In this powerful episode, Milwaukee's Health Commissioner Mike Totoraitis joins Dr. Charlotte H. Huntley to share an insider's view of navigating a citywide public health crisis and the evolving realities of public health leadership in 2025. Mike recounts how discovering a severe lead crisis in Milwaukee's schools exposed systemic vulnerabilities while underscoring the urgent importance of community engagement, open information sharing, and cross-sector partnerships. Their conversation highlights lessons learned from the frontlines, both in leading crisis response and in the broader struggle for advocacy, trust, and progress in public health at a time of national turbulence and resource disruption.

Resources

▶️ Join the PHEC Community

▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes

▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting

YOU'RE INVITED!

Virtual Event Title: "We're Better Together"

Dr. Huntley invites PHEC Podcast Community members to a virtual gathering on Friday, November 21st at 11 a.m. Eastern.

After a challenging year in public health, this 30-minute event offers genuine connection with people who understand. Share wins, swap self-care strategies that actually work, and reconnect with your purpose. This is an exclusive event for PHEC Podcast Community members.

Registration details can be found in the PHEC Podcast Community app's event space. If you're not already a member, then you can download the app from your mobile app store or join the community at phecpodcastcommunity.com.

"No pressure, just real public health people showing up for each other." - Dr. Huntley

In this insightful episode, Dr. Charlotte Huntley welcomes Elizabeth Green, Communications Director at the Big Cities Health Coalition, for a deep dive into the art and science of public health communication. Elizabeth brings a unique perspective with her background as a history of science professor and public health communications expert.

They explore how to tell compelling public health stories that connect emotionally and intellectually with audiences, overcome jargon and misinformation, and advocate effectively for funding and policy. Elizabeth shares real-world examples like Milwaukee's lead crisis, discusses language research on harm reduction, and highlights the importance of diverse storytelling styles to build trust and support. This episode offers invaluable guidance on communicating public health's critical role with clarity, empathy, and impact.

Resources

▶️ Join the PHEC Community

▶️ Visit the PHEC Podcast Show Notes

▶️ DrCHHuntley, Public Health & Epidemiology Consulting