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.
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/...
🚨 New Report Out This Week
We just released The State of Child Health and Well-being in Georgia 2025 — the first statewide snapshot of what families are facing, based on nearly 1,000 parent voices.
📄 [Insert link]
#GeorgiaKids #PublicHealth #ChildHealth
sph.emory.edu/news/news-re...
We just released The State of Child Health and Well-being in Georgia 2025 — the first statewide snapshot of what families are facing, based on nearly 1,000 parent voices.
📄 [Insert link]
#GeorgiaKids #PublicHealth #ChildHealth
sph.emory.edu/news/news-re...
New Survey Reveals Top Health Concerns Among Georgia Parents | Rollins School of Public Health | Emory University | Atlanta GA
Georgia parents ranked education and school quality as their most urgent concern. Social media and bullying closely followed.
sph.emory.edu
May 8, 2025 at 1:46 AM
🚨 New Report Out This Week
We just released The State of Child Health and Well-being in Georgia 2025 — the first statewide snapshot of what families are facing, based on nearly 1,000 parent voices.
📄 [Insert link]
#GeorgiaKids #PublicHealth #ChildHealth
sph.emory.edu/news/news-re...
We just released The State of Child Health and Well-being in Georgia 2025 — the first statewide snapshot of what families are facing, based on nearly 1,000 parent voices.
📄 [Insert link]
#GeorgiaKids #PublicHealth #ChildHealth
sph.emory.edu/news/news-re...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
Most Americans use federal science information on a weekly basis, a new poll finds
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
www.npr.org
May 6, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Most Americans frequently use federal science information. But few are concerned that cuts to federal science spending could affect their access to such information, a new poll finds.
🚨 New report drops Tuesday: The State of Child Health and Well-being in Georgia 2025.
From mental health to economic hardship, the data show where Georgia kids are struggling—and where there’s hope.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid. #ChildHealth #GeorgiaKids #DataToAction
From mental health to economic hardship, the data show where Georgia kids are struggling—and where there’s hope.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid. #ChildHealth #GeorgiaKids #DataToAction
May 4, 2025 at 8:02 PM
🚨 New report drops Tuesday: The State of Child Health and Well-being in Georgia 2025.
From mental health to economic hardship, the data show where Georgia kids are struggling—and where there’s hope.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid. #ChildHealth #GeorgiaKids #DataToAction
From mental health to economic hardship, the data show where Georgia kids are struggling—and where there’s hope.
Let’s make Georgia the best place to be a kid. #ChildHealth #GeorgiaKids #DataToAction
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
Since this was published yesterday, NPR reports JAMA joins NEJM on the list of journals that confirms they’ve been sent threatening letters by Trump’s DOJ, ominously referencing their tax-exempt status in a bid to compel regime-friendly editorial choices.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...
The Scary Implications of U.S. Government Attacks on Medical Journals
A Trump-aligned prosecutor’s attack on medical journals is a threat to your health care—and the medical establishment should not comply
www.scientificamerican.com
May 2, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Since this was published yesterday, NPR reports JAMA joins NEJM on the list of journals that confirms they’ve been sent threatening letters by Trump’s DOJ, ominously referencing their tax-exempt status in a bid to compel regime-friendly editorial choices.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-...
Reposted by Stephen Patrick, MD, MPH
New KFF Tracking Poll looks at opinion on cuts to federal health agencies & programs. Partisans mostly disagree, of course, but majorities of both Ds and Rs oppose major cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, mental health, and infectious disease funding, and VA staff cuts
www.kff.org/medicaid/pol...
www.kff.org/medicaid/pol...
May 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
New KFF Tracking Poll looks at opinion on cuts to federal health agencies & programs. Partisans mostly disagree, of course, but majorities of both Ds and Rs oppose major cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, mental health, and infectious disease funding, and VA staff cuts
www.kff.org/medicaid/pol...
www.kff.org/medicaid/pol...