Michigan Public Health News Center

Michigan Farmworker Project seeks to improve social and environmental health for marginalized population

Q&A with Alexis Handal and Lisbeth Iglesias-Rios

Led by University of Michigan School of Public Health social epidemiologists Alexis Handal and Lisbeth Iglesias-Rios, the Michigan Farmworker Project (MFP) is a community-based participatory research initiative aimed at improving the social and environmental health of Michigan’s farmworker population, who play a critical role in the state’s food supply chain. Handal and Iglesias-Rios discuss their work.

Small molecule transports iron in mice, human cells to treat some forms of anemia

New research from Young Ah Seo

A natural small molecule derived from a cypress tree can transport iron in live mice and human cells that lack the protein that normally does the job, easing a buildup of iron in the liver and restoring hemoglobin and red blood cell production, a new study found.

ATLAS study to examine how major life transitions relate to suicide risk

Q&A with Briana Mezuk

Briana Mezuk, associate professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, studies the interrelationship between physical and mental health. Recently, she was awarded a grant by the National Institute of Mental Health to better understand this interrelationship, particularly as it related to suicide risk. We spoke with Mezuk to learn about the study.

Region V Public Health Training Center awarded $3.7M to expand the supply, diversity, and capacity of the public health workforce

The Region V Public Health Training Center (RVPHTC) was recently awarded $3.7 million in funding by the Health Resources and Services Administration. The award, which provides funding through June of 2026, will help the center expand its goal to increase the supply, diversity, and capacity of the public health workforce through a variety of tools and programs.

New federal firearm and mental health law: University of Michigan experts react

Q&A with Justin Heinze and Hsing-Fang Hsieh

In the wake of President Biden's signing of a new Bipartisan Safety Communities Act that focuses on firearm injury prevention, school safety and mental health services, experts from the University of Michigan reacted to the law's intent and provisions.

Improved research, targeted interventions key to improving college students' mental health

Q&A with Sara Abelson, PhD '22

We discuss "Mental Health in College Populations: A Multidisciplinary Review of What Works, Evidence Gaps, and Paths Forward” with lead author and Michigan Public Health alumna Sara Abelson.