On the Heights: May 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Health Care Policy
Canady: 'A just world is healthier tomorrow than it is today for all'
National public health thought leader states case for making room at the table for everyone
Renée Branch Canady, known for her eloquence and passion for public health, delivered a heartfelt message of hope amid challenging times on April 1 at the University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Cornely Community Room. The talk, “Bring a Folding Chair: Making Room at the Table for Health Equity," was a fitting reminder of how pivotal health equity is within the work and lives of the public health community.
Dr. Rachel Levine: Health equity is essential, not 'woke'
Keynote speaker sees a future where ‘everyone has the opportunity to achieve their highest possible level of health’
Health equity isn’t a “woke” concept. It is a fundamental necessity for a thriving society. Dr. Rachel Levine, the former Assistant Secretary for Health for the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), delivered this key message during the “Health and Gender Equity in the Modern Era” seminar.
Advocating for infectious disease preparedness
The Exchange keynote speaker Dr. Ashish Jha: ‘We are entering an age of biology’
The University of Michigan School of Public Health hosted keynote speaker Dr. Ashish Jha in the “Disrupting Infectious Diseases: Fighting for Our Future” seminar as part of the recently launched biannual speaker series The Exchange: Critical Conversations with Michigan Public Health.
Distinguished alumnus Amir Dan Rubin shares his insights on healthcare, leadership and innovation
The University of Michigan School of Public Health, in conjunction with the Griffith Leadership Center, recently hosted a pivotal conversation between Amir Dan Rubin, MHSA ’96, MBA ’96, a trailblazer in healthcare innovation, and Dean F. DuBois Bowman.
U-M awarded $3.6M to study post-surgery pain management for individuals with opioid use disorder
A $3.6 million grant from the National Institute of Health will fund Michigan Public Health research into the impact of pain and post-surgery opioid prescriptions on individuals with opioid use disorder. The study aims to adapt current prescribing guidelines to prevent opioid-related harms.