February 23, 2022
Researchers develop chatbot that asks emergency room visitors about social needs
Doctors across the United States have identified the need to access data on the social background of incoming emergency room patients in order to ensure more specialized care for patients. This prompted a research team led by the University of Washington to innovate a solution by developing a chatbot named HarborBot, which they presented at…
February 17, 2022
New UW Bothell program seeks to bolster behavioral and mental health workforce
The University of Washington Bothell’s School of Nursing & Health Studies (NHS) developed a behavioral and mental health proficiency program last year with the goal of addressing the knowledge gap in mental and behavioral health issues among entry level healthcare employees. The program seeks to democratize behavioral health knowledge by appealing to healthcare workers across…
February 15, 2022
Population Health Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship applications due April 1
The University of Washington Population Health Initiative is partnering for another year with the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship, CoMotion and the Evans School for the summer 2022 Social Entrepreneurship Fellows Program. Applications will be accepted now through Friday, April 1, 2022. The program offers $10,000 each to a multidisciplinary group of graduate or professional students…
February 9, 2022
Spotlight: Jennifer Atkinson supports the processing of anxiety from climate change
Channeling environmental anxiety into action to address pressing climate and environmental crises influences Dr. Jennifer Atkinson’s numerous pursuits and achievements. Her career centers on the intersections between mental health and climate science, as she seeks to help others process their anxiety surrounding the constantly evolving environmental crisis the world faces. Atkinson is an associate teaching…
February 4, 2022
Workers in tropical regions facing increasing dangers due to deforestation
Findings from a new University of Washington study suggest that rising temperatures due to climate change are responsible for increased fatalities and heat-related illnesses in outdoor workers in lower-latitude tropical forests. The study focuses on Berau Regency, Indonesia, as this region has experienced significant deforestation and subsequent warmer temperatures over the past several years. They…
February 1, 2022
Minorities hit harder by COVID-caused mammography delays
New research from the University of Washington School of Medicine found that women of color were disproportionately affected by the mass postponement of mammograms in the U.S. due to COVID-19. When the pandemic emerged, routine screenings were pushed back to allow health care facilities and workers to prioritize COVID-19 patients. After a few weeks, guidelines…
January 27, 2022
Spring course uses social entrepreneurship to tackle population health challenges
The Population Health Initiative is partnering with the Honors Program and Evans School of Public Policy & Governance once again this spring to offer an undergraduate course, “Improving Population Health through Social Entrepreneurship.” This five-credit course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of social innovation and the role that social enterprises can play in…
January 25, 2022
Spotlight: Ali Mokdad’s dedication to improving population health locally and globally
Ali H. Mokdad, the University of Washington’s Chief Strategy Officer for Population Health and Professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), has dedicated his career to improving the health of populations both locally and globally. His expertise and zeal posit him as an inspiring leader for the Population…
January 20, 2022
Survey shows disproportionate food insecurities in Washington tribal communities
Food insecurity and barriers are prevalent issues tribal communities have long faced due to the history of colonization and removal of tribal people from their native lands. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these challenges due to disproportionate economic effects and resource distribution for these communities. The recently concluded Washington State Tribal…
January 19, 2022
Hans Rosling Center receives accolades for its unique design and project approach
The University of Washington’s Hans Rosling Center for Population Health has been recognized multiple times at the state and national level for its unique architectural design and success in cultivating a center that seeks to promote collaboration across disciplines to discuss and solve population health related issues. The accolades awarded to the Hans Rosling Center…