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Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Other
This episode from the podcast 99 Percent Invisible reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the American public to a long-standing problem: the disjointed nature of the U.S. health system. Because state and local health departments largely operate independently and use their own data collection and analysis tools, health systems across the country lack standardized data definitions and systems. These inconsistencies made it nearly impossible to collect and analyze comprehensive, standardized data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccines administered amid the pandemic. Health experts featured on this episode believe that the pandemic made the need for an overhaul of America’s informatics system very apparent. When rebuilding this system, it’s important to focus on remedying existing inequalities in data collection and classification that in some cases render the health status of certain populations – think Native American communities and other communities of color – completely invisible in the data. By virtue of being small populations, it can be difficult for health departments to collect sufficient and/or statistically significant data on minority communities. Another issue discussed in this episode is the use of broad racial categories like “other,” “multiple races,” or even “Asian American,” which, if not disaggregated, obscures the health status of diverse populations who are grouped under the same category. Without comprehensive and inclusive health data, it’s difficult to identify disparities and implement policies and programming that promote social mobility and health equity.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Other
The article discusses the challenges and frustrations surrounding Long COVID research in the United States. Despite substantial investments and numerous research efforts, progress in understanding and treating Long COVID has been slow and disappointing. Experts and patient advocates have criticized the research community for its focus on disease development rather than direct patient care, duplication of studies, and a lack of clinical trials. The authors propose a new hypothesis that Long COVID may be a form of post-infectious syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting that traditional biomedical research approaches may not yield meaningful results. Instead, they advocate for a shift towards health services research and measures that directly impact patients’ welfare, including prevention, improved prognosis, access to empathetic care, and quality of life issues. They emphasize the need for collaboration between researchers, patients, and advocacy groups to reset the research agenda effectively.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
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Evaluation Report, Peer Review Study
New York City’s Test & Trace Corps worked to reduce Covid-19 testing inequities by developing a mobile testing program focused on communities disproportionately affected by Covid-19. The model engaged community partners to determine the best methods of outreach and utilized multiple testing strategies. Based on the whether and community needs, free testing was offered outdoors, from vehicles, or at community spaces. Testing was both clinician-administered and patient-administered. Community organizations and organizers facilitated outreach to residents in their neighborhoods. The practice was successful in increasing access to testing, contact tracing, and isolation/aftercare support in these communities.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Evaluation Report
This resource presents closing down portions of major streets to give people more space to walk or cycle safely during the COVID-19 pandemic as a health promotion strategy. Evaluators found that Toronto residents supported and utilized the closures, helping them become more active and introducing more diverse populations to cycling. There was high support for continued road closures even after the pandemic, with very few issues surrounding the closures.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Evaluation Report
This article examines the effects of pandemic-related eviction moratoria on household spending, food insecurity, and mental stress. The authors found that eviction moratoria reduced food insecurity and mental stress (as reported in the Census Household Pulse Survey), particularly among African American households. Results were corroborated using search query data from Google.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Evaluation Report
This evaluation report described the Pima County Housing First Initiative pilot phase, which provided permanent supportive housing and case management to justice-involved individuals experiencing homelessness in Pima County, Arizona. Justice-related service utilization and health care costs declined for program participants enrolled in the program for 12 months or more, offsetting the program costs. However, additional analysis is needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship between program enrollment and reduction in service utilization.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
RELEASE DATE:
Evaluation Report
This study of a community-based and bilingual nutrition and health program called the Eat Healthy Program in New York City presents findings to understand potential behavior changes among participants and how the program is integrated into a larger neighborhood health strategy in Harlem. The Eat Healthy Program educated participants on healthy nutrition and living, gave out farmers’ market coupons. Focus groups showed that participants adopted new healthy behaviors as a result, although some barriers to healthy living persisted. The findings suggested that this type of health promotion program as a part of a neighborhood health strategy may be an effective model for impacting health behavior and the utilization of local farmers’ markets in low income neighborhoods of color.