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
teal background of three people thinking three different things regarding money and health
Health Lab
As election approaches, national poll shows which health topics concern older adults most
Health care costs of different kinds, and financial scams, are top of mind for people age 50 and older going into the November election.
 red dot marker on line going up and down
Health Lab
A new way to measure bipolar disorder
For people with bipolar disorder, a new way to measure the impact of treatment may be to measure the size of the “spikes” in their measures of mood and mania
 woman holding baby stomach sitting blue and white clothing
Health Lab
How did mental health parity laws affect new moms?
Mental health parity was a goal of two major laws more than a decade ago. A study shows they helped increase care and reduce cost for pregnant and postpartum women, but there are still gaps.
 brain food puzzle ear no smoking sign
Health Lab
11 ways to reduce your risk of dementia
Learn how to take care of your brain health from several experts who share practical tips to maintain healthy brain habits throughout your lifespan.
 Four examples of caregiving
Health Lab
Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for
Caregivers are more likely to be in their 50s and early 60s, female and believe the government should take the lead on the cost of caring for older adults.
 medical campus aerial
News Release
U-M care gets top marks from national hospital rating system
University of Michigan Health's Ann Arbor hospitals and health centers have received the top ranking of five stars from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for quality, safety, timeliness and value, for the sixth consecutive time.
 person handling medicine
Health Lab
Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution
The idea of deprescribing is popular among older adults who take prescription drugs, especially those taking medication for symptomless conditions like high blood pressure.
 green background with white drawing of doctor at patient beside having conversation
Health Lab
Have a seat, doctor: Study suggests eye level connection makes a difference in hospitals
When doctors sit at hospitalized patients’ bedsides, it can have a more positive impact than if they stand, a review of data suggests – but a new study seeks to find out for sure.
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Health Lab
Bipolar disorder and alcohol: It’s not as simple as 'self-medication'
People with bipolar disorder have a high risk of alcohol use issues, which have been seen as “self medication,” but a study shows that changes in drinking predict worse symptoms.
 cell phone with brain on screen in blue with blue background
Health Lab
Mental health apps may help those waiting for care, study finds
People with depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts can wait weeks for a mental health appointment, but a new study shows mobile apps and activity trackers might help during the wait.
 woman sitting at table in stripe shirt stressed seeming white background window
Health Lab
An unequal toll of financial stress
Inflation rates may have cooled off recently, but a poll shows many older adults are experiencing financial stress – especially those who say they’re in fair or poor physical health or mental health
 Dart flying toward target precision medicine
News Release
From ‘trial and error’ to targeted precision: $17.9M grant accelerates U-M mental health research
A new major grant aims to bring the same precision to mental health care for depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions that already exists for cancer and heart disease.
 people standing in teal background with bubbles overhead
Health Lab
What can America do to make health care and health outcomes more equal?
Inequality in health care access and delivery, and in health outcomes, have changed somewhat in the past 20 years but more needs to be done to reduce racial and ethnic disparities.
 counter with credit card machine and white bag
Health Lab
Cost may not keep people from filling opioid addiction treatment prescriptions
Buprenorphine prescriptions almost always get filled by those who receive them to treat opioid addiction, even when costs are higher, suggesting more effort is needed to increase prescribing.
 screen of chart and xray and patient and doctor white coat vague in background at computer sitting at keyboard
Health Lab
Pre-op visits by video? Most surgeons say no – but open to post-op telehealth
A survey of surgeons shows most aren’t in favor of operating on a patient they’ve never seen in person, but many are open to telehealth appointments after a successful operation.
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