In this episode, we delve into how inadequate medical care in correctional facilities exacerbates mental and physical health issues and creates lasting burdens on those inside and outside of the system. How can we call a system “just” when it fails to prioritize health and rehabilitation, forcing incarcerated individuals into a daily struggle for survival that erodes their sense of security and hope? We hear from Tanika Nicholas, who was once incarcerated at Pulaski State Prison and is now a Justice Reform Partnership Strategist at the Southern Center for Human Rights, as well as Marisol Dominguez-Ruiz, a Justice Catalyst Fellow at the ACLU's National Prison Project who advocates for ending solitary confinement for incarcerated people with disabilities.

This episode was reported and produced by Aavni Deval, a junior at Emory University majoring in political science and minoring in business, with a strong passion for exploring the intersection of health injustices and policy reform. She is dedicated to addressing systemic inequalities in healthcare through innovative solutions and seeks to develop strategies that improve access to quality care and advocate for equitable health policies, particularly for marginalized populations.

Reports and litigation mentioned in episode:

• United States Department of Justice Report
• 2021 Bureau of Justice Statistics Report
• Pennsylvania Department of Corrections v. Yeskey
• Read more about Dr. Yvon Nazaire (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
• GDC Response to DOJ Report

Additional resources:

• ACLU National Prison Project
• Southern Center for Human Rights

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical profe

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

In this episode, host Tre’ Harp tackles the issue of student mental health after reading a viral article that supposedly ranked the most depressed universities, with Emory coming in at No. 4. To get to the bottom of the question of what is going on with the depression on campus, Tre’ talks with fellow students including Nasneen Abdalim about what it’s like to navigate the university’s mental health resources. He also talks with Dr. Peter Hitchcock, assistant professor in Emory University’s psychology department, who gives a more nuanced answer to why college students struggle. Roderick (Tre’) Harp is a Human Health major and amateur podcaster studying at Emory University. He spends most of his time hanging out with friends and advocating for Native and Indigenous voices on campus.

Studies and reports referenced in this episode:

• Investigating Mental Health of US College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Survey Study
• Harvard Youth Poll
• Issues and the 2024 election | Pew Research Center
• What Works For Improving Mental Health In Higher Education? (PDF)

Additional Resources:

• Stress Management Health | Emory University
• Healthy Minds Network

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH

How do college students find purpose amidst the hustle and bustle of academic deadlines, internships, and social pressures? In this episode of HealthierU, host Abby Weisenfeld dives into the challenges and joys of discovering meaning in everyday life by drawing on published research and talking with Dr. Christine Whelan, Emory University's “Purpose Professor” and a nationally recognized expert on purposeful living. Next, Abby experiences the restorative power of a sound bath with Emory health educator Noni Keyton. Whether you’re a student or someone seeking clarity in a busy world, Abby’s journey will leave you reflecting on how purpose can transform your life, one small step at a time.

This episode was reported and produced by Abby Weisenfeld, an undergraduate student at Emory University studying human health and global development. Passionate about holistic health practices, Abby is dedicated to exploring the intersection of well-being, mindfulness and personal growth.

Studies and reports referenced in this episode:

• Finding a Life Worth Living: Meaning in Life and Graduation from College | European Association of Personality Psychology
• Harvard's Making Caring Common Project: "On Edge Understanding and Preventing Young Adults’ Mental Health Challenges" (PDF)
• The value of a purposeful life: Sense of purpose predicts greater income and net worth | Journal of Research in Personality (PDF)
• A mediating model of mindfulness, sense of purpose in life and mental health among Chinese graduate students | BMC Psychology
• Sound Baths Around Metro Atlanta | Atlanta Magazine

About HealthierU:

Produced and hosted by students at Emory University’s Center for the Study of Human Health, HealthierU is a podcast that aims to make sense of the science behind human health. This season, we’re diving into our generation’s burning health questions. Questions like: Is it bad to use the internet to diagnose yourself? Why do so many athletes get eating disorders, and why are they so hard to spot? Is sugar really so dangerous? To find the answers, we’re talking to scientists, nutritionists, counselors, medical professionals and regular folks, every week on HealthierU.

About Emory University's Center for the Study of Human Health:

The Emory Center for the Study of Human Health was developed to expand health knowledge and translate this knowledge to all aspects of life – for the individual and populations as a whole. The Center assembles the extraordinary faculty, researchers and thought leaders from across disciplines, departments, schools and institutions to bring this knowledge to Emory University students and inspire them to become leaders for the next generation in meeting challenges facing human health.

Follow Us:

Blog: Exploring Health

Facebook: @EmoryCSHH

Instagram: @EmoryCSHH

Twitter: @EmoryCSHH