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
side by side of covid simulated tweets
Health Lab
From the Heart: Study Shows Impact of Social Media Appeals from COVID-19 Frontliners
Emergency physicians sharing personal messages has across-the-board impact, randomized simulation finds.
News Release
Season of Giving: Michigan Medicine hosts new community-wide food drive to help neighbors in need
The season of giving has once again arrived in Michigan. But this one comes amid a surging pandemic, an economic downturn, and a looming deadline for continuation of federal financial relief.
 drawing in blue ink of drugs and syringes
Health Lab
People in Addiction Recovery Less Likely to Get Effective Depression Care
Veterans in recovery treatment for addiction received worse care for a new diagnosis of depression than other veterans, including antidepressants and psychotherapy.
News Release
The Catherine Street Hospitals: The start of the modern U-M medical campus
This week in 1891, two massive new brick buildings opened on Catherine Street in Ann Arbor, ushering in a new era of U-M medical care.
Health Lab
Why Do Contagious Diseases Evade Eradication?
Plagues and pandemics have persisted through the ages, and lessons from the fights against syphilis and HIV AIDS could inform the fight against COVID-19.
 black background with outlines of people's faces with masks in neon pink yellow and blue
Health Lab
Primary Care in a Pandemic: Spotting Mental Health Needs During COVID and More
Primary care providers are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic’s mental health effects on their patients. A new toolkit offers support.
Medicine at Michigan
Even the Richest Americans Have Worse Health Outcomes than the English
A new study shows the difference in health between rich and poor is much larger in the U.S.
 health care worker in blue scrubs and mask giving woman with blonde hair and mask a shot in her arm
Health Lab
Over Half of Adults Over 50 Say They’ll Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19, but Many Will Want To Wait
Widespread vaccination against coronavirus is the only way to stop the COVID-19 pandemic but a new poll suggests older adults may need some convincing to get the vaccine
 doctors nurses in full ppe
Health Lab
Life After COVID-19 Hospitalization: Major Lasting Effects on Health, Work and More
Outcomes two months after a hospital stay for COVID-19 include high rates of death, rehospitalization, lingering health issues and problems with work and finances.
News Release
Serving those who served: U-M and the VA Ann Arbor hospital
Across the country, university hospitals and medical schools had stepped forward to partner with the Veterans Administration and make sure that care was available.
Health Lab
What’s at Stake in the Supreme Court’s ACA Case?
The Affordable Care Act is in front of the Supreme Court, and the health insurance of millions could change if it’s overturned.
 surgeon in blue scrubs holding pack of pills and scapel in other hand with white gloves on
Health Lab
Taking a Scalpel to Opioid Painkiller Risks
Surgery shouldn’t lead to opioid dependence or addiction, but research is showing ways to prevent it.
News Release
Voting from a hospital bed: Emergency absentee ballot help available for Michigan Medicine patients
A medical emergency doesn’t have to keep Michigan Medicine patients from casting their ballot in the Nov. 3 national, state and local election, thanks to the efforts of a team of staff and medical students.
 person delivering forceries to elderly couple
Health Lab
Feeling Helpless as the Pandemic Continues? 26 Things You Can Do to Help
How to assist your community, neighbors, family and friends through the fall and winter.
 young female voting at the polls
Health Lab
On Eve of Election, Young People Share Views on Healthcare and More
Pandemic and health issues are top of mind for the election, and changes to reproductive health funding are unpopular among people ages 14-24.
  • …
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
    •