The Fragile Balance of Trust
Imagine scrolling through your newsfeed and encountering a headline about a miraculous new COVID-19 cure. The article looks legitimate, but how do you decide whether to believe it? This decision… Read More
Category: policy
Did Philadelphia’s Soda Tax Help Kids Lose Weight?
When Philadelphia implemented its soda tax in 2017, many hoped it would be a game-changer in the fight against childhood obesity. The logic seemed simple: tax sugary drinks, reduce consumption,… Read More
Measles Vaccination Efforts at Risk of Stalling
In “honor” of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the recent nominee to HHS, let’s take a look at this recent MMWR report. Measles, a disease once a harbinger of widespread illness… Read More
Upgrading Lab Safety for Emergency Response
In the fast-paced world of modern healthcare, staying prepared for public health emergencies is more important than ever. As the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, our ability to swiftly and effectively respond… Read More
How Addressing Food and Housing Insecurity Can Transform Public Health
When we think about healthcare, most of us picture doctors, hospitals, and medications. But what if I told you that some of the most powerful health interventions have nothing to… Read More
How Evaluation Criteria Shape(s) Public Policy
When we talk about evaluating public policies, it’s easy to get caught up in the details—measuring success, gathering data, and checking boxes. But how do we actually decide what makes… Read More
Building Resilience: The Key to Health Systems Preparedness
In a world increasingly threatened by natural disasters, pandemics, and other crises, health systems face unprecedented challenges. But with every challenge comes an opportunity—an opportunity to build resilience. The COVID-19… Read More
Switching to Opt-Out Organ Donation Policies: Is It Really the Game Changer We Think?
Organ donation is a life-saving act. But despite its importance, there remains a significant gap between the number of people who need transplants and the organs available for donation. As… Read More
Governments Have the Power to Nudge Us Toward Healthier Food Choices
Governments worldwide have been using taxes and subsidies as tools to change what we eat. By imposing taxes on sugary drinks and unhealthy foods while offering subsidies for healthier options,… Read More
The Impact of Elections on Public Health: What the Data Reveal
Political decisions shape the health of our communities. It’s not just the policies we vote for that influence public health, but also the elected officials and their broader political ideologies…. Read More
Public Opinion in University Emergencies: The Role of Emotions and Social Media
In today’s world, universities are much more than places of learning. They are integral to society, often reflecting broader social issues. However, when emergencies occur on campus, such as mental… Read More
The True Cost of Life-Saving Drugs: Are We Paying Too Much?
Imagine this: You or a loved one is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. Fortunately, a miracle drug exists—one that could save or dramatically improve life. But then comes the price… Read More