Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager

Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag

Kara Gavin photo
2020 wooden blocks knocked over by 2021 blocks
Health Lab
Done with 2020? Think 2021. Sign Up for Health Insurance Now
Open Enrollment for health insurance is a crucial time, even as the Affordable Care Act’s fate hangs in the balance.
change in naloxone use by EMS march-sept. 2019 vs 2020. red: over 30% increase in 2020. dark blue: over 20% decrease in 2020. Change in suspected opioid overdose deaths March-Sept. 2019-2020. lighter colors: smaller increase/decrease gray = low data dark gay = no data
Health Lab
Real-Time Overdose Tracking Helps Show COVID-19’s Effects
Opioid overdose deaths and uses of naloxone Narcan by first responders both rose during the peak COVID-19 months in Michigan.
Health Lab
The ACA Turns 10 and Faces a Pandemic, an Election and a Supreme Court Case
The Affordable Care Act faces tests from COVID-19 as voters and justices determine the fate of its insurance programs and more.
cases of COVID-19. blue graph of curve fattening
Health Lab
The Curve is Fattening, Not Flattening. What Can We Do?
Flattening the curve was the key goal last spring. But a third wave of COVID-19 cases has begun as the coronavirus containment effort lapses, and the holidays are coming.
teenage girls studying in pod in family room
Health Lab
How to Keep COVID-19 From Invading Your “Pod” – and How to Stay Safe if It Does
Pods. Bubbles. Quaran-teams. Many Americans have joined small groups to support online learning, childcare or socialize in the time of COVID-19. But how can pods protect against coronavirus?
nursing home close to hospital
Health Lab
Proactivity and Partnership Pay Off for Nursing Homes in a Pandemic
The coronavirus has raced through nursing homes, causing many COVID-19 deaths, but proactive testing and prevention can keep infections low.
News Release
With Affordable Care Act’s future in the balance, U-M holds 10th anniversary discussion with national experts
This year marks both the 10th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and a pivotal moment for its future because of the national election and a pending Supreme Court case.
lights of different colors in a circular pattern
Health Lab
Distorted Reality: What to Do About Early Signs of Psychosis
Seeing, hearing or perceiving things that aren’t really there may seem like something to hide, but seeking help early can make a big difference.
News Release
Exploring the mind’s mysteries: 130 years of mental health care & innovation at U-M
When it opened in 1906 on Catherine Street near the University of Michigan’s main hospitals, the stately brick State Psychopathic Hospital meant something new in the world of mental health.
doctor helping gentleman looking at pills in pharmacy
Health Lab
Clashing Meds Can Put Older Adults at Risk, But Many Don’t Check with a Pharmacist
Medication reviews can spot risky drug interactions and chances to save money on prescriptions, but most older adults haven’t had one.
drawing of pills on lined paper in blue ink
Health Lab
Big Costs for Small Patients with Rare Diseases, Study Finds
Percentage of all child health spending that went to orphan drugs rose 65% in five years, while families’ portion rose even faster.
Teens home learning
Health Lab
What Do Teens and Young Adults Need to Get Through the Pandemic? Survey Gives Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting teen and college-age Americans in many ways, including their mental health.
oxygenator, pump, console, double lumen jugular cannula diagram of ECMO
Health Lab
ECMO: Last-Resort Life Support Option Helped Majority of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Survive, Global Study Shows
Survival rates for COVID-19 patients on ECMO life support is similar to that for other ARDS causes, a new study finds.
News Release
Firearms research at U-M gets a $4.6M boost with three new grants from CDC
In a milestone of research funding, three teams of University of Michigan researchers have received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address issues related to firearm injury.
Health Lab
Coping and Hoping: Mental Health Tips for Trying Times
Anxiety, depression, alcohol use and more have risen in 2020 thanks to COVID-19, social injustice and more. Experts offer tips for managing your mental health.
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