News

cats

Could cats become a carrier of bird flu?

The new study highlights the need for public health officials to ramp up bird flu surveillance in cats, which tend to have frequent contact with both wild animals and people, said Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Professor and Chair Suresh Kuchipudi.
Miranda Yaver

Examining the factors that play into the high rate of insurance denials

NPR's Michel Martin talks to Miranda Yaver, assistant professor of health policy and management, who offers insights into the high rate of denied health insurance claims.
Sheila Reicher Fine, Nancy Zionts, Maureen Lichtveld, Ann Thompson, Karen Feinstein, Debra Caplan, Amanda Lenhard, Valerie Njie, Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob and Caryn Rubinoff.

School of Public Health joins celebration of women leaders

University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health Dean Maureen Lichtveld, MD, MPH, joined Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) leaders and staff at the 125th anniversary celebration of the Ladies Hospital Aid Society (LHAS) on December 4 at the newly named Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center, formerly the Carnegie Science Center.
person feeling loneliness

Loneliness widespread among U.S. residents ages 50 to 80, poll shows

"Being socially isolated may spell negative consequences for some older adults, but not others," said Howard Degenholtz, professor of health policy and management.
map of water systems in Pittsburgh

With fluoride again drawing criticism, sorting out its prevalence in Pittsburgh-area drinking water

Over the years, Professor of Environmental and Occupational Health, Aaron Barchowsky, has been contacted repeatedly by local water systems wondering whether it’s worth the money to add fluoride, and whether it’s safe.
Pitt Public Health Building

Public Health staff raised money for Street Medicine at Pitt

During the fall 2024 semester, the staff committee in the School of Public Health sponsored a donation drive for Street Medicine at Pitt, which raised $1,230.
Boar's Head meat logo

PulseNet identifies and stops foodborne illness outbreaks. Health care needs something similar

Alexander Sundermann, assistant professor of epidemiology, highlights the existence of PulseNet, a robust system for detecting foodborne outbreaks, and contrasts it with the lack of a similar system for tracking infections in healthcare settings.
Tiffany Gary-Webb

Data Justice Project aims to improve lives of Black Pittsburghers

“Now our focus has shifted from covid to broader social determinants of health, thinking about neighborhoods, neighborhood change, population change and the built environment,” Professor of Epidemiology, Tiffany Gary-Webb said.
Beth Hofmann at Pitt Public Health

Pittsburgh middle school students work with medical professionals to learn how to save a life

“It’s just really important to help our young people know they can be a source of good. That if something bad happens to a family member, to a loved one, they can literally save that person’s life,” said Beth Hoffman, assistant professor of behavioral and community health sciences.

Poster presentations

Event promotes school-wide practice projects

Sixteen graduate students from four departments at the School of Public Health took part in the first-ever Public Health Practice Showcase held Friday, Nov. 15, at the Community Engagement Center in the Hill District.
medicare document

Even Dr. Oz can’t break Medicare

“That would require them to either switch to a different drug in the class, or switch plans during the next open enrollment period,” says Julie Donohue, chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management.
 Sally Wenzel, Drs. Valerian Kagen, Vladimir Tyurin and Yulia Tyurina.

2 dozen Pitt researchers made Clarivate’s annual Highly Cited list

In addition to Environmental and Occupational Health Department Chair Sally Wenzel, the list includes Drs. Valerian Kagan, Vladimir Tyurin and Yulia Tyurina.
mother and child

Study: Racism and sexism keeps Black moms from losing pregnancy weight

The finding flies in the face of a culture of “individual responsibility” around maternal health, said Dara Méndez, associate professor of epidemiology and associate director of the Center for Health Equity.
Dara Mendez

Allegheny County Executive announces new Board of Health appointments

Dara D. Méndez, PhD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology and associate director of the Center for Health Equity, has been included in a group of eight new members appointed to the Allegheny County Board of Health.
graphic of cholesterol

Quality cholesterol boost – a menopause must

HDL helps reduce inflammation and supports healthy blood vessel function, which is crucial for brain health and development,” explains Samar R El Khoudary, professor of epidemiology.