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
Health Lab
A ‘game changer’ for mental health
The MC3 program provides psychiatric expertise on-demand to primary care providers in Michigan as they manage mental health conditions in young or pregnant patients
Illustration of scientists and doctors playing basketball in white coats and scrubs
News Release
Four U-M science teams picked for STAT Madness tournament
Four research teams, all led by researchers from Michigan Medicine, have been picked for the STAT Madness tournament based on papers published in 2022 on a wide range of topics, from COVID-19 to gut microbes to depression risk.
hand holding older hand over blanket
Health Lab
What experts wish more people knew about hospice and other end-of-life care
Hospice, palliative care, end-of-life decisions, long-term care insurance and durable power of attorney are all things people with serious health issues should think about.
Hot dog, pizza, hamburgers and fries
Health Lab
1 in 8 Americans over 50 show signs of food addiction
Highly processed foods can act on the brain in ways that spark cravings, emotional reactions and signs of addiction, and a new poll shows how many older adults experience this.
Doctor handing patient a prescription
Health Lab
Got questions about weight-loss drugs? These experts have answers
Courtney Weirauch didn’t know what lymphangioleiomyomatosis was – but she quickly learned about the rare lung condition and how it would impact her life.
Watercolor Painting People Rain Umbrella
Health Lab
Support from others in stressful times can ease impact of genetic depression risk
Stress can interact with genetic vulnerability to depression, and with added or lacking support from friends and family, to affect depressive symptoms.
Woman walking on purple tightrope hand holding umbrella purple pink and off white color
Health Lab
Health insurance changes are coming – don’t get caught without coverage
An “unwinding” of pandemic-era policies for Medicaid and other insurance programs for low-income people means millions of people have to submit information about their incomes or get new insurance plans
Health Lab
Peek inside a bank full of priceless gifts
Blood banks need constant supply of deposits to meet the needs of patients with cancer, traumatic injuries, failing organs, blood diseases and more.
Empty chair with a teddy bear laying on it.
Health Lab
Suicidal teens and other kids in mental health crisis languish in ERs
Children and teens experiencing mental health emergencies wait longer for care than those with non-mental emergencies.
Graphic of a person being pushed in a wheelchair and a second person checking in at the front desk
Health Lab
Cost concerns keep older adults from seeking emergency care
People in their pre-Medicare years, especially those uninsured or with low incomes, are most likely to skip a trip to the ER because of what they might have to pay.
older woman speaking to care provider low
Health Lab
Most older adults are wary of mixing health care and religion or spirituality, poll finds
But majority see role for health care providers in finding meaning or hope in the face of illness, and are comfortable discussing their beliefs with their providers.
senior walker silhouette playground children
Health Lab
“Sandwich generation” study shows challenges of caring for both kids and aging parents
Millions of American caregivers are part of a sandwich generation caring for aging parents and children. A new study shows the stress they’re under.
hospital bed
Health Lab
No advantage to Medicare Advantage seen in heart attack survival
The gap in this key outcome for traditional and private-insurer Medicare participants has narrowed in recent years, though differences remain in care during and after hospitalization.
teen hunter orange hat vest
Health Lab
Tailored approach makes inroads in rural firearm safe storage
Rural gun-owning families responded favorably to a customized intervention to increase safe storage of rifles, handguns and other firearms in homes with children.
medical center childrens sign hospital
Health Lab
Firearm injuries in kids leave lasting mental scars, study finds
New mental health diagnoses are common after a firearm injury or a motor vehicle crash injury in children and teens, but more common in those who have been shot.
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