COVID-19 Response: Alumni and Students

Like the far-reaching impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Spartans in Public Health have addressed the pandemic in unprecedented ways. Alumni and students rapidly applied their skills and their talents to actively address the evolving needs of the pandemic. 

Where there is a need, there is a Spartan in Public Health.

Q & A with Debra Furr-Holden on COVID-19 Testing

Debra Furr-Holden, associate dean for public health integration and C.S. Mott Endowed Professor of Public Health in the College of Human Medicine, answers questions about the different COVID-19 tests. Get some insight into the different testing options and testing eligibility from a public health expert.

Voices: Stand With Us

To prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, Debra Furr-Holden has been working alongside a global network of public health and medical professionals, civic leaders, and activists. "Our efforts are unending. Yet here we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic which is disproportionately taking the lives of black people. We are forced to confront the most enduring epidemic in America's existence, racism." Watch her personal video message.

Q & A with Mieka Smart: What is Contact Tracing?

Due to COVID-19, “contact tracing” has been added to our vocabulary. Not everyone understands it is essential to stopping the spread of the novel coronavirus. Mieka Smart, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Division of Public Health in the College of Human Medicine, answers questions about contact tracing. 

Stepping Up to Reduce Mental Illness in Jails

The National Institute of Mental Health awarded Jennifer Johnson and her colleague a $3.2 million, five-year grant to study the national Stepping Up Initiative. The primary aim is of the I.M. Stepping Up study is to improve treatment for individuals with mental illnesses and keep them out of jail. About two-thirds of individuals in jails have mental health problems yet most jails are ill-equipped to deal with complex issues.

Advancing Health Equity for Older Americans Receiving Medicaid

Rodlescia Sneed is one of five researchers funded with a $250,000 grant through Policies for Action, a signature research program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She will be undertaking a two-year study to evaluate the potential impact of Medicaid work requirements on older recipients.

Congrats Spartan in Public Health Grads

As the world evolves around us, so does the need for public health professionals aiming to mobilize change. Our 2020 graduates are joining the ranks of more than 600 Spartans in public health that are working to protect the health of people and communities. Although we are social distancing, we are celebrating the newest members of our #MSUGrad20 family with a special video message from faculty and staff.

Promoting Exposure to Global Public Health Practices

Be in touch with at least one student every day. That’s the last sentence in Mieka Smart’s professional mission statement. As an assistant professor at MSU’s College of Human Medicine online Master of Public Health program, staying connected with students is how she stays connected with what matters.

Are Clinicians Contributing to African American COVID-19 Deaths?

African Americans are overrepresented among reported coronavirus cases and deaths. A multitude of factors may explain the disparity in COVID-19 outcomes, including higher rates of comorbidities and implicit bias. To address this, we must apply a health equity lens and disaggregate the data.

Colorectal Cancer: Free Screening Kits in Flint

March is Colorectal Cancer Screening Awareness Month. Colorectal Cancer is often preventable and treatable, and screening can save lives. Yet, screening is underutilized, particularly among African Americans, who continue to bear an unjust Colorectal Cancer burden.

MPH Student Q&A: Moving from Conflict to Action

As an undergrad, Alison Johnson learned about the social determinants of health during an internship in New Orleans. Not having solutions to address the health care problems she witnessed activated her will to pursue solutions that make a difference in people's lives.

Former FBI Analyst Investigates Trauma-Informed Approaches

Robey Champine, assistant professor in MSU’s online Master of Public Health program, talks about working for the FBI, and how her experiences shaped her understanding of crime and disorder as public health concerns and informed her interests in trauma-informed approaches.