27. Relationships Matter

“We can’t do the work alone. That is why it is important to have partnerships in our communities.”

Hear Dr. Mysheika Roberts discuss this idea and more, as she takes listeners through her own journey in community-centered public health. Plus: how critical relationships helped build trust and shape responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Roberts is the Health Commissioner for the City of Columbus, Ohio, leading a team of more than 500 public health professionals focused on neighborhood-based approaches that address the social determinants of health, from safe affordable housing and education to jobs and violent crime, to decrease health disparities.

Dr. Roberts has a 20-year public health background at local, state and national levels. She built a solid foundation in public health early in her career by investigating outbreaks in Ohio for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and leading an STD clinic and hepatitis prevention efforts at the Baltimore City Health Department.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] Dr. Roberts talks about her background and journey to becoming a Health Commissioner for Columbus, Ohio.

[3:01] Dr. Roberts shares her experiences with the EIS Program for CDC.

[4:03] Dr. Roberts speaks about her role as Health Commissioner in Columbus.

[6:15] How did Dr. Roberts and her team work to prevent inequities during COVID?

[9:31] What was it like for Dr. Roberts to be a Health Commissioner during COVID-19?

[11:25] Dr. Roberts explains what opportunity clinics are.

[12:55] Dr. Roberts talks about her experiences with community and multisector partnerships in Columbus.

[16:08] Dr. Roberts discusses the role of community engagement in Columbus in general.

[19:06] Why is it important to engage all parts of communities in public health work?

[20:38] How does Dr. Robert envision her work changing after COVID-19?

[22:39] Dr. Roberts shares the key takeaways from the most recent Lights, Camera, Action Summit that the public health community can take action on.

[25:35] What are some of the bright lights that give Dr. Roberts hope today?

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