Blogs - Page 22 of 85 - This Week In Public Health

Mental health

How Discrimination and Neighborhood Disarray Fuel Loneliness in Older Adults

Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? Imagine that feeling persisting, day in and day out, exacerbated not just by a lack of companionship but also by the very environment you live in. For many older adults in the United States, loneliness isn’t just a temporary condition but a persistent reality influenced by […]

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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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Communication

The Misinformation Dilemma: Separating Fact from Fear

Misinformation is often blamed for many of today’s most pressing social and political issues. From election interference to vaccine hesitancy, alarmist narratives claim that false information is flooding the internet, shaping public opinion, and altering behaviors. But is misinformation really as rampant and influential as we’ve been led to believe? According to a growing body […]

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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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