Hey there, Philadelphia! Welcome to another quick update from Philly Public Health Chats. We're popping in with some exciting news and a heads-up for you all.

Summer is upon us, and we're taking a short break to recharge and gear up for more amazing content. But don't worry, we'll be back in September with the second season of Philly Public Health Chats!

Our upcoming season will feature incredible people and organizations doing impactful work right here in Philly. We'll also highlight those making a difference beyond our city, tackling public health challenges that hit close to home. From influencers to behind-the-scenes heroes, we can't wait to bring these stories to you.

Philly is brimming with inspiring individuals, and we're excited to share their journeys and insights with you. Until then, we wish everyone a joyous and safe summer. Remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, and most importantly, have lots of fun!

Thank you for being a part of our community. We appreciate each one of you and can't wait to reconnect in September with a brand-new season full of fresh perspectives and important conversations. So, mark your calendars and get ready for more *Philly Public Health Chats*. Stay tuned, stay healthy, and we'll see you soon!

This week, we talk with Laura Vargas about the needs of friends and loved ones of people who die from a drug overdose. While we often focus on the prevention of such deaths, there are many gaps in the help and services needed by those left grieving for their loved ones.

Ms. Vargas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the Director of Outreach Programs at SADOD, where she has developed and expanded grief support initiatives for communities affected by the overdose crisis.

With a career dedicated to creating culturally sensitive services in behavioral health, she has impacted over 2,000 individuals through programs like Philly HEALs, which she founded in Philadelphia.

A native Spanish speaker, fluent in French, Laura is certified in grief counseling, trauma treatment, and cognitive behavior therapy. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.

This week, we talk to Willie Baronet and Leah den Bok. They are two artists who collaborated on an exhibit at the Mütter Museum within the College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

Their art -- Willie's collection of signs and Leah's portrait photography -- was brought together with data and evidence of the impact of homelessness in Philadelphia.

Also collaborating on the effort was Dr. Rosie Frasso from Thomas Jefferson University and her team, as well as the Center for Public Health at the College.

You can follow Willie's work at:

• We Are All Homeless (https://www.weareallhomeless.org/)
• @WillieBaronet on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/williebaronet/)

And Leah's work at:

• @HumanizingTheHomeless on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/humanizing_the_homeless/)
• LeahDenBok.com

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Jarry from the McGill Office for Science and Society. He talks to us about the charming but misleading tales surrounding Edward Jenner and the origins of the smallpox vaccine. Jarry, a seasoned science communicator and co-host of the podcast "Body of Evidence," unpacks the historical inaccuracies and sheds light on lesser-known figures who contributed to the development of vaccination.

Tune in as we explore how these myths formed and why they persist, offering a clearer, more nuanced view of medical history. Don't miss this myth-busting journey through the past of public health and vaccination!

Join René Najera, Director of Public Health and the History of Vaccines Project at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, as he welcomes Dr. Elise Mitchell, an expert in African American history and smallpox inoculation practices. In this episode, they delve into the historical practice of smallpox inoculation, tracing its roots from Asia to the Americas, and explore Dr. Mitchell's fascinating research. Discover the overlooked contributions of enslaved Africans to medical knowledge, particularly in smallpox management, which predates modern vaccination techniques. Dr. Mitchell also sheds light on the broader history of medical knowledge across various African cities and addresses the challenges in bringing non-Western medical histories into mainstream academic and public discourse. This enlightening conversation reveals critical insights into the intersection of race, history, and medicine.

In this episode, René Najera, Director of Public Health at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, hosts a thought-provoking discussion with public health consultants Leah Roman and Andrea Mantsios.

Leah and Andrea explore the versatile and dynamic role of public health consultants, clarifying the distinctions between independent consultants and in-house contractors, and describing how they solve complex health challenges across various sectors. They share personal stories about their unexpected paths into consulting, highlighting the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills in this field.

This conversation provides invaluable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by public health consultants, making it a must-listen for anyone considering a similar career path.

Check out Public Health Innovation and Action at https://www.phiaconsulting.org and Roman Public Health Consulting at https://romanphconsulting.com.

Dr. René Najera sits down for a conversation with Deanna Najera, PA-C. (Yes, they are related... They have been married since 2010.) Physician Assistants (also known as Physician Associates) have been involved in medicine for decades, forming an integral part of the healthcare team. Mrs. Najera explains how PAs are more involved in public health efforts in the United States, talking about her own experiences as a PA before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in more information about Physician Assistants, visit the American Academy of Physician Associates at AAPA.org.

Check out all the events at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia at CollegeOfPhysicians.org/events.