The Saline County Health Department has earned a 2025 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its original podcast series, Let’s Talk About It. The series was developed as a platform for honest and accessible conversations about key public health issues affecting Saline County residents.

“We are proud of this award, but more so, proud of the conversations that this podcast series has been able to generate—regardless of your beliefs around public health,” said Jason Tiller, Health Department Director. “I think we all could agree, the more we know, the better decisions we can make.”

The Let’s Talk About It podcast, now in its fourth season, features local experts, health professionals, and community members in open conversations about topics like mental health, substance use, maternal care, and disease prevention. The goal is simple: help residents make better decisions through better understanding.

The idea for the podcast came from a simple but challenging question: how do we reach the people who aren’t already walking through our doors? Many residents still carry uncertainty or stigma around public health services. Others simply don’t know what a local health department does. Let’s Talk About It was created to break through that disconnect—with honest conversations and an open invitation to listen, learn, and engage.

Season 1 introduced the basics and helped clear up misconceptions. Season 2 dug deeper into bigger issues like child care access and maternal mental health. Season 3 and 4 tackle the harder, more controversial topics, from systemic racism to HIV stigma and lessons from COVID-19. The series doesn’t shy away from tough conversations—instead, it leans into them with the goal of building trust, transparency, and understanding.

“This honor made me feel incredibly proud,” said Candice Sauers, Deputy Director of the Saline County Health Department. “Proud of the work. Of the message. Of the fact that something built from heart, grit, and scary conversations could actually make a difference.”

The NACo Achievement Awards recognize county programs that deliver real results for their communities. Saline County’s podcast stood out for its innovative, low-cost approach to public engagement and its focus on tackling tough issues with honesty and clarity.

For more information, email Candice Sauers or visit Let's Talk About It! online. Find it wherever you get your podcasts!

The National Association of Counties (NACo) represents nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. NACo works to strengthen America’s counties through advocacy, best practices, and leadership development.

Saline County Health Department

The Saline County Health Department is dedicated to the health and well-being of the citizens of Saline County. We recognize that improving the health and wellness of the community takes a community effort.