Latest Insights & Research

Stay informed with the latest public health research, insights, and evidence-based analysis from our team of experts.

News

Public Health News Roundup, March 17, 2025

Top o’the morning to you. What fresh hells await us this week? But first, Make a Difference Immediately—Subscribe and Amplify! Public health urgently needs informed advocates like you. Subscribe for free to our independently-funded weekly newsletter packed with expert insights and actionable opportunities. 🚀 Don’t hesitate! Share today and help us build a healthier, informed […]

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Mental health

The Two Faces of Opioids: A Global Crisis of Access and Excess

In one part of the world, a mother watches her child suffer in agony from advanced cancer, unable to get the pain relief he desperately needs. In another, a man battles opioid addiction, his life unraveling due to a prescription he was given years ago. These are the two faces of the global opioid crisis—one […]

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Commentary

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 Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is tasked with eliminating waste, but as Trump noted, this includes funding for programs that address structural inequities. He […]

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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

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

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

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

Some Linguistics Suggestions for Continuing the Work

Update: March 25, 2025. We have a big, long-form update to this post that can be found here Public health research plays a crucial role in understanding and addressing disparities in healthcare, access, and outcomes. However, recent federal restrictions targeting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives have placed new barriers on how researchers can […]

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