COVID-19 vaccination: Pitt Public Health experts answer your questions
Although the federal public health emergency ended in 2023, COVID-19 continues to evolve and affect health worldwide. The virus remains part of our daily lives and still poses risks, especially for people vulnerable to severe illness. Vaccination remains a key tool for protecting individuals and communities, much like with influenza.
Pitt studies highlight access to treatment in a Health Affairs special issue on Opioid Use Disorder
In a themed issue on the opioid crisis published in Health Affairs, three studies from University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health researchers underscore gaps in access to methadone, a medication that can reduce the risk of overdose-related deaths by 50% or more, and other evidence-based interventions.
ADHD drugmakers double marketing spending to clinicians
“What stood out in our findings was the increasing role of marketing payments directed toward advanced practice clinicians,” said J. Travis Donahoe, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and the lead author of the study.
HPM researchers are focusing on burdens that keep people from insurance coverage and health care
In 2023, it was estimated that 26 million Americans, or 8 percent of the population, lacked health insurance. That number has been halved from the 49 million who lacked insurance before the Affordable Care Act. Substantial barriers to coverage and care remain, even with more affordable plans and options.
Pitt Public Health staff shine
Pitt Public Health recently presented the inaugural Staff Awards, honoring exceptional effort and dedication through teamwork, leadership, innovation and contribution to school, University and community culture. The awards were presented on August 5 at the annual Staff Recognition Picnic, preceded this year by a ceremony that also recognized staff who reached milestone service anniversaries in the last fiscal year. The event also celebrated the hard work of the entirety of the school’s staff.
Public Health in Action: The Pittsburgh Summer Institute
Nine Pitt Public Health students participated in the 2025 Pittsburgh Summer Institute (PSI), a long-standing partnership between the school and the Allegheny County Health Department. Now in its 14th year, PSI offers a 200-hour practicum that blends the structure of a traditional internship with hands-on workforce development. The students presented their projects at a final showcase at the school on July 23.
Doing data with heart
For HPM Data Scientist Emma Mairson, no two days look alike. From analyzing data and writing manuscripts to supporting grants and presenting at conferences, she thrives on the variety her role offers. “Every project presents new questions to solve,” she says. “I get to do really important work—and I get to do it with people I admire and who empower me."
'Serving those who served us,' HPM alumna takes pride in serving a purpose in role as director of VA Rocky Mountain Network
In 2023, Sunaina Kumar-Giebel (HPM ’06) was appointed Director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, which meant overseeing the care of more than a million patients, an operating budget of five billion dollars and more than 20,000 employees.
Highmark VP of State Government Affairs Michael Yantis joins HPM as Public Health Leader-in-Residence
For the 2025-26 academic year, we are pleased to announce Michael Yantis as our Public Health Leader-in-Residence. The program enhances MPH students' exposure to real-world practice by mentoring them collectively and individually throughout the year on career development, leadership and more.
HPM alum April Taylor is 2025-26 Executive-in-Residence
We are pleased to announce April Taylor (MHA '04) as the 2025-26 Executive-in-Residence! The program enhances students' contact with and knowledge about the world of practice as the EIR meets with students collectively and individually regarding career development, professionalism and leadership.
Flu vaccines may be more beneficial than thought
Study suggests that flu vaccines may be more effective than previously thought, offering both individual protection and broader public health benefits. “It not only reduces disease in the vaccinated portion of a population but also potentially provides indirect benefit to the unvaccinated portion.”
Evaluating U.S. federal health policy changes during the administration’s first 100 days
In a new Lancet Americas study, Miranda Yaver, PhD, assistant professor of health policy and management at Pitt’s School of Public Health, and colleagues examine the early effects of recent presidential federal policy changes on the U.S. health system.
Experts weigh in on the future of Medicaid under new health bill
Numerous experts, including HPM's Miranda Yaver, predict that Medicaid cuts and new requirements in President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" will have widespread implications on Americans and state, federal funding mechanisms.
New center and training program prepare future leaders in maternal and child health
A new Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health Education, Science, and Practice is launching at Pitt Public Health—with a mission to train the next generation of public health leaders committed to improving outcomes for birthing people, children and families.