https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-rss/?orgId=120405&title=Latest+News A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Housing and Health Equity Lab en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Thu, 14 May 2026 19:06:22 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/above-and-beyond/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/above-and-beyond/ The YSPH community came together on May 13th to recognize faculty and staff excellence, and to unveil its new ceremonial mace. Wed, 13 May 2026 17:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/two-ysph-trained-yale-students-one-marshall-scholarship-one-rhodes-scholar/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/two-ysph-trained-yale-students-one-marshall-scholarship-one-rhodes-scholar/ Two senior undergraduate students at Yale, each of whom conducted extensive research in labs at the Yale School of Public Health (YSPH), were recent recipients of prestigious awards for postgraduate study. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/2026/03/17/its-not-complicated-homelessness-is-a-housing-problem-danya/ https://ctmirror.org/2026/03/17/its-not-complicated-homelessness-is-a-housing-problem-danya/ While households wait for subsidies and struggle with unaffordable rents, even a temporary financial shock can push them into homelessness, YSPH Professor Danya Keene and colleagues say in this Op-Ed. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/criminalization-and-forced-treatment-undermine-real-solutions-homelessness-crisis https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/criminalization-and-forced-treatment-undermine-real-solutions-homelessness-crisis On a single night in 2024, more than 770,000 individuals experienced homelessness in the United States. This reflects the highest number of individuals experiencing homelessness ever recorded in US history, and a continued reversal in the declining trend seen between 2007 and 2016. Mon, 11 Aug 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/housing-and-health-equity-lab-community-report-2025/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/housing-and-health-equity-lab-community-report-2025/ We’re excited to share our annual Community Report. This report highlights our activities, research efforts, and key findings over the past year—and it reflects the insight, dedication, and hard work of our entire community. Sun, 01 Jun 2025 04:00:00 Z https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/5324452-more-renters-are-getting-lawyers-during-evictions-and-thats-a-good-thing/ https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/5324452-more-renters-are-getting-lawyers-during-evictions-and-thats-a-good-thing/ In their recent opinion piece, our colleagues Peter Hepburn and Emily Benfer argue that right to counsel programs are an essential, locally led strategy to safeguard low-income renters from eviction and homelessness amid declining federal support. Fri, 30 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/2025/03/25/the-health-effects-of-uncertainty-how-proposed-cuts-to-federal-aid-are-already-harming-families-penelope/ https://ctmirror.org/2025/03/25/the-health-effects-of-uncertainty-how-proposed-cuts-to-federal-aid-are-already-harming-families-penelope/ Public assistance programs are designed to support vulnerable individuals. Proposed widespread cuts in assistance programs would cause disruptions in health care access, food security, and housing stability to many in Connecticut, Penelope Schlesinger, MPH, manager of the Yale School of Public Health's Housing and Health Equity Lab says in this commentary. Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://progressive.org/op-eds/why-america-needs-to-hear-about-lesotho-smith-20250313/ https://progressive.org/op-eds/why-america-needs-to-hear-about-lesotho-smith-20250313/ The Trump Administration's cuts to USAID funding endanger the lives of millions and imperil decades worth of health care progress. Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/5-years-with-covid-19/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/5-years-with-covid-19/ March 11, 2025, marks five years since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. We asked Yale School of Public Health faculty, staff, students, and alumni to reflect on the lessons they have learned since March 11, 2020, and how to apply those lessons if we are confronted with another health crisis. Their responses highlight the importance of community, collaboration, communication, and innovation. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 04:01:00 Z https://www.courant.com/2024/11/14/opinion-medical-providers-and-researchers-call-to-end-ct-homeless-encampment-displacements/ https://www.courant.com/2024/11/14/opinion-medical-providers-and-researchers-call-to-end-ct-homeless-encampment-displacements/ Fabiola Arbelo Cruz, MD; Caroline Dumont, MD, MPH; Emma Lo, MD; Annie Harper, PhD; Billy Bromage, MSW; and Lori Wallace, PhD, MPH advocate in The Hartford Courant for officials to stop displacing the homeless from encampments in Connecticut. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/army-veteran-chose-ysph-for-collaborative-environment-and-opportunities/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/army-veteran-chose-ysph-for-collaborative-environment-and-opportunities/ This month's Student Spotlight focuses on Galen Jones, MPH/MBA '26 (Health Care Management). Jones, who spent nine years in the Army as a Special Forces medical sergeant, he came to YSPH as a Pat Tillman Scholar. Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/housing-and-health-equity-lab-member-cassandra-michel-presents-at-apha/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/housing-and-health-equity-lab-member-cassandra-michel-presents-at-apha/ The Housing and Health Equity lab is thrilled to announce that our outstanding student research assistant, Cassandra Michel, recently presented at the APHA conference in Minneapolis. Cassandra's presentation, titled "Unveiling the Impact of Pandemic Eviction Prevention Policies on Health Equity," drew on interviews with tenants in Columbus, OH, and Bridgeport, CT, to examine their experiences with Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) available to those facing eviction during the pandemic. Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:30:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2024-09-16/amid-surge-in-climate-related-power-outages-dangers-arise-for-patients-with-home-medical-devices https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2024-09-16/amid-surge-in-climate-related-power-outages-dangers-arise-for-patients-with-home-medical-devices Annie Harper, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry, spoke to Connecticut Public Radio for a story about the increase in power outages due to climate change, and the need to provide power to people who rely on home medical devices. Tue, 17 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://streetlightnews.org/housing-assistance-background-checks/ https://streetlightnews.org/housing-assistance-background-checks/ This year, Tulsa County, Oklahoma’s annual homeless census found that of the area’s estimated 1,427 people experiencing homelessness, 56% had a history of incarceration. After leaving prison, people often have trouble finding jobs and housing that accept applicants who have been incarcerated, which can lead to homelessness. Mon, 17 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/ysph-appoints-two-new-biostatistics-assistant-professors/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/ysph-appoints-two-new-biostatistics-assistant-professors/ The Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) has announced the appointment of two new assistant professors, Lee Kennedy-Shaffer, PhD, and Qiao Liu, PhD, in the Department of Biostatistics. Wed, 05 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/2024/04/22/ct-homeless-services-supreme-court/ https://ctmirror.org/2024/04/22/ct-homeless-services-supreme-court/ Today the Supreme Court is hearing the most significant case related to the rights of those experiencing homelessness in U.S. history. The case, Johnson v. Grants Pass, will determine if cities are able to punish people for acts such as sleeping outside in a tent or in their car, even when they have no other place to go. Mon, 22 Apr 2024 16:00:00 Z https://www.ctinsider.com/recordjournal/article/affordable-housing-health-issues-ct-yale-19383923.php https://www.ctinsider.com/recordjournal/article/affordable-housing-health-issues-ct-yale-19383923.php As the housing crisis continues and rent prices rise, YSPH Associate Professor Danya Keene says Connecticut residents spend too much of their income on rent and sacrifice other essentials that could impact their overall health. Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://evictionhelpct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/RTC-Qualitative-Report-Sept-26.pdf https://evictionhelpct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/RTC-Qualitative-Report-Sept-26.pdf In May 2021, the Connecticut General Assembly enacted Public Act 21-34, establishing the right to legal representation for tenants under threat of eviction and making Connecticut one of the first states to do so. Governor Ned Lamont’s signature established the Connecticut Right to Counsel Program (CTRTC) beginning in July 2021. The program provides no-cost legal representation to income-eligible tenants and occupants at risk of eviction. This report captures the experiences of tenants, rental property owners, and other stakeholders involved with CT-RTC during the first year of RTC in CT. Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2024/01/31/blending-research-and-advocacy-yales-housing-and-health-equity-lab-tackles-homelessness-through-a-scientific-lens/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2024/01/31/blending-research-and-advocacy-yales-housing-and-health-equity-lab-tackles-homelessness-through-a-scientific-lens/ Founded by YSPH Associate Professor Danya Keene, the YSPH lab explores the links between housing and health, promoting policy interventions to enhance housing access and reduce racial health disparities. Wed, 31 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/glycemic-control-complications-older-adults-diabetes/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/glycemic-control-complications-older-adults-diabetes/ Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level plays an important role in type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment, serving as an important indicator of an individual’s glucose control. The Endocrine Society has outlined specific HbA1c target ranges for older adults (above 65 years of age), based on their individual health status as being either in good, intermediate, or poor health. Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/01/10/high-rent-bad-health-short-lifespan/71891093007/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/01/10/high-rent-bad-health-short-lifespan/71891093007/ Paying high rent is stressful, and a recent study found it can actually shorten your lifespan. YSPH Associate Professor Danya Keene is featured. Wed, 10 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/senators-say-diabetes-and-obesity-epidemics-are-harming-health-of-millions-of-americans-and-costing-billions-of-dollars/ https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/senators-say-diabetes-and-obesity-epidemics-are-harming-health-of-millions-of-americans-and-costing-billions-of-dollars/ Kasia Lipska, MD, MHS, associate professor of medicine (endocrinology), testified at a Senate HELP Committee hearing titled, “What is Fueling the Diabetes Epidemic?” Thu, 14 Dec 2023 19:40:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/2023/10/18/ct-tenants-rights-protections-senate-bill-99/ https://ctmirror.org/2023/10/18/ct-tenants-rights-protections-senate-bill-99/ Since the state-wide pandemic eviction moratorium expired on June 30, 2021, eviction rates in Connecticut have increased dramatically and have consistently stayed above pre-pandemic eviction rates. Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/orientation-session-introduces-ysph-students-to-diverse-community-public-health-initiatives/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/orientation-session-introduces-ysph-students-to-diverse-community-public-health-initiatives/ The Office of Public Health Practice recently held its inaugural New Student Orientation Session, a schoolwide event intended to introduce students to some of the focus areas of the public health sector and provide them with important insights on working with community partners. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-08-16/how-cts-covid-era-eviction-moratorium-helped-renters-exposed-system-weaknesses https://www.ctpublic.org/news/2023-08-16/how-cts-covid-era-eviction-moratorium-helped-renters-exposed-system-weaknesses During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut was credited with having one of the most comprehensive eviction moratoriums and protections in the nation. Wed, 16 Aug 2023 20:00:00 Z https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/eviction-moratorium-connecticut-18258302.php https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/eviction-moratorium-connecticut-18258302.php Connecticut's eviction moratorium helped tenants fare better than those in other states during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers report in a new study. Tue, 25 Jul 2023 15:00:00 Z https://evictionlab.org/in-their-own-words-how-tenants-experienced-eviction-moratoria/ https://evictionlab.org/in-their-own-words-how-tenants-experienced-eviction-moratoria/ During the pandemic federal, state and local leaders attempted to prevent widespread eviction and its negative health effects through moratoria and other protections. Previous research has shown how effective these policies were in reducing formal case filings, but how did renters understand, interpret, and respond to these protections in their daily lives? How did they benefit and what challenges did they experience accessing these benefits? Mon, 17 Jul 2023 04:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/04/13/ysph-study-links-rental-assistance-with-increased-food-security-and-nutrition/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/04/13/ysph-study-links-rental-assistance-with-increased-food-security-and-nutrition/ When Whitney Denary, a first year PhD student at the Yale School of Public Health, began speaking to community members struggling to pay rent, one theme stood out: how high rent forced families to choose between housing and healthy food. As a result of rising housing costs — she noticed — families opted to purchase cheaper, unhealthier foods in lieu of fruits and vegetables. Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.wshu.org/podcast/the-full-story/2023-04-07/staying-housed-and-healthy https://www.wshu.org/podcast/the-full-story/2023-04-07/staying-housed-and-healthy WSHU's The Full Story speaks with researchers and advocates who are working to understand and stem the impact that housing insecurity has on people's health. Fri, 07 Apr 2023 04:00:00 Z https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/03/31/new-haven-tenants-raise-health-concerns-over-living-conditions/ https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2023/03/31/new-haven-tenants-raise-health-concerns-over-living-conditions/ Several tenants told the News that despite repeated complaints to landlords and Livable City Initiative, nothing was done to address potentially hazardous living situations. Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:00:00 Z https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/economy-business/2023-03-27/research-high-rent-burden-negatively-impacts-mental-health https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/economy-business/2023-03-27/research-high-rent-burden-negatively-impacts-mental-health Residents who spend more than 30 percent of their paycheck on rent are shown to experience higher rates of anxiety and depression, according to a study published in Social Science and Medicine. Mon, 27 Mar 2023 04:00:00 Z https://www.newark.rutgers.edu/news/sociologist-gets-nih-funding-study-links-between-eviction-and-mortality https://www.newark.rutgers.edu/news/sociologist-gets-nih-funding-study-links-between-eviction-and-mortality A Rutgers University–Newark sociologist has been awarded a $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to evaluate the effects of pandemic eviction-prevention policies on individual and community mortality. Wed, 26 Oct 2022 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/housing-and-health-equity-fall-2022-newsletter/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/housing-and-health-equity-fall-2022-newsletter/ Our lab is focused on understanding the health implications of the current affordable housing crisis. Our research seeks to illuminate the toll of large, unequal, and unmet housing needs and to examine the health impacts of housing policies. We are grateful to our community partners, funders and the many individuals who have shared their lived experiences of housing vulnerability and housing activism with our research team. This report provides a brief summary of some of our work over the past year. We hope you find it informative. We welcome any questions or comments and would be happy to provide more information. Tue, 20 Sep 2022 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/ysph-study-hotel-housing-improves-well-being-of-individuals-experiencing-homelessness/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/ysph-study-hotel-housing-improves-well-being-of-individuals-experiencing-homelessness/ A new YSPH study, published in the journal Housing Policy Debate, concludes that using hotels for temporarily housing homeless individuals had a positive impact on their lives - something that could have implications for future ways of addressing homelessness in general. Thu, 15 Sep 2022 04:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2022/07/05/insulin-extreme-financial-burden-over-14-americans-who-use-it https://news.yale.edu/2022/07/05/insulin-extreme-financial-burden-over-14-americans-who-use-it Much of the rising cost can be attributed to supply chains that have become more complicated, researchers said. Each step added to the chain means another entity is collecting profits, leading to higher costs for patients dependent on insulin. Wed, 06 Jul 2022 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/speaking-out-for-medicare-for-all/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/speaking-out-for-medicare-for-all/ In pursuit of health equity, members of the Yale School of Medicine community advocate for Medicare for All. Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:00:00 Z https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/an-advocate-for-dignity-and-housing/ https://medicine.yale.edu/ysph/about-school-of-public-health/communications-public-relations/publications/public-health-magazine/article/an-advocate-for-dignity-and-housing/ YSPH student researches local homelessness during pandemic with an eye toward helping those in need. Wed, 01 Sep 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/hotel-housing-for-adults-experiencing-homelessness-in-new-haven-ct-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-leah-robinson/ https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/hotel-housing-for-adults-experiencing-homelessness-in-new-haven-ct-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-leah-robinson/ In March of 2020, the United States issued an executive order enabling funds from FEMA’s Public Assistance program to be used to cover 75% of costs related to non-congregate sheltering for individuals experiencing homelessness. In New Haven, this enabled the city to contract with two hotels, the Village Suites and the La Quinta Inn and Suites, to house individuals residing in congregate shelters or experiencing unsheltered homelessness. Wed, 05 May 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/right-to-counsel-is-both-a-housing-and-public-health-intervention/ https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/right-to-counsel-is-both-a-housing-and-public-health-intervention/ The COVID 19 pandemic exposed and clarified the significance of housing for health and well-being. Recognition that housing instability and homelessness contributed to the spread of COVID 19 spurred urgent and creative action to address symptoms of a longstanding affordable housing crisis including the risk of eviction from rental housing. As one example, here in Connecticut, a statewide moratorium on evictions helped keep renters housed when pandemic related wage loss caused them to fall behind on rent. Wed, 28 Apr 2021 04:00:00 Z https://familywnews.com/health-news/nursing-home-residents-at-risk-for-overtreatment-of-diabetes/ https://familywnews.com/health-news/nursing-home-residents-at-risk-for-overtreatment-of-diabetes/ Nursing home residents at risk for overtreatment of diabetes Mon, 01 Mar 2021 04:00:00 Z https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/build-public-housing-in-the-suburbs-to-improve-population-health/ https://ctmirror.org/category/ct-viewpoints/build-public-housing-in-the-suburbs-to-improve-population-health/ The COVID-19 pandemic has brought renewed attention to a pre-existing and severe affordable rental housing crisis throughout the U.S. and here in Connecticut. Prior to the pandemic, there was no state in this country where a full-time minimum wage job was sufficient to affordably rent a one- bedroom apartment. Here in Connecticut, nearly two full-time jobs were needed. Mon, 15 Feb 2021 04:00:00 Z https://theappeal.org/authors/gregg-gonsalves/ https://theappeal.org/authors/gregg-gonsalves/ The CDC must immediately extend its emergency eviction moratorium to give the Biden administration and Congress time to provide additional emergency rental assistance. Mon, 07 Dec 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.ctinsider.com/news/nhregister/article/Experts-Racism-at-root-of-public-health-gap-15383812.php?src=nhrhpcp&_ga=2.64947311.1562278791.1594118054-816457636.1594118054 https://www.ctinsider.com/news/nhregister/article/Experts-Racism-at-root-of-public-health-gap-15383812.php?src=nhrhpcp&_ga=2.64947311.1562278791.1594118054-816457636.1594118054 Public health professionals and scholars have written for decades about systemic racism being a major cause of Americans who are Black, Hispanic or Native American having poorer health and life expectancy than whites. Tue, 07 Jul 2020 04:00:00 Z https://iaphs.org/staying-home-without-a-home-the-housing-crisis-and-covid-19/ https://iaphs.org/staying-home-without-a-home-the-housing-crisis-and-covid-19/ Since the early days of the United States’ COVID-19 pandemic, state and local officials have raised concerns about the unique challenges that the virus poses to individuals who lack a place to call home. The challenges of “sheltering in place” for those who lack shelter are abundantly clear. Indeed, several cities are reporting high numbers of cases among individuals staying in homeless shelters and on the street. Some local governments have worked to mitigate this problem by finding temporary sources of housing in hotels and other properties. Wed, 29 Apr 2020 04:00:00 Z https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-22/how-does-overcrowded-housing-affect-the-spread-of-coronavirus https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-22/how-does-overcrowded-housing-affect-the-spread-of-coronavirus Lorenzo Salinas doesn’t know how he’ll pay next month’s rent, much less how he would keep his whole family from getting sick if one of them fell ill with the coronavirus. There’s little space to spare in the two-bedroom apartment in South Los Angeles where he lives with his wife and three children, ages 11 to 20. Wed, 22 Apr 2020 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/mortgage-strain-associated-with-stigma-mental-health-issues-1/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/mortgage-strain-associated-with-stigma-mental-health-issues-1/ The recent foreclosure crisis, which skyrocketed from 650,000 homes in 2007 to 2.9 million just three years later, was an economic disaster, but it also triggered a mental health crisis for many as they struggled to stay financially afloat. Fri, 26 Jun 2015 04:00:00 Z https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/racial-health-disparities-can-undermine-dreams-of-home-ownership-for-african-americans/ https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/lab/handh/news-article/racial-health-disparities-can-undermine-dreams-of-home-ownership-for-african-americans/ Racial inequities in health intersect with other factors such as wealth inequalities, the recession and subprime lending, to increase foreclosure risk for African-American homeowners, a new study lead by a Yale School of Public Heath researcher has found. Tue, 07 Oct 2014 04:00:00 Z