News
Pitt Public Health researcher explores how insurance denials shape health inequities in new book
Miranda Yaver, PhD, assistant professor of health policy and management at Pitt Public Health, will release her first book on April 23. Coverage Denied: How Health Insurers Drive Inequality in the United States, published by Cambridge University Press, draws on survey research, administrative data, and interviews to examine why health insurance coverage is denied and how those decisions affect patients—often due to racial and economic inequities.
Immunity Lost: How Pennsylvania’s falling school vaccination rates and enforcement failures put thousands of children at risk
As vaccination rates fall, the risks are rising. Researchers at the Public Health Dynamics Laboratory used simulation models to show local school vaccination levels now mirror those in parts of the country where outbreaks have already occurred. “The protection built over decades is waning,” said Peter Salk, a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health — and even small outbreaks can have serious consequences, with roughly one death and 15 to 20 hospitalizations per 1,000 cases, according to Mark Roberts, former head of the lab.
How we investigated Pennsylvania’s plunging school vaccine rates and lack of state enforcement
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, in collaboration with FRONTLINE (PBS)’s Local Journalism Initiative—and with support from The Heinz Endowments and the Pulitzer Center—spent six months investigating declining vaccination rates and the forces driving this post-pandemic shift. As part of the project, the Public Health Dynamics Laboratory at Pitt Public Health played a key role, using its FRED (Framework for Reconstructing Epidemiological Dynamics) simulation platform to model potential measles outbreaks in schools.
A legacy gift advances the future of aging research
A planned gift to the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health is opening new doors for the next generation of researchers focused on aging and health. The donor, Calvin Shrader (BUS ’52), lived to age 99 and included the school’s Center for Aging and Population Health (CAPH) in his estate plans, reflecting a belief in research that helps people live longer, healthier lives.
Pitt Public Health gives back through the Staff Committee
This past fall, Pitt Public Health concluded our second annual Staff Committee Give-Back Campaign, raising just over $2,000 to support benevolent care for the Reformed Presbyterian Home, a nonprofit organization that provides a supportive living environment to older adults in the region.
“I am proud to support this effort, both personally and as the Staff Committee chair,” said David Arndt, IT manager. “The importance of supporting our local community cannot be overstated.”
Scholars present their culminating work
BSPH capstone symposiumIn an exciting culminating event on April 13, 46 Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) students presented academic posters to the Pitt Public Health community during the annual BSPH Capstone Symposium.
Pitt team shines in national bioethics competition
The University of Pittsburgh Bioethics Bowl team placed second at the National Bioethics Bowl competition on April 11. Pitt's School of Public Health and Institute for Bioethics sponsored this year’s competition, which was the 18th annual event. Competitors represented
Pitt study finds gap between tick awareness and Lyme disease concern
Researchers at Pitt’s School of Public Health surveyed homeowners across Allegheny, Washington and Westmoreland counties in early 2025 to better understand how residents perceive the risks of tick exposure and tick-borne illnesses. Danielle Tufts, a disease ecologist and assistant professor of infectious diseases and microbiology, said prior experience with Lyme disease may shape how people perceive the risk.
A Pitt team develops computer model to track measles
The development of FRED — named after Pittsburgh’s legendary Fred Rogers — began in 2001 under the leadership of Dr. Donald Burke, the former dean of Pitt’s School of Public Health. “It was based on the notion that we were modeling communities and neighborhoods, and who cared more about neighborhoods and kids than Mister Rogers?” Dr. Burke said.
Chris DeCardy named 2026 Pitt Public Health graduation speaker
We are honored to announce that Chris DeCardy, president of The Heinz Endowments, a private philanthropic foundation based in Pittsburgh, will deliver the school’s 2026 graduation address.
From research to action - National Public Health Week at Pitt Public Health
The School of Public Health joined APHA and public health champions around the country for the 2026 theme Ready. Set. Action!
Health Sciences teams show off their knowledge at game night
Congrats to members of the winning team at Health Sciences Game Night on April 9 at the Petersen Events Center. The team included Chanita Russell, Johnae Walker, Sade Tukuru and Luisa Fernandez, all of the School of Public Health, and Stephanie Masotti and Martha Miskanic from the School of Medicine.
Pitt takes second in 2026 National Bioethics Bowl
The University of Pittsburgh took second place at the 2026 National Bioethics Bowl on Saturday, April 11 at the School of Public Health, coming in one point behind Stanford University after initially splitting the judges’ opinions in the final round.
What declining vaccination rates mean for families in Allegheny County
As measles remains a concern, herd immunity in Allegheny County is declining. Kar-Hai Chu, associate professor, and Maggie Slavin, research program supervisor, both in Pitt Public Health’s Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, discuss the drop in measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rates and what it means for public health.