Gay Men’s Health Crisis showed how everyday people stepped up when institutions failed during the height of the AIDS epidemic – providing a model for today

Despite funding cuts, political scapegoating and internal tensions, thousands of volunteers came together in the 1980s to provide care to a stigmatized community.

Eden Lowinger, Research Assistant in Social Work, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
June 18, 2025 ~12 min

When developing countries band together, lifesaving drugs become cheaper and easier to buy − with trade-offs

Pharmaceutical companies have little incentive to sell drugs to countries that can’t afford them. But bargaining together can increase access to vital treatments worldwide.

Nahim Bin Zahur, Assistant Professor of Economics, Queen's University, Ontario • conversation
June 17, 2025 ~10 min


Data on sexual orientation and gender is critical to public health – without it, health crises continue unnoticed

The Trump administration’s CDC data purge means researchers can no longer effectively track and address health issues affecting LGBTQ+ people – and ultimately society as a whole.

John R. Blosnich, Associate Professor of Social Work, University of Southern California • conversation
June 13, 2025 ~6 min

LGBTQ+ patients stay up-to-date on preventive care when their doctors are supportive, saving money and lives throughout society

When LGBTQ+ patients can be open with their providers about their identity, they are much more likely to get essential care.

Nathaniel M. Tran, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Administration, University of Illinois Chicago • conversation
June 10, 2025 ~5 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

Preventive care may no longer be free in 2026 because of HIV stigma − unless the Trump administration successfully defends the ACA

After a group of employers refused to provide their employees access to free HIV prevention treatment, the Supreme Court may decide whether insurers are required to fully cover preventive care.

Paul Shafer, Assistant Professor of Health Law, Policy and Management, Boston University • conversation
April 15, 2025 ~12 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

Weight loss plans are less effective for many Black women − because existing ones often don’t meet their unique needs

Healthy diet and regular exercise are key to treating obesity. But the stress of everyday racism and sexism hinder Black women from adopting lifestyle changes necessary for weight loss.

Jameta Nicole Barlow, Associate Professor of Writing, Health Policy & Management and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies,, George Washington University • conversation
Nov. 13, 2024 ~7 min


Women are at a higher risk of dying from heart disease − in part because doctors don’t take major sex and gender differences into account

Cardiovascular disease develops and presents differently in women and men. But medical guidelines are often based on studies that excluded women.

Judith Regensteiner, Professor of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
Oct. 22, 2024 ~10 min

Half of Black gay men will be diagnosed with HIV, despite highly effective preventive treatments − why?

PrEP can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted HIV infection by 99%. Discrimination and distrust are two barriers Black gay men face in accessing this lifesaving treatment.

Joy Edeh, Master's Student in Epidemiology, University of Iowa • conversation
Sept. 20, 2024 ~8 min

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