Older Americans Episodes
Feb. 20, 2026
1073: Coverage, Consequences, and the Leaders Shaping Public Health’s Future
What happens when health coverage becomes unaffordable, and who’s stepping up to lead in moments like this? This episode connects two powerful public health stories. First, we break down the ACA enhanced premium tax credits: what they were, who they helped, and what’s at stake now that they’ve expired. Catherine Jones, senior analyst for government affairs at ASTHO, will explain how these pandemic-era subsidies dramatically expanded access to marketplace coverage, helping middle-income famili...
Guests: James Bell III DSW MSW , Catherine Jones, MPH
Feb. 19, 2026
1072: From Rural Dollars to Dinner Plates: Turning Big Federal Policy Into Real Health Gains
Major federal investments and national guidance can shape the future of public health, but only if states can turn policy into practice. This episode looks at two sweeping developments and the on-the-ground work required to make them matter. First, Chris Salyers, director of programs and evaluation at the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health explains the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a $50 billion, five-year investment aimed at strengthening rural communities. Wit...
Guests: Chris Salyers DHSc , Shannon Vance MPH
333
June 12, 2025
926: Data to Reduce Heat Injuries, Public Health Rumors
Dr. James McDonald, ASTHO member and commissioner of the New York State Department of Health, discusses the State’s Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard and how it can reduce heat-related injury; Dr. Tara Kirk Sell, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security...
Guests: James McDonald, MD, MPH , Tara Kirk Sell PhD MA
502
April 28, 2025
894: Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Safe State Capitol Hill Priorities
Emi Chutaro, executive director of the Pacific Island Health Officers Association, explains what she hopes others gain from Pacific Islander Heritage Month; Paul Bonta, director of government relations for the Safe States Alliance, tells us about his...
Guests: Emi Chutaro MSc , Paul Bonta MA