RIDOH Oral Health Program Dental Director, Dr. Samuel Zwetchkenbaum joins Dr. Philip Chan in this episode to talk about a subject that’s gotten some recent media attention – fluoride. Why is it added to some public water systems and how does it benefit oral health? While there has been quite a lot of discussion following the release of a major study on fluoride in drinking water, Dr. Zwetchkenbaum shares what he knows on the subject and sets the record straight.

November 21st is the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, an annual event that encourages people to quit smoking or reduce their tobacco and nicotine use for at least 24 hours to live a healthier life and reduce their cancer risk. Ámbar Delgado, Manager of Advocacy at Tobacco Free RI Statewide Network, talks about why reducing tobacco and nicotine use should still be on our radar and highlights the resources available to all Rhode Islanders who want to quit.

Every landlord in Rhode Island is now required by law to register their residential rental properties in a new Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)-managed database, which was launched in September. RIDOH’s Deputy Director, Seema Dixit joins us to answer your questions about the Rental Registry. Why does this registry exist and what is required? What happens if a property owner doesn't register? How can landlords obtain the required lead certificate? Download and listen to get answers to these questions and more.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Often referred to as intimate partner violence, it affects roughly 48 percent - nearly half- of all women and about 41 percent of all men at least once in their lifetime. In this episode, Dr. Chan is joined by Dr. Cynthia Roberts, senior evaluator from the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Dr. Samantha Rosenthal, a professor of health science at Johnson & Wales University and adjunct professor of epidemiology at Brown School of Public Health, for a conversation about how data are used to understand some of the causes of intimate partner violence, effective prevention strategies, and the importance of raising awareness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the 24-hour Rhode Island statewide helpline at 1-800-494-8100 or visit RICADV.org and click on the “Need Help” tab.

Additional Resources:
Pregnancy-Associated Violence in Rhode Island: The Data Landscape
RIDOH's Violence and Injury Prevention Program

September is Suicide Prevention Month. It’s an important time to remember lives lost and acknowledge the huge impact suicide has had on our communities. It’s also a time to bring awareness to the suicide prevention efforts in Rhode Island. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan is joined by the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Area Director, Kerrie Constant and Board Chair, Keely Taylor. They share their own personal experiences and discuss how everyone can have a role in preventing suicide.

Additional resources:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – If you or someone you know are having thoughts of suicide; experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis; or are in emotional distress, you can call or text 988 or chat with 988 at 988lifeline.org. Trained crisis counselors are available 24/7.
• BH Link’s mission is to ensure all Rhode Islanders 18+ experiencing mental health and substance use crises receive the appropriate services they need as quickly as possible in an environment that supports their recovery. Call 401-414-LINK (5465) or visit their 24/7 triage center at 975 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI.
• Bradley Hospital’s Kids’ Link -. Kids’ Link is a behavioral health triage service and referral network. The program is offered in collaboration with Gateway Healthcare, Lifespan, Hasbro Children's Hospital and Bradley Hospital. Kids’ Link RI is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help triage children and youth in need of mental health services and refer them to treatment providers. 1-855-543-5465
• Parent Coach RI is a free 30-day text messaging service that provides parents/caregivers with helpful tips and information to support the youth in their lives through mental and behavioral challenges. tinyurl.com/3fekw78w
• PreventSuicideRI.org for additional state and national resources, training opportunities, and suicide data.
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide through prevention programs, public education, fundraising for suicide research and programs, and reaching out to those who have lost someone to suicide.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can follow an injury or infection and can affect anyone, regardless of age. There is treatment, but it's critical to act fast. In this episode of Public Health Out Loud, Dr. Chan is joined by Tara Cirella, a local mom who tragically lost her daughter, Gianna, to sepsis a few years ago and Dr. Lee Polikoff, a pediatric critical care specialist at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. He was one of the physicians in charge of Gianna’s care and is an expert on sepsis. They'll talk about understanding the signs and symptoms of sepsis and the importance of asking questions and advocating for our loved ones if there is a chance they could be suffering from sepsis. It could save a life. This is an episode you won't want to miss.

September is National Preparedness Month. It's also the peak of the Atlantic Hurricane season! In this episode, Dr. Chan talks with Andrea Creach, from RIDOH's Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, about how hurricanes and other weather events can impact our health, and what we can do to prepare and protect ourselves from the effects of these types of emergencies.

• Video for Employers: Rhode Island CHWs ~ Your Bridge to Better Health
• Rhode Island Alliance for CHW Employers: ripin.org/allianceforchwemployers/
• Family Services-RI: familyserviceri.org/
• Rhode Island Department of Health, CHW Program: health.ri.gov/chws
• Community Health Worker Association of Rhode Island: chwari.org/
• Caring Careers-RI: caringcareers.ri.gov/
• National Association of Community Health Workers: nachw.org