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
gun with American flag stripes on it
Health Lab
Epidemic of Firearm Injury Spurs New Wave of Research
Firearm injuries and deaths, from mass shootings to suicides, are a public health epidemic, but research on gun injury and death has lagged. New injury prevention studies could change that.
 woman on computer in room
Health Lab
Convenience Over Reputation: Study Looks at How Older Adults Pick a Doctor
Online doctor ratings may promise a better way to find a doctor but a poll shows most older adults don’t consider them very important when choosing a physician.
 Hands Wristwatch Vaccination Sticker saying "I got my COVID vaccine"
Health Lab
So You Got Vaccinated Against COVID-19. Now What?
After your vaccinated can you go out in public? Could you still get sick? Do you have to quarantine? Answer to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
 people talking with masks on with question bubble and exclamation bubble above their heads
Health Lab
Confused About What to Do After a COVID Test or Exposure? Start Here
Do you have to quarantine if you’ve gotten the COVID-19 vaccine? Who has to go into isolation after a coronavirus exposure, and for how long? A handy guide.
 lab notes rx money badge yellow
Health Lab
A Few Hundred Dollars Makes a Difference in Use of Long-Lasting Birth Control
LARC use by women in high-deductible health plans rose faster than use by other women after Affordable Care Act cut cost.
 woman in bed blowing nose
Health Lab
Virtual “Urgent Care” May Lead to Higher Rates of Downstream Follow-Up Care, Study Suggests
Direct-to-consumer telehealth is a growing industry, especially for urgent care after business hours, but it may not prevent downstream appointments as much as hoped.
 couple sitting at table with newspaper
Health Lab
Despite Pandemic, Most Older Adults Haven’t Recorded Their Health Wishes
Advance care planning, including living wills and powers of attorney, can help older adults express their health care wishes. The pandemic offers a chance for families and providers to have these conversations. 
 Surgery table under light yellow surgery badge
Health Lab
Virtual Visits for New Surgery Patients Rose Quickly but Fell Sharply
Study of telehealth use for new-patient appointments shows trends in 2020 and comparison with 2019
Health Lab
Buying your own health insurance has gotten a lot less expensive
Health insurance costs will go down for many people who buy plans on the federal Marketplace at Healthcare.gov thanks to the American Rescue Plan.
News Release
U-M Depression Center to be named for Eisenberg family, in recognition of $30M in giving
The University of Michigan Board of Regents today approved the renaming of the U-M Depression Center for Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg and their family, in recognition of their transformational $30 million total giving to depression research and scholarship.
 tooth with life belt in white and red
Health Lab
Medicaid Expansion Made Mouths Healthier, Study Finds
Medicaid expansion in Michigan led to better oral health among enrollees, and some reporters this improved their ability to perform at work or seek a job.
 senior woman sitting with dog on lap
Health Lab
One in 10 Older Adults Have Gotten a “Pandemic Pet,” Poll Finds
People over 50 have been getting pandemic puppies, dogs and cats, and other companion animals, in 2020 and early 2021, according to a new poll.
Health Lab
Wanting the Pandemic to be Over is Not Enough
As vaccination continues, the power of masks and distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus is still critical to reducing disease and death from COVID-19
 mask on brown books with covid anniversary stamp on bottom left in yellow and blue
Health Lab
What Will Future Historians Say About COVID-19?
Research on the history of pandemics shaped COVID-19 response, and studying the current pandemic could help reduce future death tolls.
 grey outline on light blue background of see through head and neck with the smallest one inside being full of covid red cells
Health Lab
12 Mental Health Tips as Life Gets 'Back to Normal'
The anniversaries of COVID-19 lockdowns, deaths, and other milestones may hit you and others hard. Tips for coping or preventing distress.
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