Kara Gavin
Research and Policy Media Relations Manager

Gavin draws on more than 25 years of experience in communicating about science, medicine and health policy. She focuses mainly on the health services research done by members of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, who work to understand and improve the safety, quality, equity and affordability of health care. As part of the Michigan Medicine communication team, she has lead responsibility for primary care and mental health topics. Contact: [email protected]; Twitter: @Karag
Kara Gavin photo
grey brain with purple dots
Health Lab
Brain network study reveals clues about dementia’s behavior changes
Dementia doesn’t just erode memory – it also changes behavior and mental health. A new study shows the brain’s salience network and tau protein may be involved.
 white and light blue covid test drawing with words covid-19 test written with yellow background and blue
Health Lab
Big gaps seen in home medical test use by older adults
At-home medical diagnostic and screening tests for COVID-19 and many other conditions are now available; a new study shows disparities in use of these direct-to-consumer tests.
 yellow measurement yellow twirled around blue colored money signs and RX bottles and pills and shots
Health Lab
The heart of the question: Who can get Medicare-covered weight loss medicine?
Wegovy (semaglutide) now has Medicare approval for coverage among people with obesity and cardiovascular disease but no diabetes; a study looks at what level of risk might make someone eligible.
 women getting shot in arm sitting with clinican wearing pink shirt
Health Lab
COVID-19 hits older adults hardest; which ones want the updated vaccine?
Older adults face a higher risk of severe COVID-19, but an updated vaccine offers additional protection. A new poll shows which people over 50 are most likely to get it.
Health Lab
Cannabis & older adults: Poll looks at use, beliefs and risk
Many older Americans use cannabis products containing THC for a range of reasons, but a sizable percentage may be taking risks or facing potential addiction.
 brain with money on it
Health Lab
What will it take to make mental health coverage and care better?
Access to mental health care has lagged even as diagnoses have risen; new federal rules aim to increase insurance coverage of care.
 image of people in green yellow pale blue and pink getting vaccines and out and about
Health Lab
Vaccines: A few minutes now could spare you misery later
Adults, especially people over 65, should get immunized against COVID-19, flu and other infections, to prevent fall and winter illness, hospitalization and worse
 ketamine pump stock picture close up showing number grey blue yellow blurred background behind it
Health Lab
Ketamine clinics vary widely in pregnancy-related safeguards, study finds
Ketamine, whether given as an IV, a nasal spray or sublingual, may harm a developing fetus, but a study shows clinics vary greatly in handling patients who could become pregnant during treatment.
 brain with white showing and rest teal and doctor with flashlight walking up neck that are stairs and shining flashlight
Health Lab
Same person. Different place. Twice the odds of a dementia diagnosis
Dementia risks vary by person and by population. But a new study shows diagnosis of the disease varies by region even after those differences are taken into account.
 teal background of three people thinking three different things regarding money and health
Health Lab
As election approaches, national poll shows which health topics concern older adults most
Health care costs of different kinds, and financial scams, are top of mind for people age 50 and older going into the November election.
 red dot marker on line going up and down
Health Lab
A new way to measure bipolar disorder
For people with bipolar disorder, a new way to measure the impact of treatment may be to measure the size of the “spikes” in their measures of mood and mania
 woman holding baby stomach sitting blue and white clothing
Health Lab
How did mental health parity laws affect new moms?
Mental health parity was a goal of two major laws more than a decade ago. A study shows they helped increase care and reduce cost for pregnant and postpartum women, but there are still gaps.
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Health Lab
11 ways to reduce your risk of dementia
Learn how to take care of your brain health from several experts who share practical tips to maintain healthy brain habits throughout your lifespan.
 Four examples of caregiving
Health Lab
Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for
Caregivers are more likely to be in their 50s and early 60s, female and believe the government should take the lead on the cost of caring for older adults.
 medical campus aerial
News Release
U-M care gets top marks from national hospital rating system
University of Michigan Health's Ann Arbor hospitals and health centers have received the top ranking of five stars from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services for quality, safety, timeliness and value, for the sixth consecutive time.
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