January 2022

In our latest edition of Health Policy and Population Health News, we’re highlighting a critical report designed to help address and eliminate racism in primary care preventive services and sharing recent insights on vaccination rates among first responders. Check out some of these stories and more to learn how Abt scientists and researchers are working to advance health policy and promote better health for everyone. 

Addressing Racism in Preventive Services: A Methods Project for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

In 2020, following the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) formally acknowledged that systemic racism prevents many Black, Indigenous, and Latinx people from fully benefiting from recommended clinical preventive services.

This new report is a first step in helping the USPSTF to understand how racism impedes the achievement of prevention goals.

High Burden of COVID-19 among Unvaccinated Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters

COVID-19 was the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths for police in 2021. Abt and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention found their low vaccination rates could threaten public safety. Unvaccinated police were 20 times more likely than vaccinated colleagues to get COVID-19. Only 35 percent of police believe government vaccine information.

Downside Risk and Big Savings: Lessons from the ACO AIM

New research, published in Health Affairs, found a payment model targeting rural healthcare providers saved Medicare $381.5 million, but participants exited the program when asked to take on more risk. Read more or listen to Matt Trombley discuss the findings on Health Affairs’ A Health Podyssey podcast.

The Social Determinants Accelerator Act of 2021: An Opportunity for Reducing the Burden of Chronic Disease in Rural Health

Chronic diseases disproportionately impact the rural U.S., where people are older and sicker on average than their urban counterparts. New legislation could address disparities resulting from social determinants of health in rural areas but, writes Jean O’Connor, the efforts must be informed and focused.

What We're Listening To

Climate Change, Heat, and Health

How have climate change and COVID-19 affected health and equity for the people of San Ildefonso, New Mexico? Abt’s Kaylene Ritter spoke with the pueblo’s Lieutenant Governor, Raymond Martinez, in an episode of our health, climate, and equity podcast miniseries. Have a listen!