Since becoming available over the counter, Naloxone has saved countless lives. In this episode, we explore how expanded access is helping communities confront the opioid crisis, the real-world impact on individuals, and the work that still lies ahead. Experts point to broader availability as a key factor in recent declines in overdose deaths, but the crisis is far from over. Many rural and marginalized communities continue to face devastating losses.

We look at how easier access to Naloxone is shaping outcomes, supporting harm-reduction efforts, and offering hope where it’s needed most.

Guests:

• Zac Clark, Founder and CEO of Release Recovery
• Olivia Sugarman, PhD, MPH, Assistant Scientist at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
• Amy Sweet, Activist and Co-Founder of Chance for Recovery

From bird flu to COVID-19, the threat of diseases jumping from animals to humans, zoonotic spillover, is a significant challenge to global health. We explore how scientists, health professionals, and communities are working to detect outbreaks before they spread, and what it will take to build a world prepared for the next pandemic.

Featuring leading experts in infectious disease and health security, we dive into the systems keeping watch at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.

Guests:

• Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security
• Dr. Jennifer Nuzzo, Director, Pandemic Center at Brown University
• Lindsey Shields, Deputy Director, Epidemic Preparedness and Response Initiative, PATH

Thank you for listening to this season of Countermeasures so far. We will be back on December 3rd with more conversations with leading public health experts.

Biological threats, whether natural, accidental, or deliberate, pose growing challenges for global security. In this episode, experts from the U.S. and Europe discuss how public–private partnerships, global cooperation, and sustained investment can strengthen biodefense and ensure the world is prepared before the next crisis begins.

Guests:

• Christopher Frech, Senior Advisor of Global Government Affairs at Emergent BioSolutions
• Wolfgang Philipp, Principal Advisor and Chief Science Officer at the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA)

Although Smallpox has been eradicated, Orthopoxviruses, the group of viruses to which it belongs, still present a major health threat in the form of viruses like Mpox.

In this episode, we explore the history of Orthopox viruses, the threat they present today, and the strategies for addressing them. Hear from experts who discuss the role of education, vaccination and the One Health approach in mitigating future outbreaks.

Guests:

• Dr Rene Najera, MPH, DrPH, FCPP. Director of Public Health and Editor of the History of Vaccines Project at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
• Dr. Martin Muchangi, Director for Population Health and Environment at Amref
• Eric Balsley, Director, Product Management at Emergent BioSolutions

Rising temperatures, global travel, and urbanization are reshaping the landscape of infectious disease. Mosquitoes, ticks, and other vectors are carrying pathogens into new regions, and with them, threats like malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus.

In this episode, we examine the fight against vector-borne diseases. Guests share insights on prevention tools, vaccine advancements, and the power of community education in reducing the toll of these diseases worldwide.



Guests:

• Dr. Matthew Phillips, Physician-Scientist, Mass General Brigham
• Dr. Pauline Byakika-Kibwika, Vice Chancellor of Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and Professor of Internal Medicine and Epidemiology
• Rob Mather, Founder, Against Malaria Foundation

In our first two seasons, Countermeasures examined the opioid crisis and its far-reaching impact across communities. Now, we’re widening the lens. Season 3 explores emerging global health threats, from bio threats to the growing impacts of climate change, and the people working to prepare for what’s next. Join leading experts, researchers, and practitioners as they share how we can build resilience against the challenges ahead.

When you think of the opioid crisis, older adults are likely not what comes to mind. However, older adults are highly impacted by the crisis. For some, it is a result of the opioid medications prescribed for chronic pain, while others have struggled with chronic substance use disorder for years, even before the crisis began.

 In this episode, we explore the often unexpected ways the opioid crisis is affecting older adults. We'll dive into why this group is so often overlooked in discussions about dependency and recovery, and examine the unique challenges they face in accessing education and care.

Guests:

• Maryann Mason, PhD, Sociologist and an associate professor of emergency medicine at Northwestern University
• Mary Nguyen, Pharmacist
• Jessica Liebster, Case Manager at West Neighbourhood House