Health Policy Connection | Institute for Health Policy Leadership

Welcome To Our Blog!

The Health Policy Connection features the expertise of our colleagues both internal and external to Loma Linda University Health, sharing their views on various health policy-related topics relevant to the current times.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the following articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Loma Linda University Health or the Institute for Health Policy and Leadership.

Transportation, Rural Settings, access, Higher Healthcare Costs

How Transportation Barriers in Rural Communities Drive Up Costs

May 15, 2025

Transportation in rural areas reduces healthcare costs, improves access to care, and enhances overall health outcomes.

telehealth, Mental health, Patient navigator, Refugees

How Patient Navigators Can Support Refugee Mental Health

May 1, 2025

Patient navigators can be instrumental in improving the mental health of refugees.

California, Behavioral Health, Proposition 1, Mental Health Services Act (MHSA)

What the Passage of Prop 1 Means for California and Behavioral Health

April 15, 2025

What will the passage of California’s Proposition 1 really do for behavioral health?

oral cancer, health disparities, Jaw in a day, Cancer reconstruction

The Surgeon’s Role in Providing Equitable Oral Cancer Care to the Diverse Population in the Inland Empire

April 1, 2025

A multi-disciplinary approach can address current challenges in delivering equitable care to oral cancer patients.

Senior female nurse carefully takes newborn from mid adult mother

Maternal Health, health disparities, Vulnerable women

Call to Prioritize Maternal Health for Vulnerable Women

March 15, 2025

It is time to stop preventable deaths of vulnerable US women during pregnancy and childbirth.

American Flag and the United States Constitution

Trump Administration

Navigating the Storm: Is the U.S. in a Constitutional Crisis?

March 1, 2025

The Trump administration’s flurry of executive actions has raised concerns about a potential constitutional crisis.

paper with words about drugs on it with handcuffs and drugs

California Proposition 36, Harm Reduction, Decriminalization Policies, Substance Use, Treatment Access, Evidence-based drug policies

The Cost of Criminalization: Why California Needs a Public Health Approach to Substance Use

February 15, 2025

Proposition 36 does not solve addiction. See how focusing on treatment over punishment creates lasting change.

Sickle cell anemia, African American, Young Adult, chronic illness, Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act

From Crisis to Care: Bridging the Gap for Young Men with Sickle Cell Disease

February 1, 2025

Young Black men with sickle cell disease struggle to navigate between adulthood and systemic barriers to care.

someone sitting on a bench in a park in silhouette

Loneliness epidemic, National Strategy for Suicide Prevention, Suicide Prevention, Social connection

America’s Loneliness Epidemic and Suicide Prevention

January 15, 2025

Positive social connection is vital for health and wellbeing as social isolation can lead to poor mental health outcomes

Computer illustration of bacteria of different shapes, including cocci and rod-shaped bacteria.

Combatting Antimicrobial Resistance

January 1, 2025

Research projects that over 39 million people may die from antimicrobial-resistant infections in the next 25 years.