On the Heights: April 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Policy
Investing in COVID-19 vaccination more than paid off for US
The national vaccine strategy paid for itself after just one year, according to a study led by University of Michigan researchers. The United States prevented far more in medical spending and lost productivity than it spent on testing, buying and delivering the 2021 vaccines.
Restriction vs. incentives: The complex reality of SNAP food policies
U-M expert: SNAP food restrictions don't improve health outcomes, while incentive programs show promise
Several states are considering restricting SNAP benefit purchases for soda and certain products like chips and candy. Michigan Public Health professor and researcher Kate Bauer explains why such restrictions fail to improve health outcomes while increasing stigma, and offers evidence-based alternatives that preserve dignity for recipients.
April Zeoli receives 2024 presidential award for public engagement
Zeoli, associate professor of Health Management and Policy at the School of Public Health, received the President’s Award for Public Impact. She is the nation’s leading expert on policy interventions for firearm use in intimate partner violence.
On the Heights: March 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Global Public Health faculty pilot projects receive seed funding
Five researchers at the University of Michigan School of Public Health have been awarded seed funding to prepare international research projects on a range of global health challenges, including gene therapy ethics, childhood nutrition, national food policy, cholera vaccine allocation, and occupational safety.