Julia Raifman, ScD
@juliaraifman.bsky.social
Evidence-based posts about public health & equity. All views are my own.
Pinned
Grateful to the scientists standing up for the integrity of institutions essential to the health & well-being of our whole society
Evidence-based approaches are especially critical to the health of infants & children, whose health depends on reduced community spread of infectious diseases
Evidence-based approaches are especially critical to the health of infants & children, whose health depends on reduced community spread of infectious diseases
Public news is an essential public good
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
If you care about the BBC, stand up and defend it: this could be the beginning of the end | Polly Toynbee
Replacing the TV licence with a means-tested alternative may help disarm the right of one of its most effective weapons, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Public news is an essential public good
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
The threats are substantial — it has been sad & serious to see cuts to NPR & PBS in the US
May leaders in the UK & around the world speak up for the BBC
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
What can policy-oriented social scientists do in this moment?
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
September 17, 2025 at 1:27 PM
What can policy-oriented social scientists do in this moment?
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
POTUS has remade the GOP coalition anew in his image. Lines of conflict & opposition coalitions are scrambled. He's taking apart long-standing institutions & conventions, making the future is more fluid than ever in my lifetime....
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic party | Robert Reich
Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic party | Robert Reich
Democratic party leaders like Chuck Schumer refuse to endorse Mamdani. And The New York Times wrongly cautions against him. Both are wrong
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Zohran Mamdani represents the future of the Democratic party | Robert Reich
Mamdani shows:
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
November 5, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Mamdani shows:
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
Supporting economic security & minority/human rights goes hand in hand & is a compelling set of values
(& campaign message)
May we see more of this 💕
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
JUST IN: Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
SNAP benefits will restart, but it will be half the normal payment
Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
n.pr
November 3, 2025 at 6:02 PM
JUST IN: Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Why should you 🫵🏿 care about SNAP? SNAP recipients saw:
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
October 31, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Why should you 🫵🏿 care about SNAP? SNAP recipients saw:
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
- Improved life expectancy
- Lower chance of incarceration
- Lowers chance of poverty
- Lived in better neighborhoods
- Higher human capital
SNAP keeps our neighbors fed, communities safer, and kids educated. Also people are HUNGRY. DUH!
Thanks to @feedingamerica.org for helping families have food on the table this holiday season
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
November 1, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Thanks to @feedingamerica.org for helping families have food on the table this holiday season
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
Regardless of what happens next with SNAP, many people are losing jobs at the same time as health insurance premiums are rising & Medicaid coverage is set to decline
We can support those most affected
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
SNAP boosts households' average monthly income by 31%.
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
October 31, 2025 at 12:11 PM
SNAP boosts households' average monthly income by 31%.
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
For households with kids, it's 42%.
SNAP prevents food insecurity, but it also enables households use scarce non-SNAP resources for other things... rent, utilities, diapers, school supplies...
from: www.fns.usda.gov/data-researc...
🥗 🛟
Did you know? The US has one of the highest child poverty rates of OECD countries.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
October 31, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Did you know? The US has one of the highest child poverty rates of OECD countries.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
The average child poverty rate across OECD countries is 12.2%
In the US, it’s over 20%
It’s partly why many children rely on SNAP
High rates of child poverty warrant a national conversation.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Mail-in voters who haven't returned ballots yet: Check your state's deadline to make sure your vote gets counted.
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
Table 11: Receipt and Postmark Deadlines for Absentee/Mail Ballots
Summary of the state deadlines for when election officials must receive absentee/mailed ballots and postmark deadlines.
www.ncsl.org
October 30, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Mail-in voters who haven't returned ballots yet: Check your state's deadline to make sure your vote gets counted.
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
If your ballot must be received by Election Day, consider stopping by a ballot drop box or early voting site. It may be too late for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it by Nov. 4...
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
I just spoke with Capital Area Food Bank CEO Radha Muthiah about how they are preparing for a possible lapse in SNAP funding. She told me that for every meal they provide, SNAP provides *nine*.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
Today @mayorbowser.dc.gov says no final decision has been made yet on whether D.C. will cover the cost of SNAP benefits should federal funding lapse this weekend as expected. She's waiting for the outcome of a court hearing on a lawsuit filed by 25 states (including D.C.) on it.
October 29, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I just spoke with Capital Area Food Bank CEO Radha Muthiah about how they are preparing for a possible lapse in SNAP funding. She told me that for every meal they provide, SNAP provides *nine*.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
"The magnitude of the SNAP program is significant," she says.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Food bank director: “for every meal that a food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine. There’s no way we can meet that gap.”
October 27, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Food bank director: “for every meal that a food bank provides, the SNAP program provides nine. There’s no way we can meet that gap.”
“I’m so appreciative.
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
Portland mother detained at Canadian border released after 4 months in immigration detention
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/10/portland-mother-detained-at-canadian-border-released-after-4-months-in-immigration-detention.html
https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/10/portland-mother-detained-at-canadian-border-released-after-4-months-in-immigration-detention.html
October 28, 2025 at 3:43 AM
“I’m so appreciative.
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
I can’t wait to hug my babies.
And then I will get to work for others like me.”
— Jackie Merlos, after release from 4 months of ICE custody
Did you know?
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
October 27, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Did you know?
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
About 4.5 million SNAP recipients are babies and toddlers under age 5.
About 11.1 million SNAP recipients are kids aged 5 to 17 years, who need food for healthy growth, learning, & development.
The federal government has the capacity to continue funding SNAP during a shutdown.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
ICYMI: This week, I published my story about text messages I exchanged with Lindsey Halligan — the prosecutor now pursuing criminal cases against Letitia James and James Comey.
It’s a wild ride, and I’m still trying to make sense of it all.
Your Sunday read: ⬇️
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
It’s a wild ride, and I’m still trying to make sense of it all.
Your Sunday read: ⬇️
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
October 26, 2025 at 2:51 PM
ICYMI: This week, I published my story about text messages I exchanged with Lindsey Halligan — the prosecutor now pursuing criminal cases against Letitia James and James Comey.
It’s a wild ride, and I’m still trying to make sense of it all.
Your Sunday read: ⬇️
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
It’s a wild ride, and I’m still trying to make sense of it all.
Your Sunday read: ⬇️
www.lawfaremedia.org/article/anna...
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
This is contemptible and outrageous and unprecedented. Mostly children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Shameful. Hungry at Thanksgiving.
October 24, 2025 at 10:12 PM
This is contemptible and outrageous and unprecedented. Mostly children, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Shameful. Hungry at Thanksgiving.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Punchbowl reports “White House officials determined they do not have the authority” to use contingency reserves —billions of $ that Congress provided for use when SNAP funding is inadequate— to fund Nov. SNAP benefits. But, that’s not what USDA’s now-deleted shutdown plan says:
October 24, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Punchbowl reports “White House officials determined they do not have the authority” to use contingency reserves —billions of $ that Congress provided for use when SNAP funding is inadequate— to fund Nov. SNAP benefits. But, that’s not what USDA’s now-deleted shutdown plan says:
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Fantastic opportunity to lead the Equity Lab @wellcometrust.bsky.social working with the legendary Jimmy Volmink, details here wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellco... Please repost so as many as possible can see this great opportunity
Associate Director, Equity Lab
Salary: £120,800 Closing date: 9th November Contract type: Permanent Interview dates: 24th and 28th November The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by fun...
wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Fantastic opportunity to lead the Equity Lab @wellcometrust.bsky.social working with the legendary Jimmy Volmink, details here wellcome.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/Wellco... Please repost so as many as possible can see this great opportunity
Good morning, California
It’s a good day to Vote
Yes on 50
It’s a good day to Vote
Yes on 50
October 23, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Good morning, California
It’s a good day to Vote
Yes on 50
It’s a good day to Vote
Yes on 50
My heart is with immigrant populations in the Bay Area, an important & wonderful part of our communities & of their families
Grateful for leadership on supporting everyone in knowing their rights & resources
Grateful for leadership on supporting everyone in knowing their rights & resources
In the event of an encounter with immigration agents in the East Bay, make sure you and your family know your rights. (1/2)
October 23, 2025 at 4:33 AM
My heart is with immigrant populations in the Bay Area, an important & wonderful part of our communities & of their families
Grateful for leadership on supporting everyone in knowing their rights & resources
Grateful for leadership on supporting everyone in knowing their rights & resources
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
In response to anti-DEI legislation in the states, universities have started to hire more white male faculty.
This increase starts before bills are signed into law.
Universities appear to be anticipating anti-DEI legislation and preemptively hiring more white men.
This increase starts before bills are signed into law.
Universities appear to be anticipating anti-DEI legislation and preemptively hiring more white men.
October 22, 2025 at 3:26 PM
In response to anti-DEI legislation in the states, universities have started to hire more white male faculty.
This increase starts before bills are signed into law.
Universities appear to be anticipating anti-DEI legislation and preemptively hiring more white men.
This increase starts before bills are signed into law.
Universities appear to be anticipating anti-DEI legislation and preemptively hiring more white men.
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
Kudos to Ron Conway. “I am shocked and disappointed by your comments calling for an unwanted invasion of San Francisco by federal troops and by your willful ignorance and detachment from the impacts of the ICE immigration raids of families with NO criminal record.” www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/u...
‘Godfather of Silicon Valley’ Quits Board Over Benioff’s Backing of Trump
www.nytimes.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:28 AM
Kudos to Ron Conway. “I am shocked and disappointed by your comments calling for an unwanted invasion of San Francisco by federal troops and by your willful ignorance and detachment from the impacts of the ICE immigration raids of families with NO criminal record.” www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/u...
“There is added concern in parts of Latin America over unequal access to healthcare &
The worrying situation in the US, which is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades following a reversal [of leadership on vaccines]”
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
The worrying situation in the US, which is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades following a reversal [of leadership on vaccines]”
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
US anti-vax stance to blame for continent-wide surge in measles, say experts
The disease was eliminated across the Americas in 2024, but urgent vaccination drives are now under way as cases rise from Mexico to Bolivia after outbreaks farther north
www.theguardian.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:15 PM
“There is added concern in parts of Latin America over unequal access to healthcare &
The worrying situation in the US, which is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades following a reversal [of leadership on vaccines]”
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
The worrying situation in the US, which is facing its worst measles outbreak in decades following a reversal [of leadership on vaccines]”
www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
What would it look like to focus the Abundance Agenda on Community Abundance, ensuring basic standards of living for all? Might this be the rising tide that lifts us all?
“Those who live more than a mile away from that line — nearly 3,000 people — have no access to electricity.”
“Those who live more than a mile away from that line — nearly 3,000 people — have no access to electricity.”
A tribe in Arizona planned to connect 600 homes to electricity. Then the funding was cut
The Hopi Tribe received a multimillion-dollar federal grant to install solar panels and battery storage systems for hundreds of homes. But the Trump administration has canceled the funding.
www.npr.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:43 PM
What would it look like to focus the Abundance Agenda on Community Abundance, ensuring basic standards of living for all? Might this be the rising tide that lifts us all?
“Those who live more than a mile away from that line — nearly 3,000 people — have no access to electricity.”
“Those who live more than a mile away from that line — nearly 3,000 people — have no access to electricity.”
Reposted by Julia Raifman, ScD
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
England is now experiencing a significant Covid wave, after 10 months of relative quiet
The latest Covid situation in England and a look at where NHS services are as we head into winter
christinapagel.substack.com
October 10, 2025 at 1:10 PM
After a long pause, I've just done another England Covid & NHS update as we head into the autumn/winter season.
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...
TLDR: we're in a significant Covid wave now, the NHS is stretched, get boosted if you're eligible.
christinapagel.substack.com/p/england-is...