In societies where politicians marginalize and oppress, populations suffer high rates of morbidity and mortality. Our country, and the conditions in some states, are perfect case studies of how politicians can harm health. While as a nation we are failing, there has been effective management of COVID-19 by governors such as, Andrew Cuomo and Phil Murphy, who respect science and uplift public health. To the polar opposite, there is Brian Kemp of Georgia, who through his own leadership and direction escalated COVID-19 infections and deaths, particularly among African Americans. Exacerbating these conditions, The White House has recently issued an executive order that essentially bans open discussion of racism, sexism, other oppressions, and social justice. Such political maneuverings will continue to have negative effects on the health of all people for years to come.

Sincerely,

Editor in Chief, Behavioral Medicine

Founding Editor in Chief, Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health

Student Spotlight: Health Policy Research Scholars Fellowship Recipient

Perry N. Halkitis, dean, was ranked as one of New Jersey's top ten LGBTQ+ leaders by Insider New Jersey for his work towards ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Traveling During the Holidays: Anything that brings people together in large groups - whether it’s through the travel process or the gathering you’re going to - has a risk, according Henry F. Raymond, epidemiologist and associate professor in the department of biostatistics and epidemiology. Read Healthline

Why the “Great Barrington” Plan for Re-opening Doesn't Work: According to Perry N. Halkitis, dean of the Rutgers school of Public Health, the plan is centered on the herd immunity approach, "which demands that we sacrifice lives in order to jumpstart the economy. Most likely, the lives that we’d sacrifice would be the very ones that the document claims to protect." Read Mother Jones

Is It Safe to Exercise if the Air Is Hazy With Wildfire Smoke? With smoke and ash from major wildfires still blanketing portions of California and the Northwest, should we exercise outside when the air is smoky? It depends, according to experts including Robert Laumbach, associate professor in the department of environmental and occupational health and justice. Read The New York Times

Do Temperature Checks Work? Although some COVID-19 patients don't show symptoms like a fever, temperature checks are a quick and easy way to stop some symptomatic people at the front door, says Michael K. Gusmano, professor in the department of health behavior, society, and policy. Read Politico

The Problem with Varied COVID-19 Response: Decisive and coordinated national efforts - like establishing national standards for face coverings, local lockdown orders and reopening protocols, and safe school openings, as well as steps to address shortages in supplies and testing - are necessary to stop COVID-19. "People have, in some places, never fully experienced what a true quarantine meant, but that’s what has to happen if we’re really going to turn this around, " said Leslie Kantor, professor and chair of the department of urban-global public health. Read Fox 11 News

The Human Cost of Disinformation: Altruism is a powerful tool for the health of a society. We wear masks not only to protect ourselves but our families and everybody else in our community, say Leslie Kantor, professor and chair of the department of urban-global public health, and Perry N. Halkitis, dean. Read NJ.com

As Gun Sales Spike During COVID-19, Suicide Deaths May Follow: According to Michael Anestis, associate professor department of urban-global public health and executive director of the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center, the rise in firearm purchases during the pandemic will shape the emerging dynamics of American suicide rates as more individuals gain access to the most lethal method for suicide. Read NJ.com

The 21PHirst Signature Series supports the School’s core areas of education, research, and community engagement and is guided by the principles of social justice and health equity. Speakers who embody these ideals are competitively chosen by students, faculty, and staff and are leaders in their fields, thinking creatively and collaboratively to address the complex health and social issues of the 21^st century.

Check out the Rutgers School of Public Health's events calendar to learn about and/or join various events hosted, co-hosted, or supported by the School.