Public Health | Penn Today

Educational program successful at reducing forced sex in South African adolescents

A new study led by John B. Jemmott III, an Annenberg School professor, found that an educational program he designed for adolescents in South Africa reduces sexual assault among those students.

Sara Bachman named dean of Penn School of Social Policy & Practice

Bachman, an acclaimed scholar, epidemiologist and expert in social welfare policy, will lead the school beginning January 1st.

Jacksonville shooter legally armed himself in state with one of USA’s toughest gun laws

Susan Sorenson of the School of Social Policy & Practice discussed mental health and gun access in the U.S. “People get disappointed and angry and often that results in a tragedy,” said Sorenson. “But those reactions aren't unique to people with disorders, they’re unique to being human.”

Let there be light, in church

Marci Hamilton of the School of Arts and Sciences proposed requiring clergy to be mandated reporters of suspected abuse. “For a truly child-centered system of justice, we cannot trust religious institutions to police themselves,” said Hamilton.

A promising candidate for a universal flu vaccine

A flu vaccine that targets a deeper level of the virus itself may be the key to a universal flu vaccine that is more effective at protecting humans from any strain of flu each season.

Portland wanted to shelter every homeless family. The plan backfired, but it offers lessons for Seattle.

The School of Social Policy & Practice’s Dennis Culhane was cited for his research on homelessness. His study found that families generally try to avoid staying in shelters, opting to stay with family or friends, split housing costs with others, or move somewhere cheaper.

From addiction and loss to recovery and empathy: Q&A with Nicole O’Donnell

At Penn Medicine’s Center of Excellence, the certified recovery specialist reaches out to people who are addicted in need of support and guidance, drawing on her own experience to be uniquely helpful and intuitive for people who need the most help.

Under cover of goodness: How pillars of the community can prey on kids

Marci Hamilton of the School of Arts and Sciences offered practical advice for parents striving to protect children from abuse. “Whenever there is potential for blind trust,” said Hamilton, “it opens the door for the pedophile to get access to the child.”

The other side of “broken windows”

The School of Arts and Sciences’ John MacDonald was cited for his years of research into the correlation between the remediation of vacant lots and abandoned buildings, and the reduction of violent crime in urban areas.

‘Alarming’ diabetes epidemic in Guatemala tied to aging, not obesity

A new study by Penn Center for Global Health, published in PLOS One, finds that 25 percent of the large indigenous population in Guatemala has either type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes.

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