Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager

Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag
Kara Gavin photo
friends talking outside older walking smiling
Health Lab
Older adults’ health may get a little help from their friends 
Close friendships include help with health-related advice or support for people over 50, but those with major mental or physical health issues have fewer close friends.
 out the window woman staring
Health Lab
1 in 3 older adults still experience loneliness and isolation
Rates of loneliness and social isolation in older people have declined from pandemic highs, but are still a problem especially for those with mental or physical health issues or disabilities.
 family of four sitting on couch in living room looking at an ipad laughing
Health Lab
Grandparents help grandkids in many ways – but the reverse may be true too
A poll shows the many ways (childcare, nutrition, major expenses) that grandparents help their grandchildren, but also suggests a link to older adults’ sense of isolation and their mental health.
 woman touching back leaning forward in pain at desk light powder blue button down
Health Lab
Does virtual care mean low-value care? Study says no
The rise of telehealth has come with concerns that it could encourage use of low-value care that’s not needed. But a study suggests this hasn't happened.
 blurred front door exit with people walking through in blue see through doors
Health Lab
Medicare has a revolving door, study suggests
Medicare Advantage vs traditional Medicare is an annual Open Enrollment decision, and a new study looks at how many older adults revolve between the two.
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News Release
Four U-M faculty elected to National Academy of Medicine
Four of U-M's top health and medical researchers have been chosen for one of the nation's top honors.
 man in orange shirt sitting in living room
Health Lab
Misinformation, AI & health: Poll reveals older adults’ worries
Health information generated by artificial intelligence, or created as misinformation, worries older adults, a poll shows.
 Blue umbrella with cross health insurance
Health Lab
Don’t choose health insurance for 2025 until you read this
Health insurance choices for 2025 have changed for Medicare, healthcare.gov and employer plans, and costs have too. An update on what’s most important to consider.
 grey brain with purple dots
Health Lab
Brain network study reveals clues about dementia’s behavior changes
Dementia doesn’t just erode memory – it also changes behavior and mental health. A new study shows the brain’s salience network and tau protein may be involved.
 white and light blue covid test drawing with words covid-19 test written with yellow background and blue
Health Lab
Big gaps seen in home medical test use by older adults
At-home medical diagnostic and screening tests for COVID-19 and many other conditions are now available; a new study shows disparities in use of these direct-to-consumer tests.
 yellow measurement yellow twirled around blue colored money signs and RX bottles and pills and shots
Health Lab
The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?
Wegovy (semaglutide) now has Medicare approval for coverage among people with obesity and cardiovascular disease but no diabetes; a study looks at what level of risk might make someone eligible.
 women getting shot in arm sitting with clinican wearing pink shirt
Health Lab
COVID-19 hits older adults hardest; which ones want the updated vaccine?
Older adults face a higher risk of severe COVID-19, but an updated vaccine offers additional protection. A new poll shows which people over 50 are most likely to get it.
Health Lab
Cannabis & older adults: Poll looks at use, beliefs and risk
Many older Americans use cannabis products containing THC for a range of reasons, but a sizable percentage may be taking risks or facing potential addiction.
 brain with money on it
Health Lab
What will it take to make mental health coverage and care better?
Access to mental health care has lagged even as diagnoses have risen; new federal rules aim to increase insurance coverage of care.
 image of people in green yellow pale blue and pink getting vaccines and out and about
Health Lab
Vaccines: A few minutes now could spare you misery later
Adults, especially people over 65, should get immunized against COVID-19, flu and other infections, to prevent fall and winter illness, hospitalization and worse
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