Public Health

young girl getting vaccination

Public health considers health issues from the perspective of the population rather than the individual. RAND Health conducts research on many public health issues, including:

  • disaster preparedness and recovery
  • surveillance, prevention, and management of infectious disease outbreaks
  • screening for and prevention of chronic diseases
  • strengthening the public health infrastructure.

From the RAND Blog

H7N9 Bird Flu — Health Authorities Are Prepared, but Must Stay on High Alert — May 10, 2013

Lab specialist working on avian influenzaHaving dealt with outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu and other communicable diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and H1N1 swine flu in 2009, health officials are now far better prepared to detect new diseases early and react quickly to monitor and contain their spread.

Why U.S. Was Surprised, but Prepared for Boston Attack — Apr 18, 2013

Boston Marathon bombing - first respondersAlthough official after-action reports are still being compiled, it looks like Boston's first responders and hospitals delivered under difficult circumstances, writes Arthur Kellermann.

Latest Research and Publications

Hospital Emergency Departments Play a Growing Role in the U.S. Health Care System

patients in a waiting roomEmergency departments account for a rising proportion of hospital admissions and serve increasingly as an advanced diagnostic center for primary care physicians. While often targeted as the most expensive place to get medical care, emergency rooms remain an important safety net for Americans who cannot get care elsewhere.

What Influences Whether Alcohol Merchants Enforce Practices for Reducing Underage Drinking?

liquor store merchantMerchants who engage in state-approved “responsible beverage service” training are more likely to believe they'll be cited for selling alcohol to minors. Therefore, targeting merchant attitudes could be a successful way to encourage them to check IDs.

Depression During Childbearing: A Major Public Health Concern

depressed pregnant womanNearly 15 percent of women develop depressive episodes during pregnancy. A similar percentage develop depression in the first three months following birth. Physiologic and psychological challenges unique to pregnancy can complicate the identification and management of perinatal depression.
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Cover: Building Community Resilience to Disasters

Building Community Resilience to Disasters: A Roadmap to Guide Local Planning

Examines ways in which communities can improve their ability to withstand and recover from adversity.

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