Episode 6 - Conversations with Leaders in Public Health: Julie Gary

Dr. Gary’s bio:Dr. Julie J. Gary is currently the inaugural Behavioral Health Bureau Chief for the City of St. Louis Department of Health in St. Louis, Missouri, addressing substance use and mental health challenges in the local community. In her previous role as Epidemiologist, Behavioral Health and Health Equity, Dr. Gary wrote the city’s first behavioral health report focused on the opioid epidemic and authored the city’s first comprehensive health equity plan. In her Bureau's overlap with the City of St. Louis Criminal Justice System, Dr. Gary serves on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, the Alternatives to Incarceration Committee and the Office of Violence Prevention's Crisis Response Leadership Team. Podcast Description:Dr. Julie J. Gary joins the Heartland Center podcast to discuss her career path to Behavioral Health Bureau Chief for the City of St. Louis Department of Health (https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/behavioral-health/index.cfm), the importance of addressing social determinants in behavioral health and substance use work, and predictions about the end of the opioid epidemic. She also shares lessons for future public health workers and stories about her faith and military career.