NIH Grant to Address Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Disparities

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 700 women die each year in the United States from pregnancy-related complications, and more than 25,000 women experience severe maternal morbidity. And severe maternal morbidity and mortality disproportionately affect African American (AA) women.

How Can You Create a Healthy Environment?

"Take a moment to reflect on major environmental trends in our communities and how they shape our health," asks Dr. Robert Glandon, MPH Instructor. There is a growing body of evidence that the built environment influences the health of people who live there. For example, inaccessible or non-existent sidewalks contribute to sedentary habits. These habits lead to poor health outcomes, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. 

$1.6M to Study Pediatric Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Programs

A team of Michigan State University researchers has been awarded a three-year, $1,635,815 grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to study the effectiveness of pediatric fruit and vegetable prescription programs (FVPPs) through the MSU–Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative (PPHI), based in Flint, Mich.

How Can We Develop Resilient and Strong Cities?

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.

Addressing COVID-19 Racial Disparities in Flint with $1.2M NIH Grant

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.

Mona Hanna-Attisha to Receive 2020 Fries Prize for Improving Health

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. 

Michigan State University Attends the 2020 APHA Virtual Conference

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.

African Americans Outpace Whites in Opioid Overdose Death Rates

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.

School’s Neighborhood Environment Affects Academic Outcomes

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.

NIH Grant Studies Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Perinatal Depression

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.

A Personal Narrative on College + Covid

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."  

Eternal Commitment to Global Health

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.