Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager

Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag
Kara Gavin photo
image of people in green yellow pale blue and pink getting vaccines and out and about
Health Lab
Vaccines: A few minutes now could spare you misery later
Adults, especially people over 65, should get immunized against COVID-19, flu and other infections, to prevent fall and winter illness, hospitalization and worse
 ketamine pump stock picture close up showing number grey blue yellow blurred background behind it
Health Lab
Ketamine clinics vary widely in pregnancy-related safeguards, study finds
Ketamine, whether given as an IV, a nasal spray or sublingual, may harm a developing fetus, but a study shows clinics vary greatly in handling patients who could become pregnant during treatment.
 brain with white showing and rest teal and doctor with flashlight walking up neck that are stairs and shining flashlight
Health Lab
Same person. Different place. Twice the odds of a dementia diagnosis
Dementia risks vary by person and by population. But a new study shows diagnosis of the disease varies by region even after those differences are taken into account.
 teal background of three people thinking three different things regarding money and health
Health Lab
As election approaches, national poll shows which health topics concern older adults most
Health care costs of different kinds, and financial scams, are top of mind for people age 50 and older going into the November election.
 red dot marker on line going up and down
Health Lab
A new way to measure bipolar disorder
For people with bipolar disorder, a new way to measure the impact of treatment may be to measure the size of the “spikes” in their measures of mood and mania
 woman holding baby stomach sitting blue and white clothing
Health Lab
How did mental health parity laws affect new moms?
Mental health parity was a goal of two major laws more than a decade ago. A study shows they helped increase care and reduce cost for pregnant and postpartum women, but there are still gaps.
 brain food puzzle ear no smoking sign
Health Lab
11 ways to reduce your risk of dementia
Learn how to take care of your brain health from several experts who share practical tips to maintain healthy brain habits throughout your lifespan.
 Four examples of caregiving
Health Lab
Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for
Caregivers are more likely to be in their 50s and early 60s, female and believe the government should take the lead on the cost of caring for older adults.
 medical campus aerial
News Release
U-M care gets top marks from national hospital rating system
University of Michigan Health's Ann Arbor hospitals and health centers have received the top ranking of five stars from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for quality, safety, timeliness and value, for the sixth consecutive time.
 person handling medicine
Health Lab
Older adults want to cut back on medication, but study shows need for caution
The idea of deprescribing is popular among older adults who take prescription drugs, especially those taking medication for symptomless conditions like high blood pressure.
 green background with white drawing of doctor at patient beside having conversation
Health Lab
Have a seat, doctor: Study suggests eye level connection makes a difference in hospitals
When doctors sit at hospitalized patients’ bedsides, it can have a more positive impact than if they stand, a review of data suggests – but a new study seeks to find out for sure.
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Health Lab
Bipolar disorder and alcohol: It’s not as simple as 'self-medication'
People with bipolar disorder have a high risk of alcohol use issues, which have been seen as “self medication,” but a study shows that changes in drinking predict worse symptoms.
 cell phone with brain on screen in blue with blue background
Health Lab
Mental health apps may help those waiting for care, study finds
People with depression, anxiety and even suicidal thoughts can wait weeks for a mental health appointment, but a new study shows mobile apps and activity trackers might help during the wait.
 woman sitting at table in stripe shirt stressed seeming white background window
Health Lab
An unequal toll of financial stress
Inflation rates may have cooled off recently, but a poll shows many older adults are experiencing financial stress – especially those who say they’re in fair or poor physical health or mental health
 Dart flying toward target precision medicine
News Release
From ‘trial and error’ to targeted precision: $17.9M grant accelerates U-M mental health research
A new major grant aims to bring the same precision to mental health care for depression, anxiety and other psychiatric conditions that already exists for cancer and heart disease.
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