On the Heights: March 2025
Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with the Michigan Public Health community.
Mental Health
HIV risk decreases in transgender, nonbinary, and gender diverse individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy, U-M study says
Overall, the study, published in The Lancet HIV journal, found that hormone therapy for patients receiving medical care to align their physical characteristics with their gender identity improved all HIV-related health outcomes for transgender, nonbinary and gender diverse people.
HBCU students show better mental health outcomes despite support gaps, new report finds
The findings reveal a complex picture of student well-being at historically Black colleges and universities
Black students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) experience better mental health outcomes in several key areas compared to their peers at other institutions, while also facing distinct challenges that require attention, say University of Michigan School of Public Health researchers.
Study of COVID-19 deaths challenges claims, understanding of pandemic-era suicides
Narratives behind numbers point to need for better coordination, support by employers, communities, public health leaders in future crises, especially mental health
University of Michigan researchers dug deeper into the narratives behind the numerical data of COVID-19-era suicides to inform future public health responses.
Loneliness and isolation: Back to pre-pandemic levels, but still high, for older adults
Loneliness and isolation among older Americans have mostly returned to pre-pandemic rates, but that still means more than one third of people age 50 to 80 feel lonely, and nearly as many feel isolated, new findings show.
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways -- but the reverse may be true too, poll suggests
New data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging shows grandparents who see their grandchildren regularly are less likely to feel isolated.