Policy Process | Healthcare

Public Policy

Adjusting to COVID-19

As critical services were sustained, public sector responses during the COVID-19 pandemic focused on mitigating health risks—states implementing digital services, scaled shifts, remote working, and office security systems. Technological expenditures also accelerated the transition to e-government, resulting in improved citizen service and communications. Such programs focus on the importance of security and adaptability in government. Some positive outcomes were boosted public sector efficiency, digital infrastructure, and more flexible work schedules. The crisis drew a wake of better institutional architectures and new methods to address future challenges – not to mention the role of interagency coordination and responsive policymaking.

Change for Gun Violence

Wear Orange is a program we developed to reduce gun violence in healthcare. Mass shootings and gun violence are crises of public safety requiring comprehensive legislation. Such issues require a rational approach to individual rights that puts public safety first. Mandatory background checks, banning firearms from people with violent or mental-health records, and banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines are all policy aims. Other critical components of preventative work are improved mental health services and community violence interventions. In addition, to drive evidence-based policy, authorities often insist on thorough data-gathering about gun violence. While guns and gun control can't be agreed on, having bipartisan discussion is essential to keeping the horrible violence of mass shootings as low as possible and ensuring safe streets.