Blogs - This Week In Public Health

Epi

SVI vs. ADI: What Public Health Practitioners Need to Know Since the CDC Removed SVI

TLDR; SVI and ADI overlap but measure different concepts: vulnerability vs deprivation Public health professionals often rely on composite indices to identify disadvantaged communities and guide interventions. Two prominent tools in this space are the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Both indices measure socioeconomic and demographic disadvantage, but they were […]

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News

Polio, Prices, and Policies: Navigating Public Health in Early 2026

As we settle into Mid-March 2026, the landscape of U.S. public health is marked by a potent mix of ongoing challenges and pivotal regulatory developments. The intersection of global infectious threats, healthcare affordability struggles, and evolving drug and device oversight paints a complex canvas demanding clear-eyed attention. This week’s digest spans critical COVID-era carryovers, healthcare […]

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Mental health

The Reach of Recovery Community Centers

It was a typical Tuesday morning when Maria, a young recovery coach at a local Recovery Community Center (RCC), noticed something. She was amazed by the diversity and strength of the people who walked through their doors seeking support. At her center, located in a predominantly Hispanic/Latino neighborhood, she often wondered about the invisible challenges […]

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Global

Exploring Alternatives to Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause

This week, an exciting development in women’s health took the spotlight with the introduction of a new non-hormonal daily pill as an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for managing menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes. As per the report by BBC Health, this new treatment could potentially benefit around 500,000 women in the UK […]

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Funding

NIH Funding Is Growing—But Access Is Shrinking

NIH Funding Is Growing—But Access Is Shrinking: What FY2025 Data Means for Public Health The latest NIH funding data suggests progress at first glance. In fiscal year 2025, the agency awarded $35.3 billion in extramural research grants, marking a modest increase over prior years. This continued investment reinforces the federal government’s stated commitment to biomedical […]

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Analytics

Why Your Statistical Model Might Be Misleading You (And What Public Health Practitioners Should Do About It)

Public health decisions depend on data. But what if the way we analyze that data is quietly leading us in the wrong direction? A recent commentary highlights a surprisingly common issue in public health research: many studies use the wrong statistical models—or interpret them incorrectly—when working with simple yes/no outcomes like depression, substance use, or […]

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Health equity

Rising Tide: The Surge in Cardiovascular Disease Rates Among U.S. Women

The United States has witnessed a worrying surge in the rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among women. This trend not only poses a significant public health challenge but also serves as a clarion call to reevaluate the underlying causes and the far-reaching consequences for individuals and the healthcare system at large. Understanding the Surge Research […]

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Policy

Cutting T2D Rates: Proven Impact of SSB Policies

Imagine a bustling community center where health advocates are testing a new strategy: graphic warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). As community members examine these boldly labeled drinks, conversations spark about sugar intake and health implications, highlighting an everyday challenge in public health. This scenario brings to life a pivotal question: what are the most […]

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Interview

Protected: A conversation with Jennifer Karlin, MD, PhD

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.

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Quality

F.D.A. Faces Community Backlash Over Drug Denials

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) has been at the forefront of public health initiatives, playing a critical role in ensuring drug safety and efficacy. Recent events, however, have spotlighted the agency amid a storm of public dissent and policy scrutiny. At the center of this controversy is the F.D.A.’s decision to reject several […]

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