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.

Gloved hands of contemporary virologist holding vaccine against covid19

Immunization, Vaccination, dentist, oral health professional

Expansion of Immunization Access in Partnership with Oral Health Professionals

May 2, 2022

Oral health professionals can help expand access to immunizations.

HR 1667, Mental health, Burnout, self-care, Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

Promoting the Mental Well-being of Our Frontline Health Workforce

April 15, 2022

The recently passed federal bill HR 1667 aims to prevent and reduce burnout among healthcare professionals.

Woman being comforted by doctor. Both have smiles on face.

opioid addiction, cancer pain, social determinants of health, psychosocial stress, social isolation, social stressors, cancer survival

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on Cancer Survival

April 4, 2022

Psychosocial stressors from social determinants of health can affect cancer outcomes.

man in dentist chair with woman dentist working on him

Oral Health Policy, health equity, Medicare

Medicare and Whole Person Oral Health

March 16, 2022

It’s time to change Medicare coverage to include medically necessary oral health care.

homeless man with his possessions in tunnel

Community Benefits, Affordable Housing, Health Outcomes, Homelessness

Why are Hospitals Investing in Houses?

March 2, 2022

Healthcare providers do not have a safe place to discharge homeless patients, resulting in higher healthcare costs.</

Composting, Climate change, California’s composting law, SB 1383, CalRecycle

California’s New Composting Law: Super Pollutant Reduction Strategy to Fight Climate Change

February 16, 2022

Read on to found out about California’s new composting law that went into effect on January 1, 2022.

paper cutout of people in circle around red HIV red ribbon

Ending the HIV Epidemic, Southern California, HIV prevention

A Regional Response to End the HIV Epidemic in Southern California

February 2, 2022

A regional collaboration has outlined ten steps to end the HIV epidemic in Southern California.

whole person health, whole person pilot programs, Population Health, health systems transformation, social determinants of health

Whole Person Health and Leanings toward Health System Transformation

January 19, 2022

Health systems transformation begins with focusing on the whole person.

Behavioral Health, Mental health, psychiatric boarding, access, workforce shortages, emergency department

Rise in Emergency Department Visits due to Limited Access to Behavioral Health Services

January 3, 2022

The pandemic has resulted in a sharp rise in ED visits among people suffering from a mental illness and/or addiction.

COVID-19 Vaccine, vaccine hesitancy, vaccine acceptance, healthcare workers

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy among Healthcare Workers

December 14, 2021

Why are some healthcare workers hesitant about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? A recent study sheds some light.