By: Omolola E. Adepoju, PhD, MPH^1,2; Winston Liaw, MD, MPH¹; Nick C. Patel, PharmD, PhD³; Jeremiah Rastegar, MPA³; Matthew Ruble, MD³; Stephanie Franklin, MPH³; Andrew Renda, MD, MPH³; Ezemenari Obasi, PhD^4,5; LeChauncy Woodard, MD, MPH^1,2

This study identified significant, and, in some cases, large incremental increases in the odds of having an Health Related Social Needs among older adults with mental illness highlighting the need for more upstream targeted interventions to address basic social needs, such as safe housing and food security, for older adults with mental illness, one of the most vulnerable populations.

*Student author

Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) have the potential to significantly ease the burden on patients, leading to better physical and mental health outcomes. They are especially beneficial for vulnerable populations who often struggle to access legal assistance. By offering support directly within healthcare settings, MLPs ensure that patients receive the necessary help, thereby promoting greater equity in healthcare. Additionally, since MLPs can address legal issues early in the process, they can prevent these issues from worsening and causing more serious health complications, ultimately helping to reduce healthcare costs.

By: Omolola E Adepoju, *Maya Singh, Mary Tipton, Gerard Peperone, Marlen Trujillo, and Chinedum Ojinnaka

*Student author

This study highlights the detrimental impact of the digital divide on existing health inequalities in racially diverse, lower-income communities that are not fully benefiting from digital health resources. The limited health information-seeking behaviors (HISB) observed in these populations may be attributed to gaps in digital health literacy, distrust in online health resources, and unfamiliarity with using technology for health purposes, likely due to insufficient integration of digital tools in health care visits and a lack of proper guidance.

By: Summer Chavez, Remle Crowe, Ryan Huebinger, Hei Kit Chan, Joseph Gill, Normandy Villa, Micah Pancyzk, Jeff Jarvis, and Bentley Bobrow

The challenges faced by healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the need for better resource management and preparedness within healthcare systems during unprecedented crises. These issues not only affect healthcare workers but also the patients they care for. Without the necessary resources and mental health support, healthcare providers cannot deliver effective care, leading to harmful consequences for both the providers and their patients. Policymakers must prioritize the development of a resilient healthcare system that can withstand public health emergencies without compromising the well-bring of healthcare workers or the quality of patient care.

By: Omolola E Adepoju, Mary E Tipton, and Lauren R Gilbert

This article highlights the importance of exposing healthcare students to innovation early in their training. By integrating interdisciplinary and project-based learning into medical curriculums, future healthcare professionals can develop the essential skills required to effectively address real-world challenges. This approach accelerates the adoption of new ideas and services in healthcare, ultimately leading to improved patient health outcomes. Furthermore, encouraging collaboration between healthcare students and other fields allows them to develop holistic and comprehensive perspectives, enhancing their ability to address public health issues and provide quality care. This early exposure results in a well-prepared workforce, equipped to handle public health crises and commited to continuously improve the healthcare system.

By: Tessa K. Novick, Ben King

Addressing housing instability is crucial for improving health outcomes in individuals with kidney disease, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. These individuals are already at higher risk for health issues, and unstable housing exacerbates their vulnerability, making it harder to manage their health effectively. Integrating housing stability into patient care plans, increasing screening for housing-related issues, and advocating for policy changes to expand access to affordable housing are essential. By tackling housing instability, we can reduce health disparities, improve chronic disease management, and decrease healthcare costs by preventing conditions from exacerbating due to unstable living conditions.

By: Ben King, Sarina Attri, Renae Nichols, Shriya Swamy, Shaya Khorsandi

Given that overdose deaths make up a significant portion of mortality, it’s essential to implement substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for the homeless population. The concentration of deaths in specific areas of Harris County indicates the need for tailored public health strategies to address these local disparities. Additionally, policies must be enforced to improve access to affordable healthcare and housing, which are critical in addressing the root causes of homelessness and reducing overall mortality in this vulnerable population.

By: Omolola E Adepoju, *Minji Chae, Winston Liaw, Tracy Angelocci, Paul Millard, and Omar Matuk-Villazon

*Student author

Telemedicine offers a promising approach for reducing missed appointments and improving patient health by ensuring continuity of care. It has the potential to improve access to healthcare, improve clinic efficiency, and reduce costs associated with missed appointments by addressing barriers like transportation challenges and geographical limitations that vulnerable individuals often face. However, telemedicine should be integrated as part of a broader strategy rather than relied on as a stand-alone solution, as it does not fully eliminate health disparities across different demographic groups. The persistence of these disparities underscores the need to address underlying factors, such as health literacy, financial obstacles, and distrust within minority communities.