In this powerful kickoff to Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity, Niasha Fray sits down with longtime friend and fellow justice-centered public health leader, Dr. Paul J. Fleming – Associate Professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity at the University of Michigan and author of the upcoming book Imagine Doing Better: Why Policies Backfire and How Prevention Thinking Can Change Everything (Hopkins Press – available for pre-order now).

From growing up in suburban Illinois, to serving in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, to challenging the roots of health inequities, Dr. Fleming shares his journey toward “prevention thinking” – a framework that goes beyond quick fixes to address the root causes of injustice. Together, Niasha and Paul unpack:

• Why prevention-first policies save lives and resources
• How poverty, politics, and power shape community health
• The role of intersectionality, diversity, equity, and inclusion in public health
• How privilege and identity impact the fight for social and economic justice
• Why centering minoritized communities is key to lasting change

This episode is more than a conversation – it’s a call to reimagine what’s possible when we lead with imagination, equity, and collective action.

🔗 Pre-order Dr. Fleming’s book: pjfleming.com/imaginebetter

🔗 Follow Dr. Fleming: pjfleming.com | LinkedIn

Support the Series Sponsor: Special thanks to Chanelle R. Walker, M.Ed. – The Teacher Wellness Guru, CEO of Professional Inspiration, LLC. Learn more at professional-inspiration.com.

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