Policy Briefs
COIVD-19 and Immigration
Released September 2021
Regardless of intention, Title 42 and GA-37 conflicts with US refugee laws and international treaty obligations. Further, and counter to stated goals, they amplify COVID-19 risk among already vulnerable populations. To reduce COVID-19 community spread, research points to utilizing evidence-based public health practices, such as mask wearing, testing, and vaccinations alongside community health best practices that remove transportation and language barriers in clinical settings. Title 42 and GA-37 are antithetical to community health best practices and increase the likelihood that im/migrants will not seek health care services.
Healthy Relationships
Released June 2024
School-based programs that promote healthy relationships can effectively prevent multiple risky behaviors, like interpersonal violence, substance use, and bullying. Fourth R is an evidence-based curriculum that promotes healthy relationships and positive mental wellbein Incorporating this effective program into educational institutions has the potential to improve youth mental health and decreases the risk for interpersonal violence.
H2B Temporary Visa Workers
Released November 2022
H-2B workers are authorized to work in the U.S. under temporary, nonimmigrant status. The program was started to bridge the gap between the demand for and shortage of non-skilled labor. H-2B employees are tax-paying workers who have lawful admission into the U.S. for a contractual period (e.g., 9 months) and are guaranteed certain hours, wages, housing benefits, and travel costs. From research conducted with H-2B workers in the Gulf of Mexico, we found that workers had difficulty accessing healthcare in the U.S. and had a heightened risk for workplace injury.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Released June 2024
Experiencing physical abuse, including being knocked out, slammed into something, or strangled increases the risk for TBI. Researchers at UTHealth's Center for Violence Prevention found that 40% of Texas IPV victims had symptoms indicative of TBI. Given that most survivors of severe IPV report being strangled or receiving an injury to the head, it is likely that rates of TBI are even higher. Even a conservative prevalence estimate means that millions of women are living with TBI from IPV. In fact, there are millions more women survivors of IPV living with TBI compared to veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.