COVID-19 Commentaries and Policy Briefs School of Public Health faculty, students, researchers and centers staff offer recommendations on the next steps forward. Policy Briefs Copy link New Recommendations Aim to End Illinois’ Rural Health Crisis Monday, June 14, 2021 SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center is a part of a statewide group studying the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of rural residents. Strengthening maternal and child health in the pandemic Monday, May 3, 2021 SPH's Arden Handler co-authored a new commentary outlining the key lessons in maternal and child health from the pandemic and ways to strengthen public health and healthcare. Policy recommendations for aging rural populations in the pandemic Thursday, April 15, 2021 A new report from SPH and statewide partners identifies digital literacy, holistic services and social isolation as key health challenges for Illinois' aging rural populations. Addressing precarious employment during the COVID-19 pandemic Monday, April 12, 2021 SPH researchers who studied capacity-building initiatives to address precarious employment apply their findings to the workers at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Network Characteristics of Cook County Jail COVID Outbreak Monday, March 8, 2021 Professor Peter Orris and alumna Rebecca Levin are co-authors of a CDC report analyzing network effects of COVID-19 transmission at the Cook County Jail. GIS Maps Use Social Vulnerability to Highlight Vaccine Needs Monday, March 1, 2021 A new series of public health geographic information systems maps compare social vulnerability and COVID-19 deaths across Midwest counties as a tool to identify vaccine needs. Illinois Revenue Losses Not as Severe as Expected Monday, February 15, 2021 A new report from the Institute for Public and Government Affairs, co-authored by SPH's Lisa Powell, finds Illinois revenue losses were not as drastic as feared during the pandemic. Current State Immunization Laws and COVID-19 Monday, February 8, 2021 SPH researchers analyze current state laws on vaccinations for children attending school, analyzing how exemptions and opt-outs could impact COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Amicus Brief: Supporting Amazon Warehouse Workers Tuesday, February 2, 2021 SPH's Linda Forst is the co-author of an amicus brief that brings together nationwide occupational health experts in support of Amazon workers protesting pandemic work conditions. Black, Hispanic Americans are Overrepresented in Essential Jobs Tuesday, February 2, 2021 In an amicus brief supporting Amazon workers in the pandemic, SPH's Linda Forst notes Black, Latino and Hispanic Americans are disproportionately represented as warehouse workers. Paid Sick Leave in Public Health Crises Tuesday, February 2, 2021 SPH's Linda Forst co-authored an amicus brief supporting Amazon workers, detailing how lack of paid sick leave leads to presenteeism and infection in the workplace. COVID-19 Risks to Warehouse Workers Tuesday, February 2, 2021 An amicus brief co-authored by SPH's Linda Forst details how warehouse workers are particularly at risk to infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Report Examines Pandemic Effects on Middle Class Monday, November 30, 2020 Tiffany Ford, MPH in Community Health Sciences '16, is the co-author of a new report tracking the struggles of the middle class before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis of Shelter-in-Place Impact on Illinois Businesses Wednesday, November 18, 2020 A new report from the Institute of Public and Government Affairs' COVID-19 Task Force, including SPH's Lisa Powell, analyzed the effects of shelter-in-place orders on Illinois businesses. Visualizing COVID-19's Impact by Racial Demographics Monday, October 26, 2020 Geographic information systems mapping highlights significant differences between White and Black populations in Chicago in terms of COVID-19 mortality in long term care facilities. Op-Ed: Public Health Experts Needed at Forefront of Pandemic Monday, October 12, 2020 In a Boston Globe op-ed, SPH's Ashley Bieniek-Tobasco questions why physicians without public health expertise are leading the federal government's COVID-19 response. SPH Experts Author Food Assistance Recommendations Thursday, September 10, 2020 Alumna Sabrina Young, PhD, and professor Marian Fitzgibbon, PhD, write for the Society of Behavioral Medicine arguing for increased food assistance during and after the pandemic. COVID-19 Data Analysis: ZIP Code Data and Health Inequities Thursday, August 27, 2020 Analysis from SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center highlights how even granular ZIP code level data can obscure trends in COVID-19 fatalities. COVID-19 Data Analysis: Implications on Mortality Based on Race Monday, August 24, 2020 Analysis from SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center highlights gaps in population data hiding the impact of nursing home fatalities during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Data Analysis: Chicago Socioeconomic Conditions & Health Outcomes Monday, August 17, 2020 The magnitude of COVID-19 on long-term care facility residents in Chicago is likely to distort associations between neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics and disease outcomes. COVID-19 Data Analysis: Spatial Distribution of Mortality in Chicago Monday, August 17, 2020 Data analysis indicates that residency status, in terms of general population or long-term care facility populations, can skew data on COVID-19 cases and fatalities. COVID-19 Mortality in Chicagoland: Data Limitations and Solutions Monday, August 17, 2020 A new report from SPH's Policy, Practice and Prevention Research Center examines hidden implications from COVID-19 fatality statistics across Chicagoland. Commentary: Pandemic Lessons on Senior Care Tuesday, August 4, 2020 SPH's Susan Hughes argues the COVID-19 pandemic represents a clarion call to rethink senior care in the United States, focused on socialization and worker pay and safety. Analyzing Phase 3 COVID-19 Vaccine Trials Thursday, July 16, 2020 Chris Barker, PhD in Biostatistics '81, explains the biostatistical science behind the phase 3 trials of a vaccine candidate in a study at UIC from Moderna, a biotech company. WHO Declaration by U.S. Health Collaborating Centers Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Directors of World Health Organization Collaborating Centers across the United States call on the Trump administration to continue support of the WHO. The Pandemic Behind Bars Monday, July 6, 2020 SPH's Sage Kim and alumnus Timothy Jostrand detail the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois jails and prisons and offer recommendations for protecting inmates and workers. Limiting COVID-19 Transmission by Reduced Inmate Populations Monday, July 6, 2020 An analysis of early release of offenders as an infection control strategy, highlighting further public health challenges that need to be addressed by early release. Testing and Social Isolation Needs in Jails and Prisons Monday, July 6, 2020 This analysis explores two critical needs in correctional settings: providing inmates facing extreme social isolation with outlets for interaction and ensuring testing supplies are adequate to mitigate an outbreak. Attending to Inmates' Basic Public Health Needs Monday, July 6, 2020 An analysis of steps local and state leaders can take to ensure basic public health needs of inmates are met during the COVID-19 pandemic. Letter to Sun-Times Details Flavored Tobacco Risks Thursday, June 25, 2020 SPH Dean Wayne Giles pointed to flavored tobacco as a driver of health inequities in Chicago and a risk factor for severe COVID-19 illness. Community-Based Organizations COVID-19 Needs Assessment Monday, June 15, 2020 Professor Sage Kim and alumna Wendy Bostwick, MPH '01 & PhD '05, analyzed the needs of Chicago community-based organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. A National Security Case for Public Health Infrastructure and Universal Healthcare Saturday, June 13, 2020 Professor Ashley Bieniek-Tobasco argues cuts to public health funding and lack of healthcare access for American citizens represent strategic threats to the United States. The Pandemic on Main Street Wednesday, June 10, 2020 SPH's Sage Kim, PhD, co-authored a report for the Institute of Government and Public Affairs exploring the public health, economic and social decisions facing local leaders in the state. COVID-19 Shows How Safety Net Fails Nursing Home Residents Friday, June 5, 2020 Susan Hughes with the Center for Research on Health and Aging writes in a letter to the Chicago Tribune of the failings to protect nursing home residents during the pandemic. New Report Documents Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Illinois' Economy Monday, June 1, 2020 SPH's Lisa Powell is part of an Institute for Government and Public Affairs working group examining economic losses and what a recovery may look like in Illinois. Analysis: First Responders' Needs for Personal Medical Information Tuesday, May 26, 2020 Dr. Ron Hershow provided expert analysis in an Illinois court case, arguing strong patient privacy rights support infection control and encourage best practices for first responders. How the COVID-19 Stimulus Packages Compensate Health Care Providers Friday, May 15, 2020 SPH's Marcus Dillender, PhD, analyzes how federal bills impact hospital reimbursement for COVID-19 treatments and financial support as elective procedures are paused. New Research Explores Decline in Workers' Compensation Payouts Monday, May 11, 2020 The study from SPH's Marcus Dillender, PhD, raises questions about the preparedness of the workers' compensation system to mitigate a high volume of illness claims. Report Details Needs in Supporting State Healthcare Workforce Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Alumni Dr. Mark Rosenblatt and Nicole Gonzalez are a part of the Institute of Government and Public Affair's healthcare workforce working group that published the report. COVID-19 and Air Pollution Tuesday, May 5, 2020 SPH's Great Lakes Center for Children's Environmental Health examines the public health concerns of particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) and its connections to COVID-19 fatalities. COVID-19 Guide for Workers in Illinois Monday, May 4, 2020 Three centers at the UIC School of Public Health published a guide detailing current federal and state protections for workers and benefits available during the COVID-19 outbreak. Report Examines Community Stress from COVID-19, Need for Resilience Wednesday, April 29, 2020 SPH's Dr. Ron Hershow co-authored a report with scholars from across the University of Illinois system on the effects of shelter-in-place on family and community wellness. Statement on COVID-19-Related Anti-Asian Discrimination Monday, April 27, 2020 The UIC School of Public Health responds to acts of bias, discrimination and stigma on the basis of their perceived identity as persons of Asian descent during COVID-19. A Case for Investing in Academic-Community Engagement: COVID-19 Friday, April 24, 2020 With the pandemic revealing health inequities and systemic racism, the SPH Collaboratory for Health Justice offers recommendations for community engaged work on COVID-19. Commentary: COVID-19 Racial Disparities Thursday, April 23, 2020 The School of Public Health's Collaboratory for Health Justice calls for partnership with communities of color for research and action on disparities in COVID-19 deaths. Empowering Home Care Aides to Care For Frail Older Adults During COVID-19 Tuesday, April 21, 2020 SPH's Naoko Muramatsu details the specific risks home care aides face, including lack of access to remote work and their own personal health risks as older workers. Racial Inequality in the Distribution of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in Chicago Thursday, April 16, 2020 SPH's Sage Kim examines how health disparities embedded in the social structure of Chicago lead to the disproportionate share of COVID-19 deaths among Black residents. Chicago Federally Qualified Health Centers Capacity Report Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Federally qualified health centers in Chicago are closed but play a crucial role in providing telehealth and COVID-19 testing for low-income residents. Policy Report Examines COVID-19 Effects on Illinois Finances Tuesday, April 14, 2020 SPH's Lisa Powel co-authored a report from the University of Illinois system's Institute of Government and Public Affairs comparing the current situation to the 2007-09 Recession. Keeping Essential Temporary Workers Healthy During COVID-19 Monday, April 13, 2020 SPH's Dr. Linda Forst addressed the moral imperative to protect essential workers during a press conference hosted by the Chicago Workers Collaborative. Protecting the Health and Safety of our Essential Workers Thursday, April 9, 2020 Preethi Pratap and Marsha Love with SPH's Great Lakes Center for Occupational Health and Safety argue for specific steps to protect essential workers during COVID-19. Commentary: Respirators can be reused, but decontamination not well studied Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Professors Margaret Sietsema, PhD '15, MS '11, and Lisa Brosseau, PhD, offer insight on steps hospitals are taking to conserve PPE resources addressing COVID-19. Resource Response Brief: Illinois Healthcare Capacity in Preparing for the Peak of COVID-19 Cases by Mid-April Tuesday, April 7, 2020 With Illinois COVID-19 cases estimated to peak between April 17 and April 20, this policy brief examines the capacity of hospital beds and ICU beds across the state. When home does not offer shelter: partner violence in the time of pandemics Saturday, April 4, 2020 Professor Alisa Velonis and alumna Molly McGown with the UIC Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health examine risks and recommendations for partner violence during COVID-19. Commentary: In Mask Debate, Social Distancing Remains Priority Thursday, April 2, 2020 Among widespread misinformation about masks and respirators, SPH's Lisa Brosseau and Margaret Sietsema, PhD '19, MS '15, offer recommendations on best practices during COVID-19. Policy Brief: Federal Disaster Declaration and COVID-19 Executive Order No. 12 Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Alumnus Timothy Jostrand, MPH '19, analyzes a federal disaster declaration and steps to strengthen the healthcare work force in Illinois. Support for the public defender’s emergency petition for release of detainees Friday, March 27, 2020 Faculty and researchers from the School and Public Health and across UIC call for a release of at-risk non-violent offenders during COVID-19. Protecting Women’s, Pregnant Persons’ and Infants' Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic Friday, March 27, 2020 Researchers from the UIC Center of Excellence in Maternal and Child Health examine the needs of pregnant women and infants during the COVID-19 outbreak. A Geographic Look at Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Chicago Thursday, March 26, 2020 This brief looks at geographic areas of Chicago with large numbers of vulnerable residents in elderly care facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Policy Brief: Analyzing Illinois' Shelter-in-Place Order Tuesday, March 24, 2020 A new policy brief analyzes the impact of Governor Pritzker's shelter-in-place order and its effects on the transmission of COVID-19. Policy Brief: Policy Impacts on the Spread of COVID-19 Friday, March 20, 2020 Policy implementations in Illinois to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic are designed to curtail the spread rate. However, the benefits will not be seen immediately. Policy Brief: Why Paid Sick Leave is an Effective Treatment Against Coronavirus COVID-19 Friday, March 20, 2020 Providing all Americans with access to paid sick leave should slow the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging more Americans to stay home when sick. Commentary: COVID-19 Transmission Messages Should Hinge on Science Monday, March 16, 2020 SPH's Lisa Brosseau calls for science-based communications about aerosol transmission of viruses and preparation of the healthcare workforce for COVID-19. Coronavirus and Children Thursday, March 5, 2020 SPH's Great Lakes Center for Children's Environmental Health analyzes best practices in responses to COVID-19 for children, including at schools and childcare settings.
