Author: Kenzie Lock
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Promising drop in fatal Fentanyl overdoses in King County linked to harm reduction efforts

Community initiatives and changing fentanyl supply may be driving a decrease in overdose deaths, say experts from Public Health Seattle King County and HSPop.
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The urgent need for gender-affirming care amid rising bans

Gender-affirming care bans are creating a mental health crisis for transgender youth, as highlighted by a new literature review from the University of Washington School of Public Health.
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Chaparro highlights the dangers of cuts to U.S. nutrition programs

Project 2025 proposes substantial cuts to SNAP and WIC, which nutrition expert Pia Chaparro warns would harm already vulnerable populations facing food insecurity.
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Multi-substance use, including e-cigarettes, associated with poor mental health in college students

New research, led by Marie Kava, clinical assistant professor in Health Systems and Population Health (HSPOP), examines multi-substance, including e-cigarettes, and mental health among college students.
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Are artificial sweeteners a safe sugar substitute?

Dr. Jim Krieger was interviewed by journalists at the New York Times about the safety of artificial sweeteners. Read below for more information and the full article.
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Banta-Green advocates for Health Engagement Hubs

Caleb Banta-Green, professor at HSPop and Director of the Center for Community-Engaged Drug Education, Epidemiology & Research, co-developed Health Engagement Hubs to combat the opioid crisis. Banta-Green’s decades-long research shows significant reductions in opioid use and mortality leading to his advocating for a national implementation of the model.
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Distress and depression rates soar among American transgender or gender-diverse adults

A new analysis of federal health data reveals rates of distress and depression among American adults who identify as transgender or gender-diverse (TGD) have more than doubled between 2014 and 2022.
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Teaching the intersection of war and public health

Professors Amy Hagopian and James Pfeiffer aim to increase awareness and advocacy surrounding war as a public health crisis. Their class War and Public Health explores the intersection of public health and the far-reaching effects of war.
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Spigner’s new course discusses controversial topics to enact change

Professor Clarence Spigner advocates for open dialogue in higher education. His upcoming class on campus health during polarizing times aims to equip students with critical thinking skills and empathy to enact social progress.
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Universal Free School Meals: A key ingredient in improving childhood health outcomes

Findings from a promising new study show universal free school meals could be an excellent tool in reducing childhood obesity and improving health outcomes. “Universal free school meals are important because they eliminate the paperwork required for both schools and parents to maintain eligibility for free meals,” said Dr. Jessica Jones-Smith, “They also provide free…