On the Heights: August 2025

Faculty testify on policy impacts, receive research grants, and share expertise on national platforms

August 26, 2025

Stay informed with the latest from the University of Michigan School of Public Health community in our monthly digest. Faculty expertise in action, groundbreaking research, policy advocacy, and community engagement highlight our continued commitment to advancing public health and creating positive change.

Policy impact & legislative testimony

Faculty testifies on Medicaid cuts' impact on rural Michigan communities

Michael Shepherd, assistant professor of Health Management and Policy, testified before the Michigan Senate this month about the potential consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts on rural communities. 

"Economies in rural Michigan are uniquely likely to face negative consequences as a result of the recent Medicaid cuts. Medicaid accounts for over 20% of a typical rural hospital's spending and many rural hospitals in Michigan are already in rough economic shape," Shepard noted. 

His testimony emphasized how the cuts dramatically increase the odds of losing access to hospitals and other health providers in rural Michigan, potentially leading to spikes in unemployment in communities that lose service providers. Shepard's expertise on rural health economics provides crucial context for understanding the broader implications of healthcare policy decisions.

Op-ed: Bipartisan investments key to healthier Michigan

Chief Health Policy Officer and adjunct professor Anand Parekh advocates for collaborative approaches to health improvement in Bridge Michigan. Parekh argues that addressing Michigan's health challenges requires sustained, bipartisan investment in public health infrastructure and prevention programs. His commentary emphasizes the importance of moving beyond partisan politics to create lasting improvements in population health outcomes across the state.

Op-ed: Michigan needs systematic approach to medical debt relief

Minal Patel, professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, calls for comprehensive medical debt forgiveness programs in the Detroit Free Press. Building on her previous work on medical billing errors and Community Health Workers, Patel outlines how systematic debt relief initiatives could alleviate financial burdens on Michigan families while improving access to healthcare services.

Research highlights

NIH awards grant to study blastomycosis in the Midwest

Jennifer Head, assistant professor of Epidemiology, received a new National Institutes of Health grant to investigate blastomycosis patterns in the Midwest. This fungal infection, endemic to the Great Lakes region, poses significant health risks but remains understudied. Head's research will examine environmental and demographic factors contributing to disease transmission, potentially leading to improved prevention strategies and clinical outcomes for affected communities.

Faculty co-authors letter defending gender-affirmation research in Science

Kristi Gamarel, associate professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, co-authored a letter published in Science addressing gender-affirmation research. The letter responds to recent policy changes affecting research funding and emphasizes the scientific methodology and peer-reviewed evidence underlying gender-affirmation studies. Gamarel and her co-authors highlight research showing that gender-affirming care is associated with improved health outcomes, including reduced psychological distress and better quality of life.

Study evaluates wellness coaching program for college students

A team from Michigan Public Health recently published findings in the American Journal of Public Health on an innovative wellness coaching intervention for undergraduate students. The study evaluated a mental health program integrated into the CDC-funded Future Public Health Leaders Program and found high satisfaction rates, with 96% of participants expressing satisfaction with wellness sessions and 92% reporting reduced isolation when dealing with stressors. The collaborative approach demonstrates how academic programs can proactively address the growing mental health needs of college students while preparing the future public health workforce.

Faculty expertise in the spotlight

Food policy expert discusses SNAP benefits on national radio

Kate Bauer, associate professor of Nutritional Sciences, was featured on WBUR's "On Point" to discuss federal nutrition assistance programs and food access issues. Bauer's expertise on the Feeding MI Families Community Food Advocacy Fellowship and SNAP policy continues to inform national conversations about food security and nutrition policy.

Menopause researcher featured on Science Friday

Carrie Karvonen-Gutierrez, associate professor of Epidemiology, discussed the current state of menopause research on NPR's "Science Friday." Her appearance on the nationally syndicated science program highlights Michigan Public Health's contributions to understanding women's health across the lifespan and the growing recognition of menopause as a critical area for scientific investigation.

Faculty discusses prevention and health equity on podcast

Paul Fleming, associate professor of Health Behavior & Health Equity, appeared on the "Questions You Didn't Ask" podcast to discuss his work and upcoming book "Beyond the Band-Aid: Prevention, Power & Public Health Equity." Fleming's conversation with host Niasha Fray explores how public health can move beyond treating symptoms to address root causes of health inequities.

Alumni & community impact

Alum co-authors analysis on disappearing public data

Michigan Public Health alumnus John Kubale, now at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research, co-authored an article in The Conversation examining the concerning trend of taxpayer-funded data becoming inaccessible. Kubale's work highlights the importance of preserving public data resources that researchers, policymakers, and communities depend on for evidence-based decision-making.

Faculty discusses vaccine policy challenges

Anna Kirkland, Kim Lane Scheppele Collegiate Professor of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Michigan with an appointment in Department of Health Management and Policy, analyzed potential changes to the vaccine court system in The Conversation. Kirkland's expertise in health law and policy provides important context for understanding the legal and scientific challenges that would face proposed reforms to vaccine injury compensation systems.

Back-to-school expert resources

Faculty provide expertise for back-to-school coverage

Several Michigan Public Health experts are available to discuss back-to-school topics as families and communities prepare for the new academic year. Faculty including William Lopez, Kate Bauer, Emily Martin, Sara Adar, Meredith Pedde, Justin Heinze, and alumna Elyse Thulin are ready to provide insights on topics ranging from school health policies to environmental health concerns and student well-being.