AIMing to Inform

AIMing to Inform is a limited series podcast hosted by the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM), a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a nation free of vaccine-preventable disease. This series of conversations with immunization managers hopes to motivate and inspire public sector leaders, while helping them feel supported in their role. These short episodes hosted by Brent Ewig, AIM's policy consultant and Dad joke teller-extraordinaire, are thoughtfully produced to fit into the busy public health professional's life. Each episode will bring at least one AH-HA moment and a few dad jokes, leaving listeners confident to carry on their job as immunization program leaders. Visit our website ImmunizationManagers.org to get resources to keep you AIMing to Inform. This podcast series was made possible through independent financial support from Merck. AIM controls all content on this podcast. All episodes were recorded and produced in 2022.

Kathy Kudish - Connecticut Department of Public Health 02/14/2023

Molly Howell - North Dakota Department of Health 01/11/2023

Molly Howell - North Dakota Department of Health Learn how immunization managers best leverage their immunization information systems (IIS) to improve vaccination rates. In this episode, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Immunization Director and Assistant Section Chief of Disease Control Molly Howell and AIM Data Project Manager Kristy Westfall share insight into their successes with IIS. Making use of IIS data is one of the best ways to streamline program operations, pinpoint vaccine deserts, and guide real-time decisions for all vaccines and age groups. Tune in for resourceful ideas on how to use your state’s IIS. About Molly: Molly Howell is currently the Immunization Director and Assistant Section Chief of Disease Control at the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDDoH). Molly has worked in the field of immunization for the past 19 years. As Immunization Director, she oversees the implementation of immunization policies and activities in North Dakota, including evidence-based activities to increase immunization coverage rates, healthcare provider education, surveillance, and implementation of the North Dakota Immunization Information System (NDIIS). Molly has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. Molly is an active member of the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) and previously served as Chair of the organization. She is currently a member of the executive committee and AIM's liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. In January 2020, Molly was appointed to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee. She has previously published immunization and infectious disease-related articles in Public Health Reports, the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, and the New England Journal of Medicine. About Kristy Westfall: As Data Project Manager, Kristy supports AIM members in immunization information systems and data exchange. Prior to joining AIM, she worked with the Wyoming Department of Health Immunization Unit for eight years in various roles, including as the VFC Coordinator and the IIS Manager. Kristy is a Certified Public Manager and earned associate degrees in Computer Networking Systems and Business Administration. She has worked in public health for over 13 years. Links: /episode/index/show/a71d96e9-144f-4ef8-bb21-fb4d25ea74f4/id/25301958

Rich Lakin - Utah Department of Health and Human Services 12/15/2022

Stephanie Schauer - Wisconsin Department of Health Services 11/09/2022

Dave McCormick 10/11/2022

Heather Burris - DC Health 09/14/2022

Heather Burris - DC Health In this episode, hear from the dynamic Heather Burris, Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). As the "new kid on the block," Heather shares her learnings and challenges from her freshman year of being an immunization manager. With a clear focus on equity, partnerships, and leading with kindness, Heather discusses how she plans to use the technology and processes gained during COVID for all immunizations. About Heather: Heather Burris is the Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). Heather joined DC Health in 2017 as the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program Manager, a role she served for three years. Because of her oversight of VFC provider enrollment and vaccine management, Heather was asked to lead the COVID-19 Vaccine Planning and Distribution Team for the Immunization Division. Since the fall of 2021, Heather has led the Division as Chief, overseeing immunization operations, data management, onboarding of a new immunization information system, and surveillance of COVID-19 breakthrough and vaccine-preventable diseases. Before joining DC Health, Heather spent nine years as a Clinical Site Manager at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for the Infectious Disease Clinical Research Program. Her expertise includes vaccine operations, program management, and clinical research administration of infectious diseases. In addition, she is mission-focused on health equity and ensuring vulnerable residents or those hard-to-reach community members have access to immunizations. A champion for Black women, particularly Black girls, Heather also authored Hair Like Me, a children's story about beauty and confidence inspired by her daughter. She is a graduate of Howard University and Emory University. She resides in Washington, DC, with her husband and two children. Links WEBSITE: TWITTER: Work: Personal: /episode/index/show/a71d96e9-144f-4ef8-bb21-fb4d25ea74f4/id/24173346

Matt Bobo - Alaska Immunization Program Manager 08/10/2022

Claire Hannan 07/13/2022

Coming Soon - AIMing to Inform 05/31/2022

AIMing to Inform

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