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Outlaw Operators: Prevention Failures And The Resurgence Of Black Lung In Central Appalachia, Aysha Bodenhamer

The Carsey School of Public Policy at the Scholars' Repository

In this brief, author Aysha Bodenhamer describes how prevention failures in the coal mining industry have resulted in the resurgence of black lung disease. Caused by the chronic inhalation of coal and silica dust, black lung is progressive, incurable, life-altering, and fatal. Despite it being a preventable disease, black lung is resurgent among coal miners in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. Fieldwork including in-depth interviews with miners, clinic workers, black lung attorneys, government employees, and lay advocates, and a case-study analysis of two black lung clinics in southwest Virginia inform this analysis. These data reveal that coal operators routinely evade …

Youth Homelessness - State Policy Review, Adam Mercer

Student Research Projects

This project was sponsored by Waypoint within their runaway and homeless youth continuum. Waypoint is a private non-profit operating in New Hampshire and supporting homeless youth statewide. The objective of the project was to review state policies affecting youth for the purpose of increasing Waypoint’s ability to advocate for legislative changes that can prevent and bring an end to youth homelessness.

The rights and freedoms of minors in unsafe situations are often limited and tied to another person’s guardianship, which may not be the best option for them. Expanding their rights through new policy could improve their safety, quality of …

Ideology Affects Trust In Science Agencies During A Pandemic, Lawrence C. Hamilton, Thomas G. Safford

The Carsey School of Public Policy at the Scholars' Repository

In this perspectives brief, authors Lawrence Hamilton and Thomas Safford discuss the importance of government and public respect for scientific advice in mitigating the impacts of COVID-19. Striking political divisions in attitudes toward science have recently been evident in U.S. government statements and actions regarding the pandemic, and in opinions or behavior reported by general-public surveys. Although the COVID-19 crisis is breaking news, these political divisions in respect for science during a pandemic have deeper roots. A nationwide survey conducted by Carsey School researchers in 2016, immediately after the elections, found 25-point gaps between Trump and Clinton voters, or between …