination Rates

Today: Ben Lopman, professor at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, discusses the new Vaccine Impact Map. Later, Bryan Patenaude, associate professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, breaks down the financial realities of measles outbreaks and why even relatively small outbreaks can carry massive costs.
1058: From AI to Outbreaks: Tools, Trust, and the Future of Public Health
Jan. 27, 2026

1058: From AI to Outbreaks: Tools, Trust, and the Future of Public Health

What does the future of public health look like when cutting-edge technology collides with persistent, preventable disease threats? Senior Vice President of Health at ICF and ASTHO alum John Auerbach joins us to break down how artificial intelligence can be responsibly and realistically introduced into public health workflows. He outlines five practical, low-cost steps agencies of any size can take to start using AI today, explains the leadership mindset needed to build staff confidence, and explores how AI can both spread and counter misinformation when used thoughtfully. Later, Jessica Baggett, senior advisor for public health strategy and response at ASTHO, unpacks why measles elimination status is back in the spotlight after the worst year for measles cases in more than 30 years.