Public Health | Penn Today

Young child with autism plays with a large beach ball.

A tool for more inclusive autism screening

A new visual screening tool for autism spectrum disorder may reduce disparities in diagnoses, especially when English is not a family’s primary language.

If Black lives really matter, we must invest in Black neighborhoods

Eugenia South of the Perelman School of Medicine wrote an op-ed about how simple, low-cost measures like planting trees and cleaning vacant lots can help address the root causes of gun violence in predominately Black neighborhoods.

Black churches fill a unique role in combating vaccine fears

Paris Butler of the Perelman School of Medicine and a colleague spoke to 21 Philadelphia faith leaders to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. “Being an African American myself, and growing up in a Baptist church, I understand the value of that trusted voice,” Butler said. “If we don’t reach out to them, we’re making a mistake.”

Vaccines already brought good news. Better messaging can bring more

Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center co-authored an op-ed about how ambassadorship and other forms of public health messaging can alleviate vaccine hesitancy.

Single hospital bed in an abandoned hallway

Delayed emergencies in COVID times

A new study shows how often people put off non-COVID emergency care during the pandemic, who stayed home, and what kind of care they deferred.

A community health care worker wearing a face shield and mask leans toward a seated community member in a face mask asking question prior to receiving a vaccine.

How Penn Medicine is getting COVID-19 vaccines to communities that need it most

Direct outreach to elderly and vulnerable populations, and working with Philadelphia faith leaders has led to community-based clinics throughout West Philadelphia.

Young child’s face covered in a face mask covered in cartoon foxes.

The evolving science of face masks and COVID-19

Experts agree that masks should be used—and increasingly, they are emphasizing the use of better masks to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Medical worker wearing a face mask and latex gloves holds a syringe tagged with a vaccine label.

How vaccines protect communities

While individuals who are vaccinated feel relief that they’re better protected, the rollout of vaccines to anyone in their community is still good news.

‘Hassle factor’ and distrust shadow wide U.S. vaccine hesitancy

Alison Buttenheim of the School of Nursing commented on a New Orleans public health campaign that uses Mardi Gras imagery. “If you’re from New Orleans, a lot of that resonates for people who are local,” she said. “We need inspiration, and local campaigns in every city. I think that was very successful and needs to be replicated.”

Nurse in a face mask and protective gear stands with a clipboard outside a hospital entrance that is roped off with police tape.

Modeling how violence permeates health and health care

While violence from wars or civil conflicts is a documented occupational hazard for health care workers, little is known about the impact on these workers and corresponding health services as a result of violence caused by widespread organized crime activity.

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