Jails and prisons have a big impact on mental health in Black communities. This is not just about the people inside. It also affects those outside. When someone goes to jail, it can lead to more mental health emergencies. This is a big deal. Why does this happen? One reason is the stress of having a loved one in jail. Another is the stigma that comes with it. This c...
The Chinese railway system is a complex web of tracks and trains, influenced by many factors. To understand how government rules affect this system, a new approach has been developed. This approach, known as the improved comparative static model, uses clever math tricks to figure out how changes in rules impact the economy. The model tackles tricky math problems tha...
The political economy approach to health policy is gaining traction. This method focuses on the power dynamics and the broader political, social, and economic environment that either boosts or hinders health. However, it faces a significant challenge. The current policy focus is mainly on making sure everyone can access the existing healthcare system. This is a big h...
Ever felt like housing is becoming way too expensive? You're right, and it's not just because of the pandemic. The truth is, it's more about how much land costs these days. Prices have gone up even faster than housing costs, making land about 40% of what we pay for a home. In big cities like San Jose and Los Angeles, land prices take up nearly three-quarters of the p...
Think of the wheelchair service delivery process (SDP) as a giant machine with lots of moving parts. With so many pieces, it's easy for things to go wrong. Stakeholders in the United States were asked about how well this machine is working. The results? Not so great. A survey showed that most people involved — like clinicians, suppliers, and caregivers — don't think ...
The killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, Brian Thompson, has sparked a wave of reactions. Many people are angry not just at the violence, but at the healthcare system they blame for their own struggles. For years, insurance companies have used tactics like denying claims and dragging out legal battles. This has left families facing huge medical bills and delays in trea...
In Massachusetts, school budgets are feeling the pinch. While test scores still haven't bounced back from the pandemic, pension costs keep climbing. Back in 2015, 9 cents of every education dollar went to pension payments. Now it's 14 cents! That's a lot of cash going out, leaving less for things like new teachers, classroom supplies, and support staff. The Massachu...