Population Science and Policy

The Department of Population Science and Policy works to understand the challenges of people in central and southern Illinois and provides innovative, sustainable solutions to improve health in rural and underserved communities.

Welcome

Welcome to SIU Medicine Department of Population Science and Policy (PSP). Our work expands SIU Medicine’s reach into the spaces where people live, work, learn and play. PSP focuses on improving a community’s social determinants of health through research, intervention and policy change. PSP consists of three divisions: The Epidemiology and Biostatistics Division gathers and analyzes data, Human and Community Development collaborates with communities to identify and implement solutions to improve health through mixed methods research, and Health System Science uses evidence-based research to inform and improve policies that affect the health of populations. PSP is working to move the dial on health in some of Illinois’ unhealthiest communities.

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Our team

Population Science and Policy Divisions

The Department of Population Science and Policy is divided into three divisions: Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Human and Community Development and Health System Science. Learn more about how we collaborate to improve health in Illinois.

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Latest articles

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Population Science article, authors honored for research impact

The American Association for Cancer Research has recognized an article on rural-urban cancer disparities with an award based on its high impact and originality.
Rural Health

Summit to address rural program, policy needs Oct. 27

Rural communities require rural-specific, innovative programs and policies to reverse disparities in access to basic resources, education and educational opportunity. An upcoming event is designed to
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Amid national 'opioid epidemic' methamphetamine often overlooked

A new study shows methamphetamine remains a stubbornly prevalent illicit substance in large swaths of rural America. Findings recently published in JAMA Network Open indicate that methamphetamine is

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