Public Health
More studies won’t solve the masking debate
COMMENTARY | Policymakers should communicate how science informs their values and priorities in weighing policy trade-offs.
How states can tackle vaccine hesitancy with data
From school safety to 'Tis the Sneezin’ public health campaigns, states are using public, local vaccination data to help people make better choices.
Public voices often ignored in states’ opioid settlement money decisions
People, including those who have lost loved ones to the opioid crisis or are dealing with it daily, are routinely shut out of having a meaningful say in how the settlement windfall can be best used to address the damage.
As vaccine hesitancy rises, so could claims of religious exemptions
A rise in religious exemptions to vaccine mandates could pose public health risks as more Americans forego immunizations.
HIV infection rates are down everywhere but the South
A new federal grant program looks to improve health equity in Southern states for vulnerable populations like individuals of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A new report ranks the best and worst states for women’s health
State policies shape women’s health and reproductive care, and researchers say there is a growing geographic divide where some women are dying at greater rates from preventable causes.
Bird flu cases are going undetected, new study suggests. It’s a problem for all of us.
As cases go underreported, public health officials risk being slow to notice if the virus were to become more contagious.
As bike and scooter ridership soars, safety challenges grow
Injuries and deaths are also soaring. Observers say helmet mandates are a good place to start.
New York City's public health vending machine program ends up with just 4 installed out of 10 announced
Thousands of free harm-reduction and sanitary supplies have been dispensed by the devices, but the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene quietly halted new installations in May.
Montana looks to become latest state to boost nonprofit hospital oversight
Montana’s proposal to increase oversight is part of a national trend by states to ensure nonprofit hospitals act as charitable organizations as they claim tax-exempt status.
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The fittest cities in America: See how yours compares
City officials have an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of their communities. Here’s how they can address resident health through policy and resources.
New $255M federal grant will help state, local public health agencies modernize data systems
The program looks to improve data sharing infrastructure and processes for public health agencies to better detect and manage health threats.
Stigma is hindering treatment of opioid addictions. States can change that.
The health care workforce is key to treating patients' opioid use disorders, but experts say stigma toward drug use and treatment among medical professionals remains a barrier to treatment access and positive outcomes.
Missouri is getting more people to the dentist—for more than a pretty smile
Missouri Medicaid plan just started covering routine dental exams for adults, almost a decade after adding coverage for cleanings. Health experts believe the change will help more people get preventative dental care.
A nonprofit’s abrupt closure puts access to public benefits at risk
The Benefits Data Trust said it would close after a ‘careful review’ of its operations and finances. The closure leaves in question the status of its work with numerous state governments.
As public health becomes political, state surgeons general play delicate role
Louisiana just became the sixth state with its own surgeon general.
New data tool looks to cure medical debt woes
As state and local governments grapple with the impacts of medical debt on their communities, a new resource looks to help inform strategies aimed at remedying the financial burden.
A GUIDE to caring for older adults with dementia
The federal program looks to support older adults aging in place and their caregivers, which could help reduce state Medicare and Medicaid expenditures.
How the pandemic led to innovation in one state’s public health response
The Washington State Department of Health has undertaken a major push to transform its offerings, not just by looking to new technologies but reimagining some of its old processes.
A $15M grant program looks to improve maternal mental, behavioral health
Pregnant people are at a heightened risk of developing mental health or substance use disorders, which is why the federal government is investing in a program to improve health care for new parents amid a maternal health crisis.
