US health care is rife with high costs and deep inequities, and that’s no accident – a public health historian explains how the system was shaped to serve profit and politicians

Research shows that decades of policy choices shaped today’s fragmented health care system – which is precisely why reform is so difficult.

Zachary W. Schulz, Senior Lecturer of History, Auburn University • conversation
June 6, 2025 • ~11 min

1 in 4 children suffers from chronic pain − school nurses could be key to helping them manage it

Chronic pain in children is common. Effective solutions exist − and training community providers is one way to get treatment to kids who need it.

Natoshia R. Cunningham, Associate Professor of Family Medicine, Michigan State University • conversation
June 4, 2025 • ~7 min

Young food entrepreneurs are changing the face of rural America

A few important dynamics are making it easier for young people to launch businesses in rural towns – especially food businesses.

Dawn Thilmany, Professor of Agricultural Economics, Colorado State University • conversation
May 22, 2025 • ~7 min

Colorado’s early childhood education workers face burnout and health disparities, but a wellness campaign could help

Teaching young children is one of the most stressful occupations.

Charlotte Farewell, Research Assistant Professor of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
April 9, 2025 • ~8 min

Lowering the cost of insurance in Colorado – a new analysis of the Peak Health Alliance

A health insurance alliance proved to lower costs for individuals and employers.

Matthew Eisenberg, Associate Professor of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University • conversation
April 3, 2025 • ~6 min

Doctor shortages have hobbled health care for decades − and the trend could be worsening

Doctor shortages affect rural communities the most, leading to a rise in chronic health conditions.

Nicole McCann, PhD Candidate in Health Services and Policy Research, Boston University • conversation
March 31, 2025 • ~12 min

NIH funding cuts will hit red states, rural areas and underserved communities the hardest

The majority of the 23 states disproportionately affected by the cuts are red states.

Mitzi Nagarkatti, Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina • conversation
March 7, 2025 • ~11 min

In many of Appalachia’s flood-ravaged areas, residents have little choice but rebuild in risky locations

The latest floods exposed the deep vulnerability of many mountain communities in eastern Kentucky, where land ownership patterns and other barriers to recovery can leave residents with few options.

Kristina P. Brant, Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 26, 2025 • ~13 min

Why people rebuild in Appalachia’s flood-ravaged areas despite the risks

The latest floods exposed the deep vulnerability of many mountain communities in eastern Kentucky, where land ownership patterns and other barriers to recovery can leave residents with few options.

Kristina P. Brant, Assistant Professor of Rural Sociology, Penn State • conversation
Feb. 26, 2025 • ~13 min

Rural Americans don’t live as long as those in cities − new research

The study shows rates for smoking, obesity and chronic conditions such as heart disease are comparatively higher in rural areas, leading to shorter life expectancy.

Jack Chapel, Postdoctoral Scholar in Economics, University of Southern California • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 • ~6 min

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