Howard K Koh
Biographic Data
| ID | 3468189 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Howard K Koh |
| GIVEN NAMES | Howard K |
| FAMILY NAME | Koh |
| SIGNATURE | KOH H K |
| AFFILIATIONS | Harvard University |
| ORCID | 0000-0001-8373-6184 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 38 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 72 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 38 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1996 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 4 |
The relevance of Spiritual Leadership to public health
Public health currently faces many enormous challenges that highlight the urgent need for more effective leadership models. This paper explores Spiritual Leadership in the Workplace as a potential approach to informing and animating the field of Public Health Leadership. Developed and applied over the past two decades, Spiritual Leadership is defined as the “values, attitudes, and behaviors necessary both to motivate and inspire workers and to en…
Identifying predictors of housing distress in later life
Objectives Housing insecurity is increasingly prevalent among older adults in the US, yet the factors that contribute to housing-related distress in this population remain inadequately understood. This study examined how changes in a comprehensive set of physical health, health behaviors, psychosocial, and economic factors are associated with subsequent housing distress, and explored differences by military veteran status. Methods We analyzed thr…
Housing distress and subsequent health and well-being among older adults
Housing insecurity is increasing among older adults in the U.S., yet the impact of housing-related distress on health and well-being in this population is understudied. This study uses three waves of prospective data from a national sample of U.S. adults aged 50+ years (Health and Retirement Study, N = 12,998) to examine associations between housing distress and 35 indicators of physical, behavioral, and psychosocial health and well-being four ye…
Homelessness response
While healthcare systems have long attempted various strategies to care for unhoused patients, the rising complexity and severity of the homelessness crisis have underscored the urgent need for systemic approaches. Such efforts are critical as current federal policies push more responsibility for homelessness prevention and response to states and localities. Few studies have identified frameworks that healthcare systems can use to guide unified r…
Toward a public health leadership national training agenda
Strong and effective leadership is essential for the success of public health systems. It serves as the driving force that inspires, guides, and empowers individuals to improve the health of their communities and strengthen their organizations. Leadership is not merely supplementary but a core element in tackling the increasingly complex challenges facing public health today. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant weaknesses in our systems for…
Families served during the first decade of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program
Homelessness impacts entire families, with potential intergenerational consequences. Addressing family homelessness provides both immediate relief and long-term societal benefits. While various programs exist to mitigate homelessness, the United States (US) Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program offers a distinctive model for combating homelessness among veterans by supporting their families a…
First Decade of Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program and Homelessness, 2012–2022
As homelessness remains an urgent public health crisis in the United States, specific programs in the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) system may serve as a roadmap for addressing it. We examine lessons learned from the first decade (2012–2022) of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, a cornerstone in the VA continuum of homeless services aimed at both preventing homelessness among those at risk and providing rapid re…
Exploring the spiritual foundations of public health leadership
The Covid-19 pandemic has laid bare the challenges of public health leadership. Faced with criticism, threats, and even violence, many public health leaders have left the field. A healthier future for the nation may well rest on training aspiring public health leaders to build deeper capacity for perseverance, healing, and resilience. Reflecting the growing experience of a team of public health educators at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public …
Learning from Covid-19
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlighted the challenges of effective emergency risk communication (ERC) to protect public health, including the difficulty in tackling the spread of inaccurate information. This study aimed to understand those challenges and potential solutions by interviewing leading government spokespersons and their advisors from around the world with experience during large scale emergencies. Int…
Spirituality in Serious Illness and Health
Importance: Despite growing evidence, the role of spirituality in serious illness and health has not been systematically assessed. Objective: To review evidence concerning spirituality in serious illness and health and to identify implications for patient care and health outcomes. Evidence Review: Searches of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science identified articles with evidence addressing spirituality in serious illness or health, published Janu…
Responding to the opioid crisis in North America and beyond
Prioritizing Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. Health Equity Agenda
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) populations are growing rapidly in the United States, yet AANHPIs remain understudied, overlooked, and misunderstood. During the COVID-19 pandemic, themes from the tragic history of anti-Asian bias and marginalization have resurfaced in a surge of renewed bigotry and xenophobic violence against AANHPIs. In this commentary, the authors discuss the role of medical schools in combating a…
Training Clinicians to Care for Patients Where They Are
Homelessness remains a pervasive, long-standing problem in the United States and is poised to increase as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals experiencing homelessness bear a higher burden of complex medical and mental health illnesses and often struggle to obtain quality and timely health care. The United States desperately needs to train a workforce to confront this large and growing crisis, but few health professional schools curren…
Measles as Metaphor
Anchor Institutions
“Anchor Institutions”—universities, hospitals, and other large, place-based organizations—invest in their communities as a way of doing business. Anchor “meds” (anchor institutions dedicated to health) that address social needs and social determinants of health have generated considerable community-based activity over the past several decades. Yet to date, virtually no research has analyzed their current status or effect on community health. To a…
Reimagining Health—Flourishing
Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor Authors Publications JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archiv…
Smoke-free and tobacco-free colleges and universities in the United States
In 2017, just 16.7% of accredited, degree-granting institutions in the USA had 100% smoke-free or 100% tobacco-free protections. Despite progress, more efforts can ensure that students and staff benefit from comprehensive 100% smoke-free and 100% tobacco-free protections at US colleges and universities
Body and Soul
Educating Future Public Health Leaders
The author reflects on the education of future public health leaders. Topics include the importance of setting targets and goals, the author's involvement in the unveiling of a U.S. public health program as part of the group Healthy People 2020, and the seven Ps of public health, which includes policymaking, the purchasing of health-related commodities, and public health budgets
Defining and Measuring Chronic Conditions
Current trends in US population growth, age distribution, and disease dynamics foretell rises in the prevalence of chronic diseases and other chronic conditions. These trends include the rapidly growing population of older adults, the increasing life expectancy associated with advances in public health and clinical medicine, the persistently high prevalence of some risk factors, and the emerging high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions. Alt…
Health Reform and Healthy People Initiative
The passage of the Affordable Care Act builds on and strengthens the foundation for prevention and wellness that Healthy People—the nation's health promotion and disease prevention aspirations for a healthier nation—established. The Affordable Care Act reaffirms the themes of Healthy People by promoting population-based prevention and sets the stage for Healthy People 2020. The heart of Healthy People 2010 lies in its leading health indicators, r…
Connecting Care Through the Clinic and Community for a Healthier America
Understanding worldwide youth attitudes towards smoke-free policies
The majority of youth worldwide support, yet lack, smoke-free policies in public places, while being regularly exposed to SHS. Youth support of SFPs is most positively associated with knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Redoubling education efforts represents an opportunity to establish smoke-free environments and improve health of children in developing countries
Promoting Environmental Justice
Translating Research Evidence Into Practice to Reduce Health Disparities
Translating research evidence to reduce health disparities has emerged as a global priority. The 2008 World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health recently urged that gaps in health attributable to political, social, and economic factors should be closed in a generation. Achieving this goal requires a social determinants approach to create public health systems that translate efficacy documented by research into effective…
Translating Research Evidence Into Practice to Reduce Health Disparities
Translating research evidence to reduce health disparities has emerged as a global priority. The 2008 World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health recently urged that gaps in health attributable to political, social, and economic factors should be closed in a generation. Achieving this goal requires a social determinants approach to create public health systems that translate efficacy documented by research into effective…
Preventing 3 Million Premature Deaths and Helping 5 Million Smokers Quit
In August 2002, the Subcommittee on Cessation of the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH) was charged with developing recommendations to substantially increase rates of tobacco cessation in the United States. The subcommittee’s report, A National Action Plan for Tobacco Cessation, outlines 10 recommendations for reducing premature morbidity and mortality by helping millions of Americans stop using tobacco. The plan includes both evi…
The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
During the past 25 years, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program has evolved into a service model embodying the core functions and essential services of public health. Each year the program provides integrated medical, behavioral, and oral health care, as well as preventive services, to more than 11 000 homeless people. Services are delivered in clinics located in 2 teaching hospitals, 80 shelters and soup kitchens, and an innovative 104…
Anchor Institutions
“Anchor Institutions”—universities, hospitals, and other large, place-based organizations—invest in their communities as a way of doing business. Anchor “meds” (anchor institutions dedicated to health) that address social needs and social determinants of health have generated considerable community-based activity over the past several decades. Yet to date, virtually no research has analyzed their current status or effect on community health. To a…
Health Equity and Public Health Leadership
The authors discuss health disparities and the need for leadership to achieve equity in public health. The Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) is cited regarding the rights of all humans to the best-possible health standards. Persistent inequities are noted, however, from various perspectives including disease incidence, risk, populations, and geography. The authors discuss avenues for change including communication and the need t…
Tobacco Industry Control of Menthol in Cigarettes and Targeting of Adolescents and Young Adults
Objectives. We examined whether tobacco manufacturers manipulate the menthol content of cigarettes in an effort to target adolescents and young adults. Methods. We analyzed data from tobacco industry documents describing menthol product development, results of laboratory testing of US menthol brands, market research reports, and the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Results. The tobacco industry attracted new smokers by promoting cigar…
Health Reform and Healthy People Initiative
The passage of the Affordable Care Act builds on and strengthens the foundation for prevention and wellness that Healthy People—the nation's health promotion and disease prevention aspirations for a healthier nation—established. The Affordable Care Act reaffirms the themes of Healthy People by promoting population-based prevention and sets the stage for Healthy People 2020. The heart of Healthy People 2010 lies in its leading health indicators, r…
Connecting Care Through the Clinic and Community for a Healthier America
Promoting Environmental Justice
Body and Soul
Educating Future Public Health Leaders
The author reflects on the education of future public health leaders. Topics include the importance of setting targets and goals, the author's involvement in the unveiling of a U.S. public health program as part of the group Healthy People 2020, and the seven Ps of public health, which includes policymaking, the purchasing of health-related commodities, and public health budgets
An analysis of the successful 1992 Massachusetts tobacco tax initiative
In November 1992, voters in Massachusetts (United States) passed a statewide tax initiative adding an extra 25 cents to the price of a pack of cigarettes. The Massachusetts Coalition for a Healthy Future, led by volunteers from the Massachusetts Division of the American Cancer Society, achieved this victory, despite a public anti-tax mood and $7.3 million spent by the tobacco industry. The tax has since generated millions of dollars for tobacco e…
Smoking behaviours and attitudes among male restaurant workers in Boston's Chinatown
Despite high rates of smoking, Chinese American restaurant workers were generally aware of the health risks and were interested in quitting. Community based research can set the stage for targeted public health efforts to reduce smoking in immigrant communities
Tobacco control in Massachusetts
Human Rights from a U.S. State Health Department Perspective
Preventing 3 Million Premature Deaths and Helping 5 Million Smokers Quit
In August 2002, the Subcommittee on Cessation of the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH) was charged with developing recommendations to substantially increase rates of tobacco cessation in the United States. The subcommittee’s report, A National Action Plan for Tobacco Cessation, outlines 10 recommendations for reducing premature morbidity and mortality by helping millions of Americans stop using tobacco. The plan includes both evi…
New Cigarette Brands With Flavors That Appeal To Youth
Tobacco manufacturers have recently introduced a proliferation of exotic brands featuring candylike flavors. We reviewed internal tobacco industry documents and patents to assess the role of flavored cigarettes in the targeting of young smokers. This research revealed the development of flavor delivery technologies hidden from consumers and public health professionals, including the use of a plastic pellet placed in the cigarette filter. These fi…
Trends in nicotine yield in smoke and its relationship with design characteristics among popular US cigarette brands, 1997–2005
This study confirms increased machine-measured levels of nicotine, the addictive agent in cigarettes, in smoke, to be a result of increased nicotine in the tobacco rod and other design modifications
A Statewide Public Health Approach to Improving Organ Donation
Despite the growing disparity between organ supply and demand in the United States, few initiatives have attempted to close the gap through systematic population-based public health endeavors. We examined the evolution, implementation, and outcomes of the Massachusetts Organ Donation Initiative, a statewide effort that included a unique partnership among organ procurement organizations, major teaching hospitals, and the state’s department of publ…
Tobacco Industry Control of Menthol in Cigarettes and Targeting of Adolescents and Young Adults
Objectives. We examined whether tobacco manufacturers manipulate the menthol content of cigarettes in an effort to target adolescents and young adults. Methods. We analyzed data from tobacco industry documents describing menthol product development, results of laboratory testing of US menthol brands, market research reports, and the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Results. The tobacco industry attracted new smokers by promoting cigar…
Coronary Heart Disease Deaths And Decreased Smoking Prevalence in Massachusetts, 1993–2003
We used the previously validated IMPACT coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality model to estimate the CHD deaths attributable to reductions in smoking prevalence following the introduction of the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program (MTCP) in 1993. A 29% and 31% decline in smoking prevalence and CHD mortality rates occurred, respectively (from 1993 to 2003). A total of 425 fewer CHD deaths, which generated approximately 3365 extra life-years, wer…
The strategic targeting of females by transnational tobacco companies in South Korea following trade liberalisation
BACKGROUND: In 1988 South Korea opened its cigarette market to foreign companies under the threat of US trade sanctions. Despite strong social stigma against female smoking in South Korea, and restrictions on tobacco marketing to women and children, smoking rates among young Korean females increased from 1.6% in 1988 to 13% in 1998. Previous analyses describe how Asian countries have been targeted by transnational tobacco companies for new market…
Translating Research Evidence Into Practice to Reduce Health Disparities
Translating research evidence to reduce health disparities has emerged as a global priority. The 2008 World Health Organization Commission on Social Determinants of Health recently urged that gaps in health attributable to political, social, and economic factors should be closed in a generation. Achieving this goal requires a social determinants approach to create public health systems that translate efficacy documented by research into effective…
The Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
During the past 25 years, the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program has evolved into a service model embodying the core functions and essential services of public health. Each year the program provides integrated medical, behavioral, and oral health care, as well as preventive services, to more than 11 000 homeless people. Services are delivered in clinics located in 2 teaching hospitals, 80 shelters and soup kitchens, and an innovative 104…
Health Equity and Public Health Leadership
The authors discuss health disparities and the need for leadership to achieve equity in public health. The Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO) is cited regarding the rights of all humans to the best-possible health standards. Persistent inequities are noted, however, from various perspectives including disease incidence, risk, populations, and geography. The authors discuss avenues for change including communication and the need t…
Understanding worldwide youth attitudes towards smoke-free policies
The majority of youth worldwide support, yet lack, smoke-free policies in public places, while being regularly exposed to SHS. Youth support of SFPs is most positively associated with knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. Redoubling education efforts represents an opportunity to establish smoke-free environments and improve health of children in developing countries
Promoting Environmental Justice
Health Reform and Healthy People Initiative
The passage of the Affordable Care Act builds on and strengthens the foundation for prevention and wellness that Healthy People—the nation's health promotion and disease prevention aspirations for a healthier nation—established. The Affordable Care Act reaffirms the themes of Healthy People by promoting population-based prevention and sets the stage for Healthy People 2020. The heart of Healthy People 2010 lies in its leading health indicators, r…
Connecting Care Through the Clinic and Community for a Healthier America
Defining and Measuring Chronic Conditions
Current trends in US population growth, age distribution, and disease dynamics foretell rises in the prevalence of chronic diseases and other chronic conditions. These trends include the rapidly growing population of older adults, the increasing life expectancy associated with advances in public health and clinical medicine, the persistently high prevalence of some risk factors, and the emerging high prevalence of multiple chronic conditions. Alt…
Educating Future Public Health Leaders
The author reflects on the education of future public health leaders. Topics include the importance of setting targets and goals, the author's involvement in the unveiling of a U.S. public health program as part of the group Healthy People 2020, and the seven Ps of public health, which includes policymaking, the purchasing of health-related commodities, and public health budgets
Reimagining Health—Flourishing
Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing to use our site, or clicking "Continue," you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy | Continue JAMA HomeNew OnlineCurrent IssueFor Authors Publications JAMA JAMA Network Open JAMA Cardiology JAMA Dermatology JAMA Health Forum JAMA Internal Medicine JAMA Neurology JAMA Oncology JAMA Ophthalmology JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery JAMA Pediatrics JAMA Psychiatry JAMA Surgery Archiv…
Smoke-free and tobacco-free colleges and universities in the United States
In 2017, just 16.7% of accredited, degree-granting institutions in the USA had 100% smoke-free or 100% tobacco-free protections. Despite progress, more efforts can ensure that students and staff benefit from comprehensive 100% smoke-free and 100% tobacco-free protections at US colleges and universities
Body and Soul
Measles as Metaphor
Anchor Institutions
“Anchor Institutions”—universities, hospitals, and other large, place-based organizations—invest in their communities as a way of doing business. Anchor “meds” (anchor institutions dedicated to health) that address social needs and social determinants of health have generated considerable community-based activity over the past several decades. Yet to date, virtually no research has analyzed their current status or effect on community health. To a…
Medicine (28 works) · Public health (24 works) · Nursing (19 works) · Political science (18 works) · Environmental health (17 works) · Population (10 works) · Smoking Behavior and Cessation (10 works) · Psychology (8 works) · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations (7 works) · Gerontology (7 works)