Research Library

Raising the purchasing age for semiautomatic rifles to age 21 years in Texas has the potential to save lives while preserving firearm ownership for the majority of the population.

Health care providers now screen patients for social determinants of health, also known as non-medical drivers of health, and many rely on referrals to community-based organizations (CBOs) to address those needs. Strengthening CBOs and enhancing collaboration with health care organizations is essential. In a new brief, nonresident fellow Dr. Sheela Gavvala and co-authors offer policy recommendations to close the loop and ensure patients receive the care they need within a cohesive system.

The lack of quality early childhood education carries short- and long-term adverse health and economic effects for children, families, and caregivers across the U.S. A new brief from the Center for Health and Biosciences offers policy recommendations toward increasing the Child Tax Credit and federal support to improve the access and quality of child care options as well as the future of families in the U.S.

Each firearm injury statistic represents a person with a unique story. By empowering young people to advocate for new legislation and encouraging gun owners to use secure storage community members can better engage in firearm injury prevention. This new brief from the Center for Health and Biosciences offers more insights and policy recommendations.

American children today are less active than ever before. On this episode, experts explore the relationship between our urban environments, childhood safety, and well-being.

Non-medical drivers of health, also known as social determinants of health, have a significant impact on health outcomes. As fellow Sandra McKay and her co-authors explain, adequate funding to identify and address non-medical drivers — housing and food insecurity, transport issues, and financial strain — can improve patients’ health and health care delivery systems, while also reducing costs.

Latinos are the largest and most rapidly expanding minority group in the U.S. Our latest brief describes the overall state of health and wellness among Latino children and the broader community — including indicators of obesity, mental health, and kindergarten readiness.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the academic trajectories of students and exacerbated disparities among our youths. In a new conference report, read how policymakers, educators, parents, and researchers propose to close the COVID-19 achievement gap in schools.

Overview

On June 2, 2023, the Baker Institute Center for Health and Biosciences hosted its second annual Firearm Injury…

Regulating firearms under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA) — just like any other product — could enhance their safety, writes fellow Sandra McKay. She explains how the CPSA could investigate misfirings and require safety information to be distributed with every gun sale.