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Category: policy

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News

Goodbye Richardson Waiver: HHS Streamlines Rules—But at What Cost?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a significant policy shift (of course, on a Friday afternoon), rescinding the long-standing “Richardson Waiver” and realigning its rulemaking procedures with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This move, outlined in a new policy statement published in the Federal Register, has broad implications for how […]

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Policy

Are We Breaking or Reinforcing Colonial Legacies?

Warning: This blog contains the words “racism” and “equity.” Please check with your federal supervisor to make sure you are protected again such dangerous ideas! For decades, global health (GH) programs in the United States have sent medical trainees abroad, equipping them with clinical skills and cultural humility training. But there’s a glaring issue: much […]

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Policy

How Mexico’s Drug War Fuels Deaths of Despair

When Mexico’s government launched a military offensive against drug cartels in 2006, the goal was to curb drug-related violence. Instead, the war fractured powerful cartels, triggering violent power struggles that sent homicide rates soaring. Today, more than 360,000 homicides later, the scars of this violence extend far beyond the direct victims. A new study reveals […]

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Policy

Public Health Policy Evaluation with Machine Learning

How do we know if public health policies are truly effective? Whether it’s a campaign to reduce smoking, an initiative to improve maternal health, or a program to curb the spread of infectious diseases, measuring the success of these policies is crucial. Traditionally, policymakers have relied on well-established statistical methods to assess impact, but these […]

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News

Project 2025 is Unraveling Decades of Public Health Progress

The early days of President Donald Trump’s administration have seen rapid implementation of policies rooted in Project 2025, a comprehensive conservative playbook developed by the Heritage Foundation. While Trump has publicly denied knowledge of the 922-page “Mandate for Leadership,” his administration’s actions tell a different story—one with profound implications for public health, biomedical research, and […]

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News

The Initial Impact of RFK

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has wasted no time in pursuing his agenda, announcing plans to investigate childhood vaccine schedules and anti-depressant medications as potential drivers of chronic diseases. In a speech to HHS staff, Kennedy urged them to keep an “open mind.” Yet, his past statements and actions raise concerns about the potential erosion of […]

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Policy

Does Recreational Marijuana Reduce Opioid Deaths?

Imagine living in a world where one policy change could potentially save thousands from the grip of opioid addiction—a real modern-day dilemma facing public health officials today. As states across the U.S. grapple with the devastating opioid crisis, some are turning to an unconventional ally: recreational marijuana. But does it help, or is it just […]

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Policy

RFK and SSRIs: Trouble Ahead.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) has sparked widespread debate, particularly regarding his views on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Long known for his skepticism toward vaccines and pharmaceutical interventions, Kennedy has now turned his attention to antidepressants, calling for a federal review of their prescription rates […]

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Policy

Abortion Bans Lead to a Rise in Infant Mortality

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned the landscape of reproductive health in the United States has shifted dramatically. Abortion bans, once hypothetical are a the reality in many states. While these laws are often framed as protective measures, emerging research suggests they carry unintended and life-threatening consequences—particularly for the most vulnerable among us: infants. A […]

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Policy

Why Civil Disobedience Belongs in the Psychology

Note: I know we have many psychologists in our audience and that many psychologists work in public health. The study I blog about today was recommended on a Reddit thread. A psychologist refuses to comply with a law that discriminates against non-documented immigrants seeking mental health care. Instead of turning them away, they continue to […]

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Policy

The “Make America Healthy Again” Initiative: A Trojan Horse for an Anti-Equity Agenda

The recent executive order establishing the “Make America Healthy Again Commission” presents itself as a bold effort to address America’s chronic health crisis. With alarming statistics about rising disease rates, declining life expectancy, and the economic burden of poor health, the initiative appears to focus on improving national well-being. However, when examined in the broader […]

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Commentary

Data Integrity in a Divided World: The Smart Case for Inclusivity

The current socio-political climate has made it dangerous to engage in equity work. The federal government’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have created an environment where organizations must rethink how they communicate about equity without compromising core values. While the language of fairness and justice is under siege, the principles behind equity—ensuring […]

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