May is Older American’s Month and a good time to think about our needs as we age and those of the older adults in our communities. In this episode, Deb Burton, a social gerontologist and executive director of RI Elder Info joins Dr. Chan to highlight some important considerations that everyone should be thinking about. Her message is clear: regardless of age, planning in advance is key.

Children often face a wide range of struggles like social challenges, difficulties at school, substance use, and so much more. As any parent or caregiver knows, helping a child can be overwhelming at times. Where can one turn for help? In this episode, Ashley Gingerella O’Shea, director of strategic communications at Rhode Island’s Executive Office of Health and Human Services joins Dr. Philip Chan to discuss a new and much-needed resource to help parents navigate children’s behavioral health.

For parents and caregivers, please visit kids.ri.gov/behavioral-health for information to guide you in finding support, resources, and answers to many of your questions.

Sexual violence affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men nationally - and it can happen anywhere, usually by someone you know. In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, RIDOH’s Dr. Staci Fischer, medical director and chief administrative officer for the Rhode Island Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline and Angela Kemp, prevention coordinator for RIDOH's Violence and Injury Prevention Program join Dr. Philip Chan to talk about the types of sexual assault, what you need to know in general, and even how to handle it somewhere you may not expect - in the care of a healthcare professional.

This episode of Public Health Out Loud covers topics related to sexual violence that some listeners may find difficult to listen to. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to the RI Victims of Crime Helpline for support and advocacy as needed at: 1-800-494-8100 or helplineri.com.