Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
@stephenwpatrick.bsky.social
Professor & Chair of Health Policy & Management at Rollins School of Public Health | Neonatologist at Children's Hospital of Atlanta | Emory University | Former White House Senior Policy Advisor | Child Policy/Medicaid/Opioid Crisis | Views my own
Pinned
Bridging Patient Care, Polling, and Policy | Emory University | Atlanta GA
publichealthmagazine.emory.edu
Excited to be on #Bluesky. I'm Chair of the Dept of Health Policy & Management @emoryrollins.bsky.social & a neonatologist Children's ATL.
We moved to #Atlanta about 6 months ago from Nashville. Here's a bit of my story. Look forward to connecting.
publichealthmagazine.emory.edu/issues/2024/...
We moved to #Atlanta about 6 months ago from Nashville. Here's a bit of my story. Look forward to connecting.
publichealthmagazine.emory.edu/issues/2024/...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Vaccinating babies at birth has reduced hepatitis B infections by 99 percent. Is RFK’s new CDC committee about to stop recommending it?
share.google/9e3BTpcrGKSY...
share.google/9e3BTpcrGKSY...
Newborn hepatitis B vaccine under fire as RFK Jr. and GOP Senators question immunization
The CDC's vaccine advisory panel is set to discuss and possibly vote on the vaccine at a meeting next week.
share.google
September 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Vaccinating babies at birth has reduced hepatitis B infections by 99 percent. Is RFK’s new CDC committee about to stop recommending it?
share.google/9e3BTpcrGKSY...
share.google/9e3BTpcrGKSY...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
The new Emory-Rollins National Child Policy Poll reveals how U.S. adults view recent federal actions and proposals that affect children's health.
"Cuts to critical public health programs that serve the nation’s children are unpopular across the political spectrum.” - @stephenwpatrick.bsky.social
"Cuts to critical public health programs that serve the nation’s children are unpopular across the political spectrum.” - @stephenwpatrick.bsky.social
Poll: Americans Largely Don't Support Federal Changes to Child Health Programs
A new national survey from Rollins School of Public Health revealed how American adults view recent federal actions and proposals that affect children's health and nutrition.
sph.emory.edu
August 6, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The new Emory-Rollins National Child Policy Poll reveals how U.S. adults view recent federal actions and proposals that affect children's health.
"Cuts to critical public health programs that serve the nation’s children are unpopular across the political spectrum.” - @stephenwpatrick.bsky.social
"Cuts to critical public health programs that serve the nation’s children are unpopular across the political spectrum.” - @stephenwpatrick.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Oh goodness. This is study is a sobering evaluation of parents’ and pregnant women’s vaccination intention (with the caveat that intent is not always equivalent to behavior).
We have so, so much work to do.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
We have so, so much work to do.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Vaccination Intentions During Pregnancy and Among Parents of Young Children
This survey study of pregnant persons and parents of young children in the US examines vaccination intentions during pregnancy and vaccination behaviors after the child's birth for vaccines recommende...
jamanetwork.com
July 20, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Oh goodness. This is study is a sobering evaluation of parents’ and pregnant women’s vaccination intention (with the caveat that intent is not always equivalent to behavior).
We have so, so much work to do.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
We have so, so much work to do.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
👀In the name of “protecting vulnerable Americans” the Trump Administration will rip away Medicaid coverage from babies and toddlers👀
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
July 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
👀In the name of “protecting vulnerable Americans” the Trump Administration will rip away Medicaid coverage from babies and toddlers👀
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
CMS announces Medicaid demos that 8 states are implementing to cover babies and young children continuously w/o gaps due to red tape will no longer be allowed.
July 5, 2025 at 1:32 AM
We have to remember too, that must state budgets must be balanced. So when there's a budget crisis, what do they do? They cut programs. It could be SNAP and Medicaid, but it could also spill over to education and roads.
Following the funds flow over the next few years is going to be important.
Following the funds flow over the next few years is going to be important.
July 5, 2025 at 1:32 AM
We have to remember too, that must state budgets must be balanced. So when there's a budget crisis, what do they do? They cut programs. It could be SNAP and Medicaid, but it could also spill over to education and roads.
Following the funds flow over the next few years is going to be important.
Following the funds flow over the next few years is going to be important.
They push new work requirements onto states which they must implement.
For states like West Virginia (my home state) and Kentucky, this is going to have a profound impact on state budgets and ultimately the people in the state.
For states like West Virginia (my home state) and Kentucky, this is going to have a profound impact on state budgets and ultimately the people in the state.
July 5, 2025 at 1:32 AM
They push new work requirements onto states which they must implement.
For states like West Virginia (my home state) and Kentucky, this is going to have a profound impact on state budgets and ultimately the people in the state.
For states like West Virginia (my home state) and Kentucky, this is going to have a profound impact on state budgets and ultimately the people in the state.
One issue that I haven't heard as much attention paid to as it deserves regarding the Big Beautiful Bill is the effect on states - especially poor red Medicaid expansion states.
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP in the bill push a lot onto states. They make states far more responsible for costs.
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP in the bill push a lot onto states. They make states far more responsible for costs.
July 5, 2025 at 1:32 AM
One issue that I haven't heard as much attention paid to as it deserves regarding the Big Beautiful Bill is the effect on states - especially poor red Medicaid expansion states.
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP in the bill push a lot onto states. They make states far more responsible for costs.
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP in the bill push a lot onto states. They make states far more responsible for costs.
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
A sobering story about the price of vaccines in the current US health system for those who are under-insured.
And a cautionary tale for the future, should the government & insurers stop covering this essential part of preventive care.
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
And a cautionary tale for the future, should the government & insurers stop covering this essential part of preventive care.
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
A Texas boy needed protection from measles. The vaccine cost $1,400.
Due to the ongoing U.S. measles outbreak, a Texas man worried that his young son was at risk and took him to get vaccinated. The cost of the shot? $1,400.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM
A sobering story about the price of vaccines in the current US health system for those who are under-insured.
And a cautionary tale for the future, should the government & insurers stop covering this essential part of preventive care.
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
And a cautionary tale for the future, should the government & insurers stop covering this essential part of preventive care.
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
“Still, repealing the clean energy tax credits would threaten billions of dollars’ worth of economic investment. In Georgia alone, there have been more than $23.9 billion in new clean energy investments and more than 32,000 new jobs created since the law took effect”
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/c...
In Georgia, Republicans Vote to Kill Green Jobs but Face Little Fallout
www.nytimes.com
June 7, 2025 at 11:02 AM
“Still, repealing the clean energy tax credits would threaten billions of dollars’ worth of economic investment. In Georgia alone, there have been more than $23.9 billion in new clean energy investments and more than 32,000 new jobs created since the law took effect”
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/c...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/c...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
My mom, diagnosed with cancer at 88, wouldn't have gotten five more years of life without cancer research done at the National Institutes of Health.
I'd love to hear how NIH and other federal science agencies have benefitted you or your family. #ThanksNIH
I'd love to hear how NIH and other federal science agencies have benefitted you or your family. #ThanksNIH
My mom, who was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2000, passed away Friday at the age of 93. She took a chemo regimen called R-CHOP, which allowed her to celebrate 5 more birthdays and hold her great-grandchild. Thank you to scientists giving us those extra years with her. #ThanksNIH
June 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM
My mom, diagnosed with cancer at 88, wouldn't have gotten five more years of life without cancer research done at the National Institutes of Health.
I'd love to hear how NIH and other federal science agencies have benefitted you or your family. #ThanksNIH
I'd love to hear how NIH and other federal science agencies have benefitted you or your family. #ThanksNIH
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
The NOTUS reporters said they spent five days (!) going through the 522 citations in the report.
May 29, 2025 at 4:05 PM
The NOTUS reporters said they spent five days (!) going through the 522 citations in the report.
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
“What is clear is that pregnant women, infants and young children are at higher risk of hospitalization from COVID, and the safety of the COVID vaccine has been widely demonstrated.”
publications.aap.org/aapnews/news...
publications.aap.org/aapnews/news...
AAP: Removal of COVID vaccines from immunization schedules for healthy children, pregnant people disregards process, increases risk
AAP experts say the move may leave families without the ability to decide whether to get a vaccine for their children. It is unclear how the change will impact insurance coverage.
publications.aap.org
May 28, 2025 at 12:52 AM
“What is clear is that pregnant women, infants and young children are at higher risk of hospitalization from COVID, and the safety of the COVID vaccine has been widely demonstrated.”
publications.aap.org/aapnews/news...
publications.aap.org/aapnews/news...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Some of the CDC's main channels for communicating urgent health information to the public have gone silent.
Diseases are spreading. The CDC isn't warning the public like it was months ago
Some of the CDC's main channels for communicating urgent health information to the public have gone silent.
www.npr.org
May 21, 2025 at 11:24 AM
Some of the CDC's main channels for communicating urgent health information to the public have gone silent.
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Reminded of a story that @hannahnatanson.bsky.social + I did in early April about how DOGE’s cuts were inevitably creating new risks for Americans — including risks related to severe weather
May 17, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Reminded of a story that @hannahnatanson.bsky.social + I did in early April about how DOGE’s cuts were inevitably creating new risks for Americans — including risks related to severe weather
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
The White House's 2026 budget proposal recommends eliminating the Health Resources and Services Administration and cutting rural health funding by 25%, posing a threat to health care access and services in rural areas.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Federal Funds for Rural Health Care May Be Cut
This Medical News article discusses the impact that proposed federal funding cuts for rural health care programs would have on individuals and their communities.
jamanetwork.com
May 16, 2025 at 5:04 PM
The White House's 2026 budget proposal recommends eliminating the Health Resources and Services Administration and cutting rural health funding by 25%, posing a threat to health care access and services in rural areas.
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
All NIH and NSF grants for my entire team--and for all of Harvard, I guess?--have been terminated.
As provocative as that sounds, the practical effect is probably not much. Everything was already frozen. 🤷♂️
On the upside, it makes tracking terminated grants easier. No more guesswork at Harvard!
As provocative as that sounds, the practical effect is probably not much. Everything was already frozen. 🤷♂️
On the upside, it makes tracking terminated grants easier. No more guesswork at Harvard!
May 15, 2025 at 8:11 PM
All NIH and NSF grants for my entire team--and for all of Harvard, I guess?--have been terminated.
As provocative as that sounds, the practical effect is probably not much. Everything was already frozen. 🤷♂️
On the upside, it makes tracking terminated grants easier. No more guesswork at Harvard!
As provocative as that sounds, the practical effect is probably not much. Everything was already frozen. 🤷♂️
On the upside, it makes tracking terminated grants easier. No more guesswork at Harvard!
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
A new CDC study estimates hundreds of drowning deaths could be prevented by more pool fences & life jackets while boating
It was one of last authored by agency's injury prevention researchers, before Secy Kennedy's layoffs largely eliminated them
www.cbsnews.com/news/pool-fe...
It was one of last authored by agency's injury prevention researchers, before Secy Kennedy's layoffs largely eliminated them
www.cbsnews.com/news/pool-fe...
Pool fences and life jackets could save hundreds of lives, CDC estimates
The study was one of the CDC's last before its injury prevention teams were laid off.
www.cbsnews.com
May 16, 2025 at 9:57 PM
A new CDC study estimates hundreds of drowning deaths could be prevented by more pool fences & life jackets while boating
It was one of last authored by agency's injury prevention researchers, before Secy Kennedy's layoffs largely eliminated them
www.cbsnews.com/news/pool-fe...
It was one of last authored by agency's injury prevention researchers, before Secy Kennedy's layoffs largely eliminated them
www.cbsnews.com/news/pool-fe...
Cavities are common for kids. This is not a move supported by data.
The FDA announces it will begin the process of pulling prescription fluoride drops and tablets for children off the market. The supplements are usually given to kids at high risk for cavities.
Fluoride drops and tablets for kids should be taken off the market, FDA says
Despite decades of evidence that fluoride prevents cavities, the agency said the best way to keep kids' teeth strong is to stop eating so much sugar.
nbcnews.to
May 14, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Cavities are common for kids. This is not a move supported by data.
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
After the end of emergency allotments, there were increases in food insecurity and poor physical health days among SNAP participants.
ja.ma/43dp8ZN @rkwadhera.bsky.social
ja.ma/43dp8ZN @rkwadhera.bsky.social
May 12, 2025 at 6:19 PM
After the end of emergency allotments, there were increases in food insecurity and poor physical health days among SNAP participants.
ja.ma/43dp8ZN @rkwadhera.bsky.social
ja.ma/43dp8ZN @rkwadhera.bsky.social
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Bravo @stephenwpatrick.bsky.social and colleagues @emoryrollins.bsky.social for surveying Georgia parents' attitudes toward #vaccines (and many other family health topics) -- thanks @rgrapevine.bsky.social www.healthbeat.org/atlanta/2025...
Most Georgia parents believe vaccines are safe, according to Emory survey
A recent Emory survey on what Georgia parents think about the well-being of their children found that most believe childhood vaccines are safe. However, school quality, bullying and social media are a...
www.healthbeat.org
May 12, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Bravo @stephenwpatrick.bsky.social and colleagues @emoryrollins.bsky.social for surveying Georgia parents' attitudes toward #vaccines (and many other family health topics) -- thanks @rgrapevine.bsky.social www.healthbeat.org/atlanta/2025...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
May 9, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Thoughtful insights from HPM's Ilana Graetz on the impact of recent cuts to HHS.
“These delays affect not only research institutions and investigators but also critical training programs for the next generation of public health and medical leaders.”
www.healthline.com/health-news/...
“These delays affect not only research institutions and investigators but also critical training programs for the next generation of public health and medical leaders.”
www.healthline.com/health-news/...
19 States, D.C. Sue Trump Administration Over HHS Layoffs
Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D.C., filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's plans to significantly reduce staffing at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS),...
www.healthline.com
May 9, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Thoughtful insights from HPM's Ilana Graetz on the impact of recent cuts to HHS.
“These delays affect not only research institutions and investigators but also critical training programs for the next generation of public health and medical leaders.”
www.healthline.com/health-news/...
“These delays affect not only research institutions and investigators but also critical training programs for the next generation of public health and medical leaders.”
www.healthline.com/health-news/...
These numbers aren’t just stats. They’re a call to action.
We can—and must—do better for Georgia’s kids.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid.
#PolicyMatters #HealthEquity #Georgia
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
We can—and must—do better for Georgia’s kids.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid.
#PolicyMatters #HealthEquity #Georgia
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
Emory study shows parents’ concerns about their child’s safety, mental health, and more
Researchers are asking Georgia parents about their top concerns about issues like schools and school safety, mental health and suicide concerns, bullying and more.
www.wsbtv.com
May 8, 2025 at 1:46 AM
These numbers aren’t just stats. They’re a call to action.
We can—and must—do better for Georgia’s kids.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid.
#PolicyMatters #HealthEquity #Georgia
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...
We can—and must—do better for Georgia’s kids.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid.
#PolicyMatters #HealthEquity #Georgia
www.wsbtv.com/news/local/a...