News

Pitt Public Health career spotlight

Alumnus finds passion in detecting, preventing infection outbreaks

Within months of Alexander Sundermann’s MPH graduation (IDM ‘14, '22), the new UPMC infection preventionist and his colleagues were faced with a spate of severe fungal infections—some fatal—among transplant patients. The outbreak was traced to a Clearfield County commercial laundry service, where hospital linens were determined to have been contaminated by molds.

Pitt lands $14.3 million for research linking dementia and cardiovascular disease

A team led by professor of Epidemiology, Anne Newman, will launch a first-ever clinical trial to see if an immune regulator can reduce the deleterious aspects of aging in older but otherwise healthy adults.

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.

What is vinyl chloride, the chemical released from the East Palestine train cars?

“The cloud that was really being produced was not vinyl chloride but what it was being turned into — the combustion product,” said James Fabisiak, associate professor of Environmental and Occupational Health. 

Somerset County Chamber recognizes community movers and shakers

Behavioral and Community Health Sciences student Alyce Palko received the Harold W. Wheeler Jr. Memorial Humanitarian Award.

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.

Replacing sedentary time with light activity tied to less adiposity in Black Caribbean men

"Our findings illustrate the potential importance of also promoting light-intensity physical activity,” Megan M. Marron, PhD, and Iva Miljkovic, MD, PhD, FAHA.

United Way looking to help Latinos in Lawrence County

Dr. Patricia Documet said the biggest needs revolve around the language barrier, with translation services and bilingual speakers needed.

Alcohol use is widely accepted in the US, but even moderate consumption is associated with many harmful effects

This month, millions of Americans are taking part in “Dry January” in an effort to forgo alcohol for a month and cleanse themselves of the excesses of the holiday season.

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.