Policy Impact Snapshot

Reducing firearm violence through policy

April Zeoli, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor of public health and director of the policy core at the U-M Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, studies laws designed to prevent firearm violence and their effectiveness at reducing harm. Through engagement with local, state, and national policy leaders and other stakeholders, Zeoli helps shape evidence-based firearm safety regulations. This snapshot explores her impactful work at the intersection of research and policy.

Expert Q&A: Reeves on the state of

sickle cell disease in Michigan

Sarah Reeves, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics, explains the current state of health care for sickle cell disease and the importance of the Michigan Sickle Cell Data Collection (MiSCDC) Program, which helps to understand gaps in health care services and outcomes for individuals living with the disease. 

Preventive care coverage ruling from Supreme Court

For the last 15 years, many Americans have had access to preventive health services — such as cancer and diabetes screenings and smoking cessation tools — without out-of-pocket costs, because of a key Affordable Care Act provision. Last week's Supreme Court ruling preserves this no-cost coverage for now but gives federal officials new authority that could shape future recommendations. A. Mark Fendrick, M.D., professor of internal medicine, and Nicholas Bagley, J.D., professor of law, discuss what this means for patients and the health care system.

Research Roundup

Medicaid's impact: Findings from

U-M research

As discussions continue about the future of Medicaid for people with lower incomes, IHPI researchers who have studied this public insurance program for many years offer valuable insights on its impact on the health and well-being of individuals and families in Michigan and across the U.S.

Monthly Faculty News Digest

Read our monthly digest of IHPI expert news, highlights, achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the institute. This month's news includes:

• Lisabeth appointed interim dean, School of Public Health
• Okanlami joins NIH Working Group to guide efforts in advancing disability health research
• Martin appointed to NASEM Standing Committee on Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Fifty-five IHPI members promoted at May 2025 Regents meeting

Health care jobs bounce back after

COVID-19, but some sectors still struggling

The U.S. health care workforce has rebounded to pre-pandemic employment levels, according to new U-M research. However, the recovery is uneven—while doctors' offices have surpassed pre-pandemic growth trends, skilled nursing facilities and behavioral health centers still face major staffing shortages. The study, led by Thuy Nguyen, Ph.D., M.P.A., assistant professor of public health, analyzed employment data from 2016 to 2024 and is published in JAMA.

National Poll on Healthy Aging

Poll shows wide variation in older adults’ preparations to age in place

Among people age 65 and older, 84% said it is very or somewhat likely they will live in their current home for the rest of their lives, according to new findings from the U-M National Poll on Healthy Aging. However, less than half (46%) have taken steps to age in place. Such steps would include modifying their home to be more age-friendly, moving to a place that can meet their needs as they age, or both.