Reflections on the Next Week in Public Health
Every day is like some horrible day of roulette. Some outcomes are a loss. Some are neutral. Some seems okay, until you realized that you’re already in the hole and… Read More
How Belief in COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Spread Faster Than the Pandemic
In August 2021, as the world was grappling with the Delta variant of COVID-19, another crisis was unfolding—this time, in the realm of information. A survey of over 10,000 Americans… Read More
Governor Shapiro Takes Bold Steps to Fill Public Service Vacancies in Pennsylvania
So, we’re based in Pennsylvania (Amish Country, specifically), so we some good news for a change. In a strategic move to strengthen Pennsylvania’s public workforce, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed… Read More
Better Communication Training Can Revolutionize Epidemiology
A single statistic, taken out of context, can shift healthcare decisions for millions. In the early 2000s, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women was thrust under a glaring spotlight…. Read More
Trump Speech Recap: Public Health in the Crosshairs
Trump’s address to Congress made it abundantly clear that federal public health efforts are being dismantled under the guise of “efficiency” and “common sense.” The newly created Department of Government… Read More
Could a Walk in the Park Be the Medicine We Need?
Picture this: You’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Instead of reaching for a screen or a sugary snack, you step outside into a park. Within minutes,… Read More
A Silent Crisis in Iraq’s Public Health
For years, Iraq has grappled with the devastating effects of war, economic instability, and shifting societal norms. While these challenges dominate headlines, another crisis has quietly escalated—one that kills just… Read More
How an NSF Report Set the Stage for Current Anti-DEI Policies
Something slipped by last October when America’s attention was focused on the election. The NSF Politicized Funding report, chaired by Texas’s Ted Cruz and released by the U.S. Senate Committee… Read More
We Got Scammed: A Cautionary Tale About Research Recruitment Fraud
Online research recruitment is a powerful tool—until it backfires. We recently learned this the hard way when we and our colleagues over at Dawn Chorus posted a call for participants… Read More
Why Resilience Matters in the Workplace
Stress and burnout are on the rise, particularly in high-pressure jobs like healthcare and public service. With increasing workloads, tight deadlines, and demanding expectations, employees often struggle to maintain their… Read More
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… Read More
Next week in Public Health, February 28, 2025
As I write this, it’s 7 in the morning, East Coast time. It’s also a Friday and the last day of the month. Some of the Reddit chatter indicates more… Read More