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
senior woman climbs stairs and holds railing
Health Lab
The pandemic may have increased older adults’ fall risk
Falls are a major cause of injury to older adults but the pandemic led to a drop in physical condition and increase in fear of falling that could increase risk of injury.
 brain colorful drawing active symbols represented inside on white background
Health Lab
A game-changer for mental health: Sports icons open up
Olympic sports stars speaking up about depression, anxiety and mental health challenges, reducing stigma and helping younger athletes know how and when to seek help.
 therapist with patient on couch in purple and sage green
Health Lab
Study suggests need to screen older adults for mental health symptoms as pandemic continues
Living through COVID-19 era has tested the mental resiliency of many older Americans; some groups appear more affected than others. 
 Covid women missed appointments displaying as purple among the clouds
Health Lab
From birth control to mammograms, many women missed out on preventive care for all of 2020
The pandemic made many women miss cancer screenings, STI screenings and birth control care in early 2020, and many never made up for lost time.
 colored pencils coronavirus vaccine vial
Health Lab
10 reasons to put the COVID-19 vaccine on your back-to-school list
Starting the COVID-19 vaccination process in July and August can prepare teens and young adults for a safe school year and protect children who can’t be vaccinated.
 flower petal clock with leaf on washed wood background
Health Lab
“Springing forward” affects early birds less than night owls, study finds
Daylight Saving Time shift that loses an hour of sleep affects people whose genetic profile makes them “night owls” more than it does “early birds”.
 fireworks over the lake in dark blue night sky and fireworks bright orange
Health Lab
Serious fireworks injuries doubled after Michigan law changed
Firework laws in Michigan changed in 2012 to allow purchase and use of airborne pyrotechnics; traumatic injuries from them doubled.
 Scales healthcare money on a weigh scale with red background
Health Lab
What happens when preventive care becomes free to patients?
Preventive services such as mammograms, birth control, immunizations and colonoscopy have no out-of-pocket costs under the Affordable Care Act.
 iphone in hand with purple background showing medical appointment reminder
Health Lab
One-third of older Americans delayed health care over COVID concerns
Worries about getting exposed to coronavirus in health care settings has led older adults to delay care during the pandemic.
 super computer with scientist in front of it showing COVID michigan data
Health Lab
Teamwork saves lives: COVID-19 hospital network shares key lessons to improve care
Hospitals across Michigan pooled COVID-19 patient data to reduce variation and improve outcomes in care, including antibiotic use, mortality risk prediction and VTE prophylaxis.
 Doctor hand selecting a prescription bottle
Health Lab
Many surgery patients get opioid prescriptions, but many don’t need to, study suggests
Opioid pain medication carries risks
 older man drinking red wine from glass
Health Lab
Poll finds risky drinking patterns in older adults during pandemic
Pandemic alcohol use has gotten a lot of attention but new poll data show problematic drinking by many older adults.
 drawing of brain in blue ink with lab note badge in yellow bottom right
Health Lab
Harnessing healthy behaviors to prevent dementia
Maintaining a healthy brain is another good reason people can take action on diet, blood pressure, exercise, alcohol, social interaction and more.
News Release
U-M to establish new Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention
The University of Michigan will launch a new Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention to generate knowledge and advance innovative solutions that reduce firearm injury, a public health crisis that leads to more than 100 deaths per day across the United States.
 hand reaching for carrot sticks in air with blue sky background
Health Lab
What will it take to get more of the U.S. vaccinated against COVID-19?
Prizes, lotteries, discounts and freebies for COVID-19 vaccination may help overcome vaccine hesitancy and reward the vaccinated too
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