On This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Huntley talks with Dr. Jennier Mandelbaum who shares her journey from a public health scientist to a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives. She discusses her background in public health, her current role at Athena Health, and her advocacy work. The conversation delves into the importance of bipartisanship in politics, civic engagement, and how individuals can get involved in their communities. Dr. Huntley emphasizes the significance of rest and self-care while encouraging listeners to find ways to contribute to their communities.
Meet Dr. Mandelbaum
Dr. Jennifer Mandelbaum was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in a March 2024 special election. She ran on the firm belief that a healthy economy, healthy community, and healthy climate can coexist. With a diverse background spanning academia, government, and industry, she specializes in chronic disease prevention, mixed methods research, and the social determinants of health. In her day job, she works at athenahealth, a Boston-based health tech company, leading survey and qualitative research examining unique insights and emerging trends within the healthcare landscape.
Her contributions to public health have earned her accolades including the 2022 Rising Star Award from the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors and the 2023 Early Career Award from the American Public Health Association’s Public Health Education and Health Promotion section.
Locally, she serves as a Trustee of the Portsmouth New Hampshire Public Library, while nationally, she is an active member of the American Public Health Association’s Education Board and a Health Policy Ambassador for the Society of Behavioral Medicine.
Dr. Mandelbaum holds a BA from Brandeis University, MPH from Yale University, and a PhD in health behavior from the University of South Carolina. In recognition of her leadership, she was named to Seacoast 10 to Watch and the Boston Congress of Public Health’s 40 Under 40 in 2023, and is a member of the New Hampshire Union Leader’s 40 Under Forty Class of 2024.
Listen To This Episode Of The Public Health Epidemiology Conversations (PHEC) Podcast
Conversation Highlights
Dr. Huntley is a public health scientist, educator, and policymaker.
Her interest in public health was sparked by her family's healthcare background.
She emphasizes the importance of affecting change at a population level.
Dr. Huntley works at Athena Health, focusing on emerging healthcare trends.
She is passionate about child and adolescent health and nutrition.
Advocacy work is crucial in addressing community health issues.
Bipartisanship is essential for sustainable legislation.
Civic engagement can take many forms, from local boards to volunteering.
Rest and self-care are important for those feeling overwhelmed.
Anyone interested in politics should seek resources and support.
"Sometimes you just have to jump in when the opportunity is in front of you... You are obviously qualified if someone is inviting you and asking you to consider the role and they saw something in you." - Jennifer Mandelbaum
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DrCHHuntley LLC is a public health consulting firm that specializes in epidemiology consulting, supporting large nonprofit organizations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Florida that serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We also provide nationwide public health consulting and epidemiology consulting support to BIPOC organizations across the United States.