In this episode, we explore the role of the public health department - from obvious activities, such as educating the public about COVID-19 - to activities that may not be immediately clear, such as being involved in transit planning or declaring racism a public health crisis.

To be effective and really reach the publics that they serve, public health departments must figure out how to communicate with those who may disagree with government officials and each other.

My guest is Andy Wessel, community health planner with the Douglas County Health Department in Omaha, Nebraska.