Student Maanya Pandey fights period poverty in Iowa

Maanya Pandey is a junior majoring in public health at the University of Iowa. She’s also the founder and president of Love For Red, a nonprofit she began when she was 15 to help address period poverty in Iowa. Several news outlets have highlighted her recent work. Published March 5, 2025

Askelson comments on rural food deserts

Natoshia Askelson, associate professor of community and behavioral health, recently discussed food deserts and the challenges many rural residents face accessing food. (Daily Iowan) Published March 5, 2025

Sercie Gee: Integrating research, policy, and community engagement

Sercie Gee is a first-year undergraduate student interested in the connections between public health and policy. She recently took some time to answer a few questions about her experiences both inside and outside of the classroom and how she plans to utilize her public health background in the future. Published March 3, 2025

Webinar: Overcoming Barriers to Oral Health

On March 11, join the Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy in partnership with the Midwestern Public Health Training Center and the UI Prevention Research Center for Rural Health, for “Overcoming Barriers to Oral Health.” This webinar will explore the importance of oral health promotion, including focusing on populations at higher risk for poor oral health, available resources, and strategies to increase awareness, improve access, and support healthier communities. Published February 27, 2025

Tristan Milarch: Building positive health outcomes and community connections

Meet Tristan Milarch, a first-year PhD student in the Department of Epidemiology. He recently answered a few questions about his interest in public health and the importance of student engagement outside of the classroom. Published February 26, 2025

Pre-conference workshop: Harnessing the Power of Community Engagement in Health

Join the Iowa Public Health Association on March 31 for a dynamic pre-conference workshop designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to strengthen civic participation for better community health outcomes. Students are encouraged to attend! Published February 26, 2025

Anjali Deshpande on her role as IPHA board president, public health challenges, and preparing students

In January 2025, Anjali Deshpande began a two-year term as president of the Iowa Public Health Association (IPHA) Board of Directors. She shared her thoughts about public health, serving as IPHA board president, and what she would like to help the organization accomplish during her tenure. Published February 26, 2025

Media roundup: 2025 Cancer in Iowa report

A number of news stories were generated about the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report and news conference that took place Feb. 25, 2025. Check out a sample of some of the media coverage. Published February 26, 2025

2025 ‘Cancer in Iowa’ report highlights cancer survivor needs

More Iowans are surviving cancer than ever before, but this population has unique needs that require specialized support from health care providers, communities, and caregivers, according to the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry.  Published February 26, 2025

Study finds relaxing licensing, training requirements didn’t improve nursing home staffing shortages

A new study of more than 15,000 nursing homes found no link between relaxed certified nurse aide training and licensing protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and improved staffing levels. The study was co-authored by CPH researchers Gulrukh Mehboob and Hari Sharma. (McKnight's Long-Term Care News) Published February 25, 2025