What makes a mid-sized city like Flint less strong economically and less healthy from a public health perspective?

A recent study led by a Michigan State University researcher, Dr. Richard Sadler, found that five geographic characteristics can explain why some cities are more economically vulnerable and their residents less healthy than others.

A team of Michigan State University researchers and their partners are leading a study with a pair of formidable goals: communicating effectively about the value of COVID-19 antibody testing and better understanding why COVID-19 causes a disproportionate number of African Americans to suffer severe cases and deaths.

The MSU Master of Public Health (MPH) Virtual Information Webinar gives prospective students the opportunity to learn more about Michigan State University's online public health program. Prospective students can explore the benefits of joining over 650 Spartans in public health and the importance of becoming a part of public health in action. 

Mona Hanna-Attisha, MD, MPH, FAAP, a highly-regarded pediatrician, scientist, activist and author, will receive the 2020 Fries Prize for Improving Health. Hanna-Attisha is being honored for exposing the Flint, MI, water crisis, motivating national changes in community water management and reducing racial and ethnic disparities in child health. 

Stop by and visit Michigan State University Public Health faculty and staff at the American Public Health Association Virtual Conference on October 25 - 28, 2020.

Learn about public health in Flint by stopping by booth #2325.

Debra Furr-Holden and colleagues are leading a study that looks at the racial differences in rates of opioid‐involved overdose deaths. Findings from this work call for a need to apply a health equity lens to opioid prevention, interventions, treatment resources, as well as targeted efforts in states with demonstrated and emerging disparities.

In a school neighborhood study, MSU researchers examined academic achievement and attendance for the 21 schools within the boundaries of Flint and found evidence that school neighborhoods may impact academic achievement. These findings were published in the Child and Youth Care Forum.

Jennifer E. Johnson has been awarded a five-year, $3,358,550 grant to study treatment for major depressive disorder among women who have recently experienced perinatal loss—miscarriage, stillbirth, or early neonatal death. This study is the first fully powered randomized trial of treatment for any psychiatric disorder following perinatal loss.

Bridging public health, clinical medicine, and Maternal and Child Health into a career, Abhishek Sharma is pursuing his Master of Public Health degree while in India. As a public health trained physician, he plans to serve as a health advocate and health educator in his community. Sharma believes addressing the upstream factors that affect an individual patient's decision to take ownership of their health is important.

Difficult conversations are taking place across the country as young adults prepare the start of their college careers. Dr. Debra Furr-Holden shares her experience from home as an epidemiologist, public health expert, and Mom of three college students. "My youngest, Olivia, graduated high school this year. When her college informed us that they were receiving students on campus, I was sure she would make the ‘right choice.’ On decision day, she simply said, ‘I’m going.’  I was shocked."  

Knowing more education increases life expectancy and influences healthy living, Claire Schertzing is transforming the academic journey for many low-income first-generation college students. Claire is at the top of her MPH class, earning a 4.0 GPA and an invitation to the Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She is interested in a career in global health with a particular interest in the prevention and control of infectious diseases like malaria.

Michigan State University and the University of Maryland College Park are working side-by-side to address health equity in opioid use disorder treatment. Dr. Julia Felton will co-lead a $550,000 grant from the Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts.