Public Health Spotlight S2 Ep6 – Jason Strelitz

Unpacking Public Health: Equity, Community, and Lasting Change

In this episode of the Public Health Spotlight, Jason Strelitz, Corporate Director of Adults, Health and Communities for the London Borough of Newham, joins Callum to explore a career defined by purpose, evidence, and a relentless drive to create healthier environments for all. Spanning more than two decades, Jason’s journey reflects an unwavering commitment to tackling inequality, from frontline policy and landmark research to leading Newham’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Social Policy Roots to a Public Health Vision

Jason’s public health story began with a deep focus on child poverty and social inequality, shaped by his years at Save the Children and in various government advisory roles. His passion was ignited during a pivotal period as a social policy adviser to Sir Michael Marmot on the landmark Marmot Review. It was here that Jason realised meaningful change depends on the union of strategic evidence, community-led action, and powerful, accessible communication that compels decision-makers to listen.

Leading in the Eye of the COVID Storm

As Director of Public Health during one of the UK’s hardest-hit periods, **Jason Strelitz** reflects on the devastation, resilience, and community spirit that defined Newham’s experience. Under his leadership, public health moved from the margins to the very heart of local government. Defining moments included the shock of Newham recording the highest national COVID mortality rates, the emotional conversations with multigenerational families navigating risk, and the remarkable community efforts that broke down barriers to vaccination.

These experiences captured in his forthcoming book *Same Storm, Different Boats: Covid, Community, and How We’ve Come Together* highlight how communities weather crisis in diverse ways and underscore the essential role of local trust and partnership in achieving public health success.

Championing Trauma-Informed Practice and Upstream Solutions

Beyond the pandemic, Jason is known for championing innovative, evidence-led solutions such as trauma-informed practice in schools an approach designed to address adverse childhood experiences and keep vulnerable young people engaged in education. He emphasises that lasting change stems from collaboration and continuous learning, whether addressing knife crime, supporting mental health, or helping adults lead healthier, more independent lives.

Blending Public Health and Social Care for Greater Impact

In his unique dual role overseeing both public health and adult social care, Jason applies a lens of prevention, partnership, and adaptability, empowering teams, promoting independence, and driving integrated approaches to complex local challenges. His leadership has fostered multidisciplinary collaboration across initiatives such as Newham’s holistic response to street homelessness and the borough-wide vitamin D campaign, delivered in partnership with over forty community organisations.

Current Priorities and Future Ambitions

Newham continues to face significant inequality, deprivation, and financial pressures. Jason’s team is addressing these challenges head-on from improving youth mental health to tackling cardiovascular disease — by embedding prevention, data-led insight, and cross-sector collaboration into every initiative. The borough’s population is dynamic and diverse, but the mission remains clear: deliver community-centred solutions, foster shared purpose, and close the gap between ambition and action in prevention.

Words for Aspiring Leaders

For future public health professionals, Jason Strelitz offers a powerful message: see yourself as a leader, whatever your title. Aspire to create change, champion values, and ground your work in evidence, collaboration, and integrity. Public health, he reminds us, is about envisioning and realising a better world and every role, no matter how small, holds the potential to drive meaningful transformation.

🎧 Listen now to hear how Jason Strelitz’s reflections — on navigating crisis, fostering collaboration, and empowering new leaders — embody the enduring spirit of public health: equity-driven, community-rooted, and ever-adaptive.