ASTHO Public Health Review Morning Edition Podcast

Integration of AI and the Future of Public Health Communication

On this episode of Public Health Review Morning Edition, Dr. Jay Varma, physician and epidemiologist with the Community Healthcare Network, joins host Robert Johnson to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping public health communication. Dr. Varma shares his perspective on how AI—when used responsibly—can help agencies improve clarity, speed, and effectiveness in delivering health messages to the public.

Dr. Varma emphasizes the need for public health institutions to adapt to rapidly changing information ecosystems, especially in an age of misinformation and eroding trust. He draws from his own experience managing crisis communication during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that AI tools can augment—not replace—human expertise in developing nuanced, evidence-based messaging. From automated summarization of complex reports to enhanced targeting of health alerts, Dr. Varma envisions a future where AI supports more responsive and equitable communication systems.

The episode also features Dr. Amanda Simanek, Director of the Michael Reese Foundation Center for Health Equity Research, who previews ASTHO’s upcoming INSPIRE: Readiness webinar on effective communication during disease outbreaks.

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