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  Advocating for Health Literacy in the United States

  Melissa Adamson

  Eighty-eight percent of adults in the United States are below proficient in health literacy which means they are unable to obtain, read, understand, and use healthcare information in order to make appropriate health decisions and follow instructions for treatment, thus resulting in continued poor health.

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  An Uninvited Guest: COVID-19

  Hamza Alvi

  We are currently facing an unprecedented pandemic that has killed thousands and has rapidly disrupted the status quo for billions across the world. We have a shared responsibility to decrease the transmission of COVID-19. As St. Louis Food Angels (STLFA), our mission is to offer free delivery of groceries and/or prepped meals to senior citizens, at-risk populations, and healthcare providers. STLFA has partnered with WashU Med Student Coronavirus Response volunteer team, and is providing delivery for two cases: (1) the delivery to individuals’ homes from food hubs where the food is already purchased (prepared meals and unprepared foods) for existing charities (e.g. non-profit organizations) that need assistance in getting food individuals’ homes; and (2) providing grocery shopping or pickup services (currently we are only able to pick up pre-purchased grocery orders). For the latter case, STLFA is assisting those without internet access to help them place their orders online by taking information over the phone.

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  Cost-Related Nonadherence (CRN) to Medication

  Jessica Kassel

  Cost-related nonadherence (CRN) to medication is a growing health-care issue in the United States. CRN to medication is usually defined as skipping doses, taking less medication than prescribed, and/or delaying medication use due to costs. Among 11 developed countries, the United States’ CRN to medication is the highest at 17 percent. When individuals experience CRN to medication, they become vulnerable to additional adverse health outcomes, which may lead to more frequent hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and, in the worst-case scenario, death. Mitigation of CRN to medicine may lead to a reduction in patients’ use of health-care services by improving patients’ overall health and preventing hospital admissions.

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  Inequalities in Public Education Funding

  Carrie LaChance

  Large funding differences are generated between wealthy and impoverished communities because nearly half of the funds come from local property taxes. Various funding formulas lead to differences and racial segregation in our communities and schools.

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  Advocating to Diminish Postpartum Depression

  Casey Linsenbardt

  One in eight women will experience postpartum depression symptoms. The most vulnerable are women of color and women of low social economic statuses.

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  Domestic Violence Awareness

  Katherine Sengheiser

  One out of four women have experienced domestic violence in the United States. Domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 20,000 calls per day. Public health experts have classified domestic violence as a public health crisis due to the following factors:

  • Significant number of individuals affected
  • High healthcare costs
  • The need for a multidisciplinary healthcare team for treatment and intervention

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  Hidden Truth: Life Without a Roof

  Holly Steen

  Homelessness is a complex social issue with many underlining causes. Due to the increase in homelessness in the U.S.A., it is important to advocate for viable and sustainable solution to end the crisis.