The novel coronavirus crisis disproportionately affects already vulnerable populations — and Virginia’s refugees are no exception. In today's Washington Post, Batten alum Hannah Gavin (MPP '20) urges Virginia lawmakers to continue looking out for its most vulnerable in these unprecedented times of isolation, uncertainty and negativity.

For the latest in Batten’s new Expert Chat Series, Batten professor Sebastian Tello-Trillo discussed how the coronavirus pandemic will impact health insurance coverage.

It is estimated that only 2% of people around the world have access to mental health and psychosocial support, or MHPSS. The question is, will COVID-19 offer us a chance to change this? Batten’s Kirsten Gelsdorf and Lucy Bassett provide critical insights into the barriers to progress in MHPSS interventions, and identify opportunities to prioritize and invest in new programs going forward.

Batten's Dr. Michael Williams acknowledges that Virginia Governor Ralph Northam is under pressure to reopen, but says the state isn’t ready yet. "To be able to do it safely, I think additional things need to be in place that are not necessarily in place for all members of our society." 

In the most recent Batten Expert Chat, Jameson Norton, CEO of the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital and Outpatient Clinics, explains that the building blocks of strong leadership include teamwork, resilience, commitment, and communication.

Committed to serving communities in crisis, LeAnn Golding (MPP ’20) prepares for her next step with the American Red Cross.

During the most recent Batten Expert Chat, a Batten professor and a graduate of the School’s MPP program shared how they’re using data science to help address the Commonwealth’s shortage in healthcare professionals.

As the economy experiences a steep recession, a panel of UVA economists including Batten's Sarah Turner and David Bradford examined the implications for the nation’s material and physical health.

Recessions may be good for overall physical health, but this one could be different. Batten professor Chris Ruhm presented an online talk Wednesday offering an economist’s view of the overall health effects of the COVID-19 recession. His talk was the school’s third installment of its expert chat series about COVID-19.

For the first event in Batten's digital expert chat series, Professor Tim Davis spoke about the importance of “emotional fortitude” during the current health crisis.