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
woman standing with hands on hips in front of green grass and blue sky
Health Lab
Most Adults Say They’ve Experienced Ageism, But Majority Still Hold Positive Attitudes Toward Aging
Ageism is a common experience, a new poll of older adults finds, but many people over 50 have a positive attitude toward aging.
 medicaid expansion
Health Lab
Medicaid Expansion Meant Better Health for Most Vulnerable Adults, U-M Study Finds
Medicaid expansion improved health of low-income Michigan residents, especially those who are Black, have multiple chronic conditions, or are well below poverty level.
 U-M hospital
Health Lab
Doctors in the House: History of Medical Interns and Residents at Michigan Medicine
A look back at where the terminology stems from at U-M.
 confirmed U.S. new cases per day by July 2020 50k cases
Health Lab
The COVID-19 Curve has Unflattened Fast. Now What?
COVID-19 cases are rising as measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus are relaxed. Medical historians who studied past pandemics share what it will take to reverse the spike.
News Release
Doctors in the house: History of medical interns and residents at U-M hospitals
Every July, a new crop of recent medical school graduates arrives at teaching hospitals nationwide – including hundreds at Michigan Medicine.
 Pill and telemedicine
Health Lab
Barriers to Addiction Care Fell Because of COVID-19. Now the Challenge is Keeping Them Down
Telemedicine for addiction treatment used to be uncommon. But the changes in health policy from COVID-19 could change that forever.
 pink hearts one heart filled and another half filled with blood for donations
Health Lab
Hospitals Can’t Get Back to Normal Without More Blood. Here Are 7 Ways You Can Help
Blood supplies are critically low and blood donations are needed to help patients. Donating blood or hosting a blood drive can help.
 health care worker crouched down with hands on forehead stressed
Health Lab
This Spring They Were Heroes, But Summer May be Cruel for Health Professionals
As COVID-19 cases rise in many states, experts in the mental health of healthcare providers worry about those providing care.
 Image by Stephanie King.
Health Lab
Patients’ Social Factors Matter When Judging Hospitals, but New Study Suggests a Need to Measure Them Differently
Study using two databases suggests need for new measures in surgical readmission risk adjustment.
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Health Lab
4 Ways to Be a Savvy News Consumer in a Pandemic
As the rush to make, share and act on COVID-19 discoveries pushes scientists, public health agencies and reporters to act fast, individuals can be responsible news consumers and sharers.
 drawing of grass green state of michigan
Health Lab
Cannabis in Michigan: New Report Documents Trends Before Recreational Legalization
U-M Injury Prevention Center compilation of data from state and federal sources will serve as baseline for future studies.
Health Lab
Live Chat: Getting Closer to "Normal" During COVID-19
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 Cooking in kitchen
Health Lab
Pre-COVID-19 Poll of Older Adults Hints at Potential Impact of Pandemic on Their Eating Habits
Even before COVID-19 limited grocery shopping and restaurant meals, and impacted incomes, eating and health were intertwined for many older adults.
 young doctor stressed on park bench
Health Lab
Study in Chinese Doctors Shows Mental Toll of Caring in the Time of COVID-19
A study in Chinese doctors shows the mental strain experienced by healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.
News Release
U-M launches effort to collect blood samples from COVID-19 survivors & patients for research
The key to defeating COVID-19 might be floating in the blood of the tens of thousands of Michiganders who have recovered from the disease, and the thousands more who are still feeling its effects.
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