November 4, 2020
New UW models show how COVID-19 can spread through a city
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…
October 28, 2020
Initiative-supported project finds pandemic is worsening social isolation in older adults
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…
October 22, 2020
UW breaks ground on new health sciences education building
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…
October 16, 2020
Panel envisions how to create a “better normal” post-pandemic
To mark the completion of the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health, the UW Population Health Initiative and the Graduate School Office of Public Lectures convened a panel of experts for a discussion moderated by Hanson Hosein that tackled how to create a healthier, more equitable world.
October 14, 2020
Initiative-supported project decontaminates N95 respirator masks using ultraviolet light
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…
October 5, 2020
How can we recover from a health crisis during a climate crisis? Five UW experts weigh in
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…
September 30, 2020
UW psychologists share tips on relationships during the pandemic
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…
September 23, 2020
Summer 2020 Social Entrepreneurship Fellows develop strategic roadmaps for UW innovations
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…
September 21, 2020
Applied Research Fellows develop tool to explore population changes in King County
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,…
September 15, 2020
Eleven new members named to initiative executive council
Nine new faculty, one graduate student and one undergraduate student have been named to the 30-member Population Health Initiative executive council by President Ana Mari Cauce. They are: Becky Alexander, professor of Atmospheric Sciences, College of the Environment Jennifer Bacci, assistant professor of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy Kyle Crowder, professor of Sociology, College of Arts…