Health

Improving the health of people in the U.S. and abroad

AIR seeks to improve people’s lives and communities by addressing all aspects of health and well-being—physical, social, emotional, and mental—from the earliest years through later in life. Our work covers a broad range of areas, including the treatment and prevention of diseases; strategies for addressing the opioid epidemic and other substance use disorders; reducing violence and human trafficking; and improving health systems, patient care, and public outreach and communications.

AIR research and evaluation experts study the implementation and effectiveness of health and well-being initiatives and programs to provide much-needed evidence to inform the field. Through our policy, practice, and systems change work, we help policymakers, leaders, and practitioners develop and implement local strategies and initiatives to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.

 

Latest Work

Infographic: Health Care Hesitancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic Survey Results
14 Jan 2021
In the Field

How Willing Are People in the U.S. to Seek Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Besides the direct impact of COVID-19 on daily life, the pandemic has affected how individuals approach their personal health and well-being, including if and how they seek health care services.
30 Dec 2020
Report

To What Extent Does In-Person Schooling Contribute to the Spread of COVID-19? Evidence from Michigan and Washington

The instructional modality of schools (in-person, hybrid, or remote instruction) has implications not only for the health and safety of students and staff, but also student learning and the degree to which parents can engage in job activities. In this working paper, we consider the role of instructional modality in disease spread among the wider community.
22 Dec 2020
Report

S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation National Character Initiative Retrospective

Starting in 2019, AIR partnered with the S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation, to capture grantees’ experiences with the National Character Initiative. Specifically, through interviews and surveys, AIR aimed to describe grantees’ experiences implementing the grants and participating in the supports that were provided by the Foundation and expert consultants. Findings from the retrospective may be useful to other foundations as they decide how to fund and support youth-serving organizations.
17 Dec 2020
Brief

Using Telehealth to Meet the Challenges of the Opioid Epidemic

Across the United States, overdose death rates are surging. More information is needed to inform the delivery of medications for opioid use disorder and other therapeutic approaches using telehealth. Health policy researchers from AIR and IMPAQ are tracking and evaluating how policymakers, providers, and others in the health care field are responding to the opioid epidemic during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image of the year 2020
11 Dec 2020
Spotlight

AIR 2020 Year in Review: Using Evidence and Practice in Response to COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has affected how we live, work, and thrive—and reminded us of the vast inequities that persist in our culture. Research and evidence can be a path forward through these uncertain times and help us improve the lives of individuals, communities, and society. Here are some highlights of how AIR contributed and used evidence to inform practice during this unprecedented year.
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