HPM News

The Ohio measles outbreak and the danger of losing herd immunity

Though measles was eradicated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks have occurred since, including a recent one in Columbus, Ohio.

A benefit of filing your Pennsylvania taxes? Another shot at subsidized health insurance

Assistant professor of Health Policy and Management Coleman Drake, says now is a good time for states to expand outreach efforts and make the most of those federal dollars.

The bizarre Americanness of prescription drug commercials

“But there could be a class of medications advertised where there could be cheaper alternatives, or lifestyle changes could be beneficial,” said professor of Health and Policy and Management, Julie Donohue.

Christine McClure was named a Multiplying Good Pittsburgh ChangeMaker

Dr. Christine McClure is part of the spring 2023 cohort of Multiplying Good Pittsburgh ChangeMakers.

Availability of recreational cannabis reduced demand for prescription codeine

A new study discovers how recreational cannabis laws (RCLs) affect the dispensing of prescription opioids.

States that permit recreational use of cannabis see a reduction in demand for prescription codeine, an opioid with a high potential for misuse, according to a new multi-institutional study led by University of Pittsburgh and Cornell University scientists.

Flu statistics in 2023

"The most important trend we saw was the dramatic decrease in flu that occurred with the onset of the COVD-19 pandemic and all the mitigation strategies for COVID,” says Dr. Mark Roberts, M.D.

Millions could lose Medicaid by April as pandemic rules ease

"For example, their state’s Medicaid program might not be able to find them and get the information needed to maintain their enrollment," said Eric Roberts. 

Most high-risk patients aren't screened for HIV, Hep B or Hep C

A new study led by Dr. Julie Donohue looked at 361,000 Medicaid recipients across 11 states, including Pennsylvania.

Everyone is sick right now

For the past two years, social distancing kept seasonal viruses at bay. Now they’re roaring back.

Alcohol use rises in states where marijuana is legalized

HPM's Coleman Drake discusses how cannabis use appears to increase the probability that people drink in the years after legalization. 

Brace yourself for a triple wave of seasonal viruses

WIRED- "It’s like a dream and a nightmare for someone doing prediction,” says Mary Krauland, a Health Policy and Management research assistant professor who models SARS-CoV-2 and influenza outbreaks.

With over-the-counter birth control pills likely to be approved, pharmacists and pharmacies could play an ever-increasing role in reproductive health care

YAHOO- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to review a drugmaker’s application for the first over-the-counter birth control pill in November 2022, with a decision expected in the first half of 2023.

After rehab for opioids, nearly half of Medicaid beneficiaries do not receive follow-up care

UPMC- Despite strong evidence for the importance of outpatient care after inpatient residential treatment for opioid use disorder, nearly half of Medicaid beneficiaries are not receiving follow-up care.

Grants of note

It’s a Grant Quintet for Public Health