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Discussing suicide prevention leads to safer weapons storage

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A new University of Washington study found that talking to people at gun shows about suicide prevention and the risks of unsecured firearms can lead to safe weapons storage. The research by UW’s Forefront Suicide Prevention program was based on visits to 18 gun shows and other community events around Washington state last year. The study found that engaging people in a community-based setting, in an empathetic conversation focused on safety, resulted in more people locking up their firearms. Learn…

New UW models show how COVID-19 can spread through a city

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A research team led by UC Irvine and the University of Washington has created a new model of coronavirus diffusion through a community. This approach factors in network exposure — whom one interacts with — and demographics to simulate at a more detailed level both where and how quickly the coronavirus could spread through Seattle and 18 other major cities. The result: Some neighborhoods peak sooner than others. And in every city, the virus sticks around far longer than some…

Initiative-supported project finds pandemic is worsening social isolation in older adults

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New research from the University of Washington found that older adults throughout Washington are increasingly isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are also challenged by the even greater reliance on technology and they often neglect chronic health conditions. While senior-services agencies are adapting and innovating to meet the needs of this population, researchers say a lack of consistent funding, coupled with the general uncertainty of the pandemic, could destabilize the care system for the state’s older adults. This qualitative study…

UW breaks ground on new health sciences education building

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The University of Washington has broken ground on a new Health Sciences Education Building where students will learn integrated patient care in an integrated training facility. The 100,000 square-foot, four-story, $100 million, fully modern facility received $70 million from the Washington state Legislature. The new building is designed around flexible spaces that allow for 21st-century teaching techniques, including high-tech learning facilities used for computer simulation, mock treatment labs and an ultra-modern Anatomy Lab Suite with virtual anatomy capabilities. The facility…

Initiative-supported project decontaminates N95 respirator masks using ultraviolet light

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A University of Washington-led team has developed a box that decontaminates N95 respirator masks using ultraviolet light. This box supports the reuse of masks for first responders, who need the masks to protect themselves from COVID-19 and are concerned about shortages. The research group is currently building and distributing boxes to first-responder stations across King County. The box uses UVC radiation, the highest energy of the three types of UV rays. The team’s box, which looks like a microwave and…

How can we recover from a health crisis during a climate crisis? Five UW experts weigh in

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Bicyclists on the Arboretum Trail

The COVID-19 pandemic, catastrophic on many levels, has starkly exposed the structural, social, economic and political factors that prevent equitable health outcomes for people around the world. While communities everywhere grapple with the devastating losses of life, livelihoods and connection, another catastrophe is well underway. Climate change continues to devastate the health and well-being of people all over the planet. To commemorate the opening of the UW’s new Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, we asked five of the University’s…

UW psychologists share tips on relationships during the pandemic

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Months into the pandemic, as restrictions loosen and more people venture out, families and friends may confront differences over what’s necessary, safe or comfortable. So many questions and choices: Attend a child’s birthday party? Host a backyard barbecue? Meet for a drink? Hug a relative? Decline, and you risk hurt feelings; accept, and you may expose yourself and your loved ones to risk, increase the risk for your community, and feel judged by others in the process. All are natural…

Summer 2020 Social Entrepreneurship Fellows develop strategic roadmaps for UW innovations

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The Population Health Initiative’s summer 2020 Social Entrepreneurship Fellows Program concluded in August with the fellows presenting their findings to students, faculty and staff from schools and colleges across campus. The fellows spent 10 weeks working on population health innovations developed by University of Washington researchers to determine how these innovations could be financially sustainable while also having a substantial societal impact. The Social Entrepreneurship Fellows Program was developed in 2019 by the Population Health Initiative – in partnership with…

Applied Research Fellows develop tool to explore population changes in King County

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The 2020 Population Health Applied Research Fellows concluded their 10-week program to produce small area population forecasts at the Census tract and Health Reporting Area levels by sex, race, ethnicity and five-year age groups for King County from 2020 to 2045. Their findings, which were presented to staff from a variety of King County departments, Washington State’s Office of Financial Management and the Puget Sound Regional Council, will help fill a crucial information gap faced by policymakers and stakeholders about…