Read my op-ed, 'The Need for an Air Quality Census in New York State Schools,' published in the Bronx Times. This piece highlights the critical need for an air quality census in New York schools to improve indoor environments amid ongoing risks of airborne diseases like COVID-19. I advocate for conducting regular air quality assessments, publishing results on the Health Data NY website, and implementing stringent indoor air quality standards. Explore how these measures can enhance the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff.
Uncover the persistent staffing shortages affecting New York State's public health workforce. A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health by Isaac Michaels and colleagues reveals a decline in full-time staff and rising vacancy rates across local health departments. The research highlights the critical need for sustained investment and policy reform to address these long-standing challenges and strengthen public health infrastructure. Read the full study for insights and recommendations.
Explore the link between food distress and smoking among racially and ethnically diverse adults in Schenectady, NY. This study, published in the CDC journal Preventing Chronic Disease, reveals that limited access to healthy food is significantly associated with higher smoking rates, highlighting critical implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing tobacco use and improving nutrition in underserved communities.
