IHPL periodically develops briefs on current issues with a special focus on oral health, hunger, and mental/behavioral health. We hope that our “Issue At A Glance” will inform our readers and spark a dialogue among stakeholders to better promote health and prevent disease.
In the last few years, e-cigarette use has spiked among youth because of their flavors and the marketing strategy by tobacco companies. Recently, federal and state policies have begun regulating e-cigarettes to curb youth exposure and use to these substances that pose health risks.
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While most Californians have safe drinking water, many of California’s water sources are contaminated with pollutants that are hazardous to human health. California will need to find solutions to ensure the right to clean water for all.
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Youth firearm-related injuries and death have become a public health epidemic that is unique to American society. Firearm violence can have lasting impacts on youth throughout their lives. The solution calls for prevention and intervention efforts that include federal legislation and community-based solutions.
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While agricultural pesticides contribute to food security, they can also have adverse effects on human health. This brief will explore agricultural use and regulation in California, health effects on Californians, socioeconomic disparities, and recommendations to improve the health and wellbeing of Californians.
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Despite the evidence showing that vaccines are effective in preventing infectious diseases, some choose not to vaccinate their children, resulting in multiple outbreaks of vaccine preventable infections every year.
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ACEs are a prevalent problem with profound effects on the overall health of our society. In 2016, 34 million children suffered from at least one ACE in the United States.
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United States veterans may suffer from poor mental health as a result of dangerous and traumatic events that occurred during their service. Although the Veterans Health Administration provides mental health services, many veterans face barriers to accessing health care.
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Suicidal behavior among youth is increasing over time even though suicide is preventable. This brief explores the state of suicidal behavior among youth in the United States, discusses risk factors, and offers solutions at the government, community, and individual level to overcome this epidemic.
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Immigrants make up nearly 12 percent of the United States population and 17 percent of the American workforce but only account for 8.6 percent of total health care expenditures. This brief will explore the barriers to care that immigrants commonly face in the US.
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Approximately 70 percent of seniors in America do not have dental insurance. Tooth decay and tooth loss are among the common oral health issues they face. Many of these issues are preventable with proper oral care.
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This brief explores the reasons why food insecurity exists as well as the relationship between hunger and mental health, the availability of food programs, and their utilization in San Bernardino County.
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California and the rest of the United States have made significant progress in effectively regulating the emission standards that lead to toxic air pollution. Threats to these policies could lead to adverse health outcomes.
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There is a greater focus on expanding and regulating telehealth to counter the challenges to healthcare access and affordability, decrease geographical health inequities, and improve health outcomes in this digital era.
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The United States has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income countries, and the rate has been increasing for the last two decades.
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Older prisoners have complex medical needs and prisons are not equipped to provide long-term care for all who require it.
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Homelessness is both a cause and an effect of poor health. The homeless face multiple barriers to receiving proper health care. There are currently 2,118 homeless individuals in the San Bernardino County in a given night.
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Physician burnout is a public health epidemic that adversely affects health care and delivery. As technological advancements and innovative cost-cutting payment plans are introduced, policies must contend with the implications of the burden placed on physicians.
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Despite California's expanded dental coverage for low-income families, the cost of care and access to dental health providers prevent millions of Californians from receiving adequate oral care.
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Food insecurity affects over 12 percent of families nationwide and about the same percentage of families across California.1,2 In San Bernardino County, 11 percent of families are estimated to be food insecure
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Many Californians continue to lack health care coverage even after the passage of the Affordable Care Act. This Brief examines the remaining uninsured in the Inland Empire.
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