School of Public Health

Health and Medicine

School of Public Health Dean Dr. Ashish K. Jha to depart Brown

December 4, 2025

After arriving in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jha will leave at the end of December 2025 to dedicate time to an initiative to confront pandemic and biosecurity threats.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Expanding seasonal immunization access could minimize off-season RSV epidemics

November 26, 2025

Researchers found differences in how respiratory syncytial virus spreads among children in rural versus urban communities and concluded that year-round immunizations would minimize risks of large seasonal outbreaks.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

As ‘California sober’ catches on, study suggests cannabis use reduces short-term alcohol consumption

November 19, 2025

A new study led by researchers at Brown University suggests that while other risks remain, smoking marijuana can temporarily cut down how much people drink.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

More Americans, especially Black adults, are dying before they can access Medicare benefits

November 7, 2025

A study by researchers at Brown University and Harvard University shows that a rising premature death rate means Medicare isn’t helping as many people as intended.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Brown team to co-lead $12M study to improve well-being of people who use drugs in New England

November 4, 2025

With a focus on Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, a project funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse will analyze trends in drug use and barriers to care with the goal of strengthening treatment.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

New federal grant enables study of policing strategy that may decrease overdose deaths

October 21, 2025

With an award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a team led by Brown University researchers will conduct the first scientific analysis of a policing program in Philadelphia and Baltimore that connect drug users to care.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Kids are not getting as much sleep as their parents think, study finds

October 2, 2025

Researchers at Brown University found that many Rhode Island kids sleep less than their parents realize, with Latino children logging the least amount of rest.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Lawmakers can ensure that nonprofit hospitals benefit communities, Brown scholar tells Congress

September 16, 2025

Speaking before the House Committee on Ways and Means, public health researcher Christopher Whaley suggested ways Congress can help ensure tax benefits for hospitals translate into health care benefits for patients.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Private equity's consolidation of opioid treatment market fails to expand methadone access

September 8, 2025

A study led by Brown University researchers showed that a push from private equity investors into opioid treatment programs concentrates ownership without increasing methadone supply.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Antimicrobial common in everyday items linked to allergic conditions in children

July 2, 2025

Researchers at Brown University’s School of Public Health found that children exposed to higher levels of triclosan may be more likely to develop eczema and allergy symptoms.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Translational science showcase highlights RNA’s promise to improve human health

June 17, 2025

At a Brown University symposium hosted by Rhode Island’s federally funded IDeA programs, biomedical scientists shared how they’re turning discoveries into treatments.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Outbreak tracker from Pandemic Center at Brown informs action, builds awareness on infectious disease

June 5, 2025

The user-friendly weekly report provides valuable information about the spread of infectious diseases like measles, influenza and COVID-19 to physicians, public health leaders and the public.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

New center at Brown to study the intersection of climate, environment and human health

April 28, 2025

During a campus conversation to celebrate the launch of the Center for Climate, Environment and Health, panelists explored the impacts of climate change on human health and the research that will drive life-saving solutions.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

U.S. maternal deaths doubled during COVID-19 pandemic, among other findings in new study

April 28, 2025

Public health researchers untangle two decades of maternal mortality data and find that while early increases were driven by reporting changes, real increases followed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Novel study at Brown shows how late-life health traces back to what happened in the womb

April 16, 2025

The New England Family Study, launched in 1959 and now led by a Brown epidemiologist, spans three generations of participants and unlocks key insights for healthy aging.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Three-quarters of survey respondents supported an overdose prevention center in their neighborhood

April 10, 2025

An assessment by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health revealed that before the opening of an OPC in Providence, people living and working in the area were generally supportive.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Research showcase celebrates the innovation and ideas of Brown public health students

April 8, 2025

National Public Health Week offered students at Brown’s School of Public Health the opportunity to discuss the impact of their research projects and learn about the work of others.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Even the richest Americans face shorter lifespans than their European counterparts, study finds

April 2, 2025

A study by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health found that Americans have poorer survival rates than Europeans across all wealth levels and detailed factors driving the disparity.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Avoidable deaths are on the rise in the U.S., yet falling in many peer nations

March 24, 2025

A study by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health found that avoidable mortality rose across all U.S. states from 2009 to 2021, while it declined in most other high-income countries.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Brown’s Hassenfeld Institute leader to chair U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

March 13, 2025

Dr. Michael Silverstein, director of the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute, will lead a national task force working to improve health nationwide by making recommendations about clinical preventive services.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Brown experts discuss: What did the world learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?

March 11, 2025

Eight scholars from Brown University looked back at the pandemic with an eye toward how its lessons can help the United States and other nations prepare for the next global health crisis.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Video: Brown epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo on preparing for the next pandemic

January 31, 2025

In a video interview, the director of the Pandemic Center at Brown’s School of Public Health explains why another pandemic is on the horizon — and why that needn’t induce panic.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

More primary care physicians are affiliated with hospitals, leading to increased patient costs

January 28, 2025

A study by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health analyzed recent consolidation trends for primary care physicians and the resulting impacts on costs to patients.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Fewer than 1% of U.S. clinical drug trials enroll pregnant participants, study finds

January 17, 2025

An analysis by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health found that most studies exclude participants who are pregnant, potentially leaving critical safety and efficacy questions unanswered.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

What the surgeon general’s warnings about alcohol mean for individual drinkers and public health

January 14, 2025

In a Q&A, Peter Monti, a professor of alcohol and addiction studies at Brown University and a leading researcher of alcohol and disease exacerbation, shared his perspective on alcohol and cancer.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

For optimal marathon performance, check training plan, gear, nutrition, weather — and air quality?

December 18, 2024

Analyzing 16 years of race results and air pollution levels, a team of researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health found that poor air quality had a negative effect on marathon times.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Rhode Islanders perceive continued challenges in access to housing, cost of living, food security

December 11, 2024

Results from this year’s R.I. Life Index survey, a partnership between Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island and the Brown University School of Public Health, revealed troubling trends about local quality of life.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Hospital payment caps could save millions of dollars for state employee health plans

December 11, 2024

A study by researchers at the Brown University School of Public Health highlights the potential for significant savings without compromising hospital care.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

What to know about the first overdose prevention center in the U.S., from the researchers studying it

December 10, 2024

With the first state-sanctioned overdose prevention center about to open in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University epidemiologist Brandon Marshall explained how researchers will measure its impact.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

$13 million grant to Brown to enable research on impact of health policies on people with Alzheimer's

November 19, 2024

Researchers from Brown University’s School of Public Health will lead a federal grant to address urgent health policy gaps for people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Q&A with Dr. Michael Silverstein: How social media can impact child health, and what to do about it

November 13, 2024

Before a conference on social media’s mental health impacts on children and families, the director of the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute spoke about the importance of grasping the true nature of social media’s grip.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Using personal care products during and after pregnancy can increase exposure to toxic chemicals

November 11, 2024

An analysis by Brown University researchers found an association between the use of personal care products and concentrations of PFAS in people who were pregnant or lactating.

Read Article

News and Events

Finding calm amid chaos: Brown mindfulness expert offers advice for election-related stress

October 23, 2024

Dr. Judson Brewer, director of research and innovation at the Mindfulness Center at the Brown University School of Public Health, shares strategies for staying calm during contentious times.

Read Article

News and Events

What to expect on Election Day, according to Brown's faculty experts

October 21, 2024

Eight Brown University faculty members with a range of scholarly expertise shared their analysis on what the country can expect on Election Day and beyond.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Brown epidemiology scholar Jennifer Nuzzo elected to the National Academy of Medicine

October 21, 2024

The professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown’s School of Public Health received the honor in recognition of her work to measure and improve national preparedness for infectious disease threats.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Federal government may be paying twice for care of veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans

October 4, 2024

An analysis by researchers at Brown's School of Public Health shows how the federal government may be paying twice for care for veterans enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans and the Veterans Health Administration.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

With $3.8M grant, new Brown center to research health impacts of climate change on aging populations

October 2, 2024

Funding from the National Institute on Aging will enable Brown researchers to study the negative health effects of climate change and develop practical solutions that promote healthy aging.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

With $12.3M federal grant, Brown to expand research on substance misuse and chronic disease

October 2, 2024

With renewed funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Center for Addiction and Disease Risk Exacerbation will build on its research to understand mechanisms linking substance use with chronic disease.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Study shows fentanyl’s role in Oregon overdose spike after policy decriminalizing drug possession

September 5, 2024

A study by public health researchers at Brown University found that decriminalization of drug possession was not associated with an increase in fatal drug overdose rates in Oregon.

Read Article

News and Events

At 261st Opening Convocation, a magical welcome for Brown University’s newest students

September 3, 2024

As students heralded the start of their academic journeys at Brown, University leaders urged them to build relationships across difference, be curious and courageous, and embrace the magic of the Brown experience.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Petranea Smith: Engaging with the community to help people get vaccinated

August 29, 2024

With a commitment to community engagement, the public health graduate student and aspiring physician is spending her summer helping underinsured Rhode Islanders access protective health care.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Brown researcher to study environmental health impacts of wood pellet production

August 22, 2024

Erica Walker of the Brown University School of Public Health received a federal grant to assess the effects of wood pellet plants in Mississippi on the health of residents in surrounding communities.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Price transparency is critical to fix nation’s health care model, Brown scholar tells Congress

July 11, 2024

Speaking before a U.S. Senate committee addressing frustration with high hospital prices, public health researcher Christopher Whaley urged lawmakers to increase transparency in hospital prices and ownership.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Most Americans don’t know their doctors can prescribe addiction treatment, study finds

June 28, 2024

A federally supported study, led by Brown researcher Brandon del Pozo, reveals a disconnect between primary care physicians' ability to prescribe medications for opioid use disorder and public awareness and demand.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

More than 1 in 10 patients at federally qualified health centers experience major social risk factors

June 20, 2024

A first-of-its-kind study found high rates of food insecurity, housing insecurity, financial strain and a lack of transportation among FQHC patients, particularly those from low-income or marginalized populations.

Read Article

News and Events

Pioneering Brown-Tougaloo Partnership commemorates 60 years

June 6, 2024

In celebration of six decades of impact, community members from Brown and Tougaloo College, a historically Black college in Mississippi, honored the “historic and unparalleled” partnership’s enduring legacy and future.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Medicare payment parity key to saving independent physicians, Dr. Ashish Jha tells Congress

May 23, 2024

The Brown University School of Public Health dean urged members of the House Committee on Ways and Means to better support the dwindling number of doctors in private practice.

Read Article

News and Events

Graduate student speakers will offer insights at Commencement on navigating setbacks to reach goals

May 7, 2024

As Brown celebrates its 256th Commencement, Nadia Tsado and Deanna Stueber will address their peers in separate master’s and Ph.D. ceremonies on College Hill.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Study provides comprehensive analysis of Rhode Island’s unregulated drug supply

May 6, 2024

An analysis of drugs seized by law enforcement agencies revealed the frequency of potentially lethal substances, including fentanyl, in counterfeit pills.

Read Article

Health and Medicine

Students from Brown University and Tougaloo College investigate public health challenges in rural areas

April 25, 2024

An innovative course is bringing together students in Rhode Island and Mississippi to conduct an impactful public health research project focused on a rural community in Gloster, Mississippi.

Read Article

Breadcrumb

News Search

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter