Author Archive
Kaitlyn Levinson
Workforce
Humans of Public Service inspires a new generation of government employees
About 850,000 state and local jobs went unfilled last year, as public agencies struggle to find workers. This nonprofit is using social media to entice them.
Management
Trees aren't just pretty to look at. They're also good for yew.
More U.S. cities are planting trees as a way to improve public health and reduce climate threats. New data shows they might be on the right track.
Management
More than 17 million older Americans miss out on important public benefits
A new interactive map can help state and local governments improve older adults’ access to assistance programs.
Management
Community colleges step up to address young adults’ mental health
Young people feel uneasy about the future. But educational institutions are stepping up to give them the tools they need.
Management
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.
Management
Few states require foster homes to respect LGBTQ youths' identities
The lack of explicit anti-discrimination policies around gender and sexuality can have dire consequences for children and teens, advocates say.
Finance
How one state has risen as ‘a leader’ in medical debt protections
Many states are cracking down on medical debt collection and payment practices, but New York’s efforts stand out, one expert says.
Management
Hawaii is the first state where Medicaid covers comprehensive palliative care. That's good news for older adults.
Now six other states are considering increasing coverage for palliative care, which generally serves patients with pain or other symptoms from serious illnesses.
Management
A prescription for housing?
Maryland is investing $5.4 million to help expand a promising pilot program that connects housing and health care statewide.
Management
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.
Management
States recognize 'something's got to give' in providing services to older adults
Helping older adults participate in society and stay engaged with the community as they age is a growing priority for state governments.
Featured eBooks
Finance
Guaranteed income programs might improve people's lives, but not their health
A new study examining cash transfer programs' effects on participants' health found limited impact.
Management
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.
Management
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.
Workforce
How cities are rethinking who responds to 911 calls
Big cities have largely embraced so-called alternative response teams that send trained health care professionals in the place of law enforcement to handle low-risk situations. Now, the approach is moving to smaller jurisdictions.
Workforce
The public sector is (finally) filling more vacancies, report finds
State and local governments have found success with a number of hiring strategies, easing long standing workforce shortages that started with the pandemic.
Management
Older adults want to age in place. Current policies don’t make it easy.
More opportunities for social events and accessible health services are a top priority for older adults, a new survey finds.
Management
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.
Digital Government
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.
Workforce
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.
