Health in the Headlines

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Experts at the School of Health Professions and Human Services, the Saltzman Community Services Center, the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell are available to offer commentary on the most important health and wellness topics of the day, including:

Measles – More than 940 cases have been confirmed in 26 states this year, the greatest number reported in the United States since measles was declared eradicated in 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts who can discuss the impact of the outbreak on the general population, the misinformation that has spread about vaccinations, the debate over booster shots, and the difficulties faced by municipalities as they struggle to stem the spread of measles include public health professor Anthony Santella, DrPH, family nursing expert Maureen Houck, DNP, and infectious disease specialist Bruce Farber, MD.

Pregnancy and Depression -- New research led by Professor Maria Sanmartin, PhD found that more than half of pregnant women who are depressed do not seek treatment, and many instead turn to alternatives such as drugs and alcohol, marijuana, and painkillers. The study, published in the journal Psychiatric Services, looked at data from the five-year National Survey on Drug Use and Health of 12,360 women of reproductive age (18 to 44 years old) who reported symptoms of a major depressive episode in the last year. She can discuss how healthcare models can be improved to address the needs of this vulnerable group.

Suicide - Psychology professors William Sanderson, PhD and Mitchell Schare, PhD, director of the Phobia & Trauma Clinic, can discuss how to talk about this sensitive topic with vulnerable individuals including children, who went to ERs for suicidal thoughts and attempts in 2015 at twice the rate they did in 2007. Public health professor Martine Hackett, PhD can discuss trauma and traumatic grief as an underlying cause of many public health issues, including infant mortality, maternal mortality, substance use disorder, and sexually transmitted infections. She can also address how “diseases of despair” have contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States for two years in a row.

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Martine Hackett

Associate Professor of Population Health

Dr. Hackett's research focuses on public health and health inequities, particularly in the American suburbs and minority communities.

Public HealthHealth CommunicationResearch MethodsMaternal-Child HealthInfant Injury

Mitchell Schare

Professor of Psychology

Professor of Psychology and Director of the Phobia & Trauma Clinic

Emotional Aftermath of Traumatic EventsAnxiety DisordersPost Traumatic Stress DisorderPsychologySubstance Abuse Disorders

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Jun 4, 2026

2 min

The World Cup Beyond the Pitch

As the FIFA World Cup kicks off this month across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, global attention will focus on the action on the field. But some of the most important stories surrounding the tournament may happen beyond the final score. A recent Hofstra University article 'Hofstra History Professor Plays Key Role in 2026 World Cup Antidiscrimination Efforts' highlighted the work of historian and soccer scholar Brenda Elsey, who has been involved in efforts to address discrimination, inclusion, and fan culture issues connected to major international football events. Her work examines how race, gender, politics, identity, and social change intersect with the world's most popular sport. Dr. Brenda Elsey is a leading soccer scholar whose research explores the intersection of football, politics, gender, and society in Latin America. She has written extensively on the history and cultural impact of the sport, including its role in shaping identity, social movements, and international events. View her profile here For journalists, the 2026 World Cup presents opportunities to explore topics ranging from fan behaviour and inclusivity to the social and cultural impacts of hosting one of the largest sporting events on the planet. Questions around accessibility, equity, nationalism, gender representation, and the evolving role of sport in public life are expected to be part of the broader conversation surrounding the tournament. Brenda Elsey is a leading expert on the history, politics, and culture of soccer, with particular expertise in issues of gender, discrimination, and social justice in sport. Her research has examined how major international tournaments reflect broader societal trends and challenges, making her a valuable source for media looking to provide deeper context beyond match results and standings. Whether covering host cities, fan experiences, emerging controversies, or the legacy of the tournament, journalists seeking expert insight into the broader cultural significance of FIFA World Cup 2026 should consider connecting with Brenda Elsey.

May 28, 2026

1 min

Dr. Herman Berliner to be Honored at CUNY Graduate Center Commencement

Dr. Herman A. Berliner, Hofstra University provost emeritus and professor of economics, will be honored at the 60th annual commencement of CUNY Graduate Center, City University of New York, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Dr. Berliner, who earned a PhD in economics from CUNY Graduate Center and a bachelor’s degree from CUNY’s City College, will receive the President’s Distinguished Alumni Medal. He served as Hofstra University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs for 28 years and multiple terms as dean of the Frank G. Zarb School of Business. The CUNY Graduate Center commencement ceremony will be held at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall.

May 26, 2026

1 min

Julian Ku Discusses China-Taiwan Tensions in The New York Times

Hofstra Law Professor Julian Ku offers insight into rising geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan in a recent New York Times feature. The article, “Inside the Secret Mission to Fly Taiwan’s President to Africa,” examined how several countries reportedly denied airspace access for Lai’s aircraft amid pressure from Beijing. A scholar of international law and U.S. foreign relations law, Professor Ku framed the episode as part of a broader strategic effort by China to constrain Taiwan through legal and regulatory means rather than direct confrontation.