Children's Health and Wellbeing

Gendered Universes are Harming Young People Around the World — We Must Intervene Before It’s Too Late

The researchers say that adolescence should be seen as a window of opportunity--a time when young people are reevaluating their identities and behaviors. They can encounter certain gender stereotypes that can cause permanent physical, emotional and mental harm. But, if they are able to push back against these gender stereotypes, to break out of their gender-specific universes, they can emerge healthy, strong and self-confident.

US Health

“Are you all planning to have kids?”

Isn’t deciding to birth and raise a child the most fundamental reproductive and life-changing choice we can ever make? Why don’t we encourage girls, starting at a young age, to explore different life paths, and not assume that one day they will or will want to become mothers — and normalize the choice not to do so?

US Health

Not Everyone Can Take Their Health Insurance Out for a Test Drive — and Survive

We’re at a point in the political discourse where the focus is on getting through the end of the pandemic and how to generate economic recovery while handling the worsening impacts of climate change. Universal health care, Medicare for all, whatever your tagline is for fixing the health coverage gaps—it’s not a political priority. That needs to change.

US Health

What I Learned from My Ancestor’s Stint as a Volunteer Nurse in Appalachia

I hope that this pandemic is a turning point for our society, too. We can’t afford to take nurses for granted. We need to do more than laud them as heroes and need to better support them so we all can have a brighter future.

Human Rights

Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community Beyond Pride Month

As Pride month comes to a close, we ask for solidarity because, while we’ve made great strides over the years, we still have a long way to go—but we can get there together. These recommendations are a great way to get started.

Climate Change and Environment

The Last Line of Defense Against Forest Destruction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, governments’ failures to address the needs of Indigenous communities revealed significant disparities in their access to healthcare and other services. Increasingly, Indigenous peoples are exposed to the worst effects of climate change, and to violations of their rights to land and resources.

Human Rights

Lessons from My Youth: Reflecting on What Juneteenth Means to Me

Growing up in Texas, Juneteenth was always a celebration—my family would gather at my grandmother's house to celebrate with food, music, and prayer. If we want to work together to build a better future, we must understand the historical importance of days such as June 19. Those who can observe this holiday going forward should take it as an opportunity to learn and listen. But we also must acknowledge that the increased recognition and celebration of this holiday is in response to the death of an African American man. Mr. Floyd’s life spurred a movement, but we should not have needed him to lose his life to have these critical conversations.