Marisa Donnelly, PhD
@marisadonnelly.bsky.social
Your Local Epidemiologist in New York https://yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com/ 🗽Wastewater Epi @ Biobot 💩, CDC EIS Alum 🕵🏼♀️ NYC-based 🌇 views are my own 🩵
The Bill will have devastating cuts to rural healthcare services. This article does a good job explaining how Medicaid cuts will impact rural hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in Upstate New York, basically forcing many to close www.syracuse.com/health/2025/...
How Medicaid cuts threaten health care in rural Upstate NY
Rural hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics brace for impact as House Republicans plan $715 billion in cuts over 10 years.
www.syracuse.com
July 3, 2025 at 3:30 PM
The Bill will have devastating cuts to rural healthcare services. This article does a good job explaining how Medicaid cuts will impact rural hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes in Upstate New York, basically forcing many to close www.syracuse.com/health/2025/...
Let’s go! Live at 10am est!
Today:
- @julietighe.bsky.social & @keanuaj.bsky.social on climate & the mayor's race,
- @viralvibes.bsky.social on public health & the mayor's race,
- @cohenjon.bsky.social on USAID cuts and global AIDS prevention,
- YOUR issues in this mayoral election
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @WNYC.org
- @julietighe.bsky.social & @keanuaj.bsky.social on climate & the mayor's race,
- @viralvibes.bsky.social on public health & the mayor's race,
- @cohenjon.bsky.social on USAID cuts and global AIDS prevention,
- YOUR issues in this mayoral election
Live at 10 on 93.9 FM, AM820 or @WNYC.org
June 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Let’s go! Live at 10am est!
It’s a big day for YLE New York!
1. Our community just hit 10k subscribers! I’m blown away by this milestone and beyond grateful for the support 🫶🫶
2. We published our first health policy voter guide. Voting for the NYC Mayoral Primary starts Saturday. Guide here: open.substack.com/pub/yourloca...
1. Our community just hit 10k subscribers! I’m blown away by this milestone and beyond grateful for the support 🫶🫶
2. We published our first health policy voter guide. Voting for the NYC Mayoral Primary starts Saturday. Guide here: open.substack.com/pub/yourloca...
June 12, 2025 at 12:03 PM
It’s a big day for YLE New York!
1. Our community just hit 10k subscribers! I’m blown away by this milestone and beyond grateful for the support 🫶🫶
2. We published our first health policy voter guide. Voting for the NYC Mayoral Primary starts Saturday. Guide here: open.substack.com/pub/yourloca...
1. Our community just hit 10k subscribers! I’m blown away by this milestone and beyond grateful for the support 🫶🫶
2. We published our first health policy voter guide. Voting for the NYC Mayoral Primary starts Saturday. Guide here: open.substack.com/pub/yourloca...
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
Great overview from @viralvibes.bsky.social of what’s on the line with the potential Medicaid cuts within the next federal budget. This concentrates on NY but applies more broadly to most states.
Medicaid on the line
What federal cuts mean for New Yorkers
open.substack.com
April 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Great overview from @viralvibes.bsky.social of what’s on the line with the potential Medicaid cuts within the next federal budget. This concentrates on NY but applies more broadly to most states.
New Jersey wildfire updates🔥: 12k acres burned, 35% contained.
Evacuations are 100% lifted for those who evacuated yesterday (good news!).
Smoke is still a risk: check AQI here airnow.gov
New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page is the best place for updates: www.facebook.com/NJForestFire...
Evacuations are 100% lifted for those who evacuated yesterday (good news!).
Smoke is still a risk: check AQI here airnow.gov
New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page is the best place for updates: www.facebook.com/NJForestFire...
airnow.gov
April 23, 2025 at 6:49 PM
New Jersey wildfire updates🔥: 12k acres burned, 35% contained.
Evacuations are 100% lifted for those who evacuated yesterday (good news!).
Smoke is still a risk: check AQI here airnow.gov
New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page is the best place for updates: www.facebook.com/NJForestFire...
Evacuations are 100% lifted for those who evacuated yesterday (good news!).
Smoke is still a risk: check AQI here airnow.gov
New Jersey Forest Fire Service Facebook page is the best place for updates: www.facebook.com/NJForestFire...
Fluoride in New York's drinking water: What's happening, is it safe, and why does it matter? A quick thread 🧵 from YLE New York's most recent post (1/11)
Fluoride in New York’s drinking water
What you need to know
yourlocalepidemiologistny.substack.com
April 23, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Fluoride in New York's drinking water: What's happening, is it safe, and why does it matter? A quick thread 🧵 from YLE New York's most recent post (1/11)
Rapid changes in our federal public health systems are directly impacting New York — from threats to 9/11 first responder programs to delays in vaccine recommendations. At the same time, vaccine-preventable diseases, including flu and measles, are active in our region.
🧵 (1/6) Here’s what is happening lately in New York public health – from nearby measles to 9/11 health program threats to vaccine recommendation delays – and why it matters👇
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist in your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist in your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
DOGE attempted to cut funds to 9/11 health program. Here's what else is happening in New York public health.
Rapid changes in our federal public health systems are directly impacting New York — from threats to 9/11 first responder programs to delays in vaccine recommendations. Here's the latest New York publ...
www.healthbeat.org
February 28, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Rapid changes in our federal public health systems are directly impacting New York — from threats to 9/11 first responder programs to delays in vaccine recommendations. At the same time, vaccine-preventable diseases, including flu and measles, are active in our region.
State laws don’t just shape health policy—they act as shields, protecting patients and providers when federal policies fall short. Whether it’s emerging infectious disease threats or reproductive rights, New York is showing how states can be frontline defenders of public health.
🧵 (1/7) Here is why states can maintain strong systems to protect the health and rights of their residents—even as a lot is unfolding at the national level of public health👇
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist in your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist in your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
Why New York’s public health system is largely protected from national level impacts
A lot is unfolding for public health at the national level, including the recent firing of about 1,300 federal employees. Here's why states like New York are still largely able to protect the health, ...
www.healthbeat.org
February 24, 2025 at 3:06 PM
State laws don’t just shape health policy—they act as shields, protecting patients and providers when federal policies fall short. Whether it’s emerging infectious disease threats or reproductive rights, New York is showing how states can be frontline defenders of public health.
Changes to NIH and other federal public health funding will impact New Yorkers and the local economy. In New York, NIH supports more than 29,000 jobs and $8 billion in economic activity. With funding freezes, we're already seeing the short-term impacts on local health programs.
🧵 (1/8) Here's how federal funding cuts to health research and services are impacting local New Yorkers – especially in the long term if courts don’t intervene👇
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist in your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist in your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
How changes in federal health funding are impacting New Yorkers
In a survey by Your Local Epidemiologist, New Yorkers reported federal changes to health funding have affected them in various ways, including disruptions to program funding and lost jobs or canceled ...
www.healthbeat.org
February 13, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Changes to NIH and other federal public health funding will impact New Yorkers and the local economy. In New York, NIH supports more than 29,000 jobs and $8 billion in economic activity. With funding freezes, we're already seeing the short-term impacts on local health programs.
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
How the federal chaos is impacting NY state public health (from respondents to national survey by YLE). NY data n=58. Compiled by @viralvibes.bsky.social & reported in her weekly Healthbeat email newsletter. One example below. Note how much research is impacted. 1/n
February 11, 2025 at 1:16 PM
How the federal chaos is impacting NY state public health (from respondents to national survey by YLE). NY data n=58. Compiled by @viralvibes.bsky.social & reported in her weekly Healthbeat email newsletter. One example below. Note how much research is impacted. 1/n
New York’s strong public health system and accessible data dashboards help shield it from federal chaos — good news for epidemiologists and the public.
But a weakened CDC and federal rollbacks could still ripple through and impact New Yorkers. Here’s how 👇
But a weakened CDC and federal rollbacks could still ripple through and impact New Yorkers. Here’s how 👇
🧵 (1/7) Here's why (from an epidemiologist's perspective) New York state health data is still available, even amidst disruptions to federal public health data sets👇
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist to your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
(To get more health insights from an epidemiologist to your inbox, be sure to add your email here: healthbe.at/subscribe-yle)
How New York's public health data is protected from federal communications freeze
Local and state health departments in New York collect and own health data rather than the federal government. With uncertainties surrounding federal data sharing, this means the state can still monit...
www.healthbeat.org
February 6, 2025 at 2:23 PM
New York’s strong public health system and accessible data dashboards help shield it from federal chaos — good news for epidemiologists and the public.
But a weakened CDC and federal rollbacks could still ripple through and impact New Yorkers. Here’s how 👇
But a weakened CDC and federal rollbacks could still ripple through and impact New Yorkers. Here’s how 👇
LA friends, masking is crucial right now:
-if you smell smoke or see ash, wear at least an N95 (or higher protection, like P100)
-if you are at/nearby a burned or smoke-damage property, mask up
-relying on AQI has limitations - some toxins in the air following fires aren't included in AQI data
-if you smell smoke or see ash, wear at least an N95 (or higher protection, like P100)
-if you are at/nearby a burned or smoke-damage property, mask up
-relying on AQI has limitations - some toxins in the air following fires aren't included in AQI data
Why Doctors Still Recommend Masking After Wildfire Smoke Clears
Even when the smoke clears after a wildfire, the air may still be toxic. We consulted eight pulmonologists about why and what masks and respirators to wear.
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2025 at 2:55 PM
LA friends, masking is crucial right now:
-if you smell smoke or see ash, wear at least an N95 (or higher protection, like P100)
-if you are at/nearby a burned or smoke-damage property, mask up
-relying on AQI has limitations - some toxins in the air following fires aren't included in AQI data
-if you smell smoke or see ash, wear at least an N95 (or higher protection, like P100)
-if you are at/nearby a burned or smoke-damage property, mask up
-relying on AQI has limitations - some toxins in the air following fires aren't included in AQI data
For those close to fires:
-Shut windows
-Turn off vents to the outside
-Wear a N95 mask outside, but P100+organic vapor is better to stop toxic gas exposure
-Use air purifiers inside
-After the fires, change your house AC filter
From @kkjetelina.bsky.social & Joseph Allen
-Shut windows
-Turn off vents to the outside
-Wear a N95 mask outside, but P100+organic vapor is better to stop toxic gas exposure
-Use air purifiers inside
-After the fires, change your house AC filter
From @kkjetelina.bsky.social & Joseph Allen
January 8, 2025 at 7:23 PM
For those close to fires:
-Shut windows
-Turn off vents to the outside
-Wear a N95 mask outside, but P100+organic vapor is better to stop toxic gas exposure
-Use air purifiers inside
-After the fires, change your house AC filter
From @kkjetelina.bsky.social & Joseph Allen
-Shut windows
-Turn off vents to the outside
-Wear a N95 mask outside, but P100+organic vapor is better to stop toxic gas exposure
-Use air purifiers inside
-After the fires, change your house AC filter
From @kkjetelina.bsky.social & Joseph Allen
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
If you're in an evacuation zone in SoCal, please check in with any disabled/aging neighbors you have to see if they need help evacuating.
January 8, 2025 at 3:37 AM
If you're in an evacuation zone in SoCal, please check in with any disabled/aging neighbors you have to see if they need help evacuating.
Los Angeles friends, please stay safe! Download the Watch Duty app www.watchduty.org to get alerts on the wildfires. Listen to evacuation orders -> mapped here www.fire.ca.gov/incidents.html. Remember to wear an N95 outside to avoid inhaling smoke.
Watch Duty - Wildfire Maps & Alerts
Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time.
www.watchduty.org
January 8, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Los Angeles friends, please stay safe! Download the Watch Duty app www.watchduty.org to get alerts on the wildfires. Listen to evacuation orders -> mapped here www.fire.ca.gov/incidents.html. Remember to wear an N95 outside to avoid inhaling smoke.
Our post this week is special because it celebrates the kind of impactful work that people in public health do - work that creates lasting, positive changes for communities. And it’s not just New York; these wins are happening all over the country and in your communities. Here's to 2025!
New York public health wins: access, innovation, infrastructure
New York has seen progress on several public health issues over the past year, including overdose deaths, life expectancy, maternal support, cancer, and improved air quality in schools. Your Local Epi...
www.healthbeat.org
January 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Our post this week is special because it celebrates the kind of impactful work that people in public health do - work that creates lasting, positive changes for communities. And it’s not just New York; these wins are happening all over the country and in your communities. Here's to 2025!
Last week, the NYC health dept. alerted providers that overdose is the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in NYC. This emerging issue is awful. The bigger picture is that any-cause maternal mortality in NY, and the rest of the US, is a public health crisis. New YLE NY piece out today 🧵
How New York is addressing health disparities in pregnancy-associated deaths
Two to three women die of pregnancy-associated factors each week in New York, on average. The majority are preventable. Here's how the crisis is being addressed.
www.healthbeat.org
December 18, 2024 at 3:34 PM
Last week, the NYC health dept. alerted providers that overdose is the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in NYC. This emerging issue is awful. The bigger picture is that any-cause maternal mortality in NY, and the rest of the US, is a public health crisis. New YLE NY piece out today 🧵
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
New this week from CDC
After months of declining or flat trends, COVID-19 now "beginning to increase from low levels in some areas"
www.cdc.gov/respiratory-...
You can see especially in Midwest, where wastewater climbed to "moderate" in recent weeks
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVI...
After months of declining or flat trends, COVID-19 now "beginning to increase from low levels in some areas"
www.cdc.gov/respiratory-...
You can see especially in Midwest, where wastewater climbed to "moderate" in recent weeks
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVI...
December 13, 2024 at 6:43 PM
New this week from CDC
After months of declining or flat trends, COVID-19 now "beginning to increase from low levels in some areas"
www.cdc.gov/respiratory-...
You can see especially in Midwest, where wastewater climbed to "moderate" in recent weeks
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVI...
After months of declining or flat trends, COVID-19 now "beginning to increase from low levels in some areas"
www.cdc.gov/respiratory-...
You can see especially in Midwest, where wastewater climbed to "moderate" in recent weeks
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVI...
This week, I got to do something pretty awesome: attend a White House event with other public health communicators and advocates from across the country. It was inspiring, humbling, and honestly, soooo much fun! 🤗 I wanted to share a couple of takeaways from the day 🧵👇
December 13, 2024 at 5:17 PM
This week, I got to do something pretty awesome: attend a White House event with other public health communicators and advocates from across the country. It was inspiring, humbling, and honestly, soooo much fun! 🤗 I wanted to share a couple of takeaways from the day 🧵👇
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
Highly recommend this easily sharable vaccine FAQs list from @kkjetelina.bsky.social and @yalesph.bsky.social. Here's a reminder of how we know vaccines don't cause autism.
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/api/v1/file/...
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/api/v1/file/...
December 8, 2024 at 8:06 PM
Highly recommend this easily sharable vaccine FAQs list from @kkjetelina.bsky.social and @yalesph.bsky.social. Here's a reminder of how we know vaccines don't cause autism.
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/api/v1/file/...
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/api/v1/file/...
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
Food insecurity affects 1.9 million New Yorkers. This is up 76% since 2021, and is higher than the 55% increase seen nationwide.
NYC’s rates are highest in the Bronx, where 1 in 3 children experience food insecurity.
🔗 Read the full story from @viralvibes.bsky.social at Healthbeat.org
NYC’s rates are highest in the Bronx, where 1 in 3 children experience food insecurity.
🔗 Read the full story from @viralvibes.bsky.social at Healthbeat.org
December 6, 2024 at 7:32 PM
Food insecurity affects 1.9 million New Yorkers. This is up 76% since 2021, and is higher than the 55% increase seen nationwide.
NYC’s rates are highest in the Bronx, where 1 in 3 children experience food insecurity.
🔗 Read the full story from @viralvibes.bsky.social at Healthbeat.org
NYC’s rates are highest in the Bronx, where 1 in 3 children experience food insecurity.
🔗 Read the full story from @viralvibes.bsky.social at Healthbeat.org
Great explanation of the viral dynamics at play in assessing the risks of an H5N1 pandemic.
If an #H5N1 pandemic starts tomorrow or in three months, there will be little mystery as to how it happened. The conditions are all there. They have been for a while.
So in some ways the more interesting question to me at the moment is: Why aren’t we in a pandemic yet?
Story here, 🧵 to come:
🧪#IDSky
So in some ways the more interesting question to me at the moment is: Why aren’t we in a pandemic yet?
Story here, 🧵 to come:
🧪#IDSky
Why hasn’t the bird flu pandemic started?
Some scientists examining mutations found in H5N1 viruses fear major outbreak is imminent but others says pathogen remains unpredictable
www.science.org
December 6, 2024 at 2:36 PM
Great explanation of the viral dynamics at play in assessing the risks of an H5N1 pandemic.
This week I cover increases in whooping cough in New York (and nationally), stark statistics on hunger and food insecurity, and a brief update on recent wildfires and Code Blue warnings. There’s a lot going on in New York public health these days…
https://www.healthbeat.org/newyork/2024/12/04/your-local-epidemiologist-whooping-cough-hunger-surge/…
December 4, 2024 at 7:53 PM
This week I cover increases in whooping cough in New York (and nationally), stark statistics on hunger and food insecurity, and a brief update on recent wildfires and Code Blue warnings. There’s a lot going on in New York public health these days…
Reposted by Marisa Donnelly, PhD
Important to remember that COVID-19 vaccines saved more than 3 million adult lives in 2 years and more than $1.5 trillion dollars.
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/hhs-picks-...
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/hhs-picks-...
December 4, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Important to remember that COVID-19 vaccines saved more than 3 million adult lives in 2 years and more than $1.5 trillion dollars.
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/hhs-picks-...
yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/p/hhs-picks-...