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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics

@uoftpandemics.bsky.social
4.8K followers 103 following 334 posts

Transforming the future of public health emergency research through interdisciplinary collaboration, building capacity, and driving action.

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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A new IHEP-funded paper by members Zahra Shakeri, Ishtiaque Ahmed and Amol Verma analyzed 122,194 patient reviews across 45 Ontario hospitals using natural language processing (NLP) and geospatial analytics to uncover trends in patient satisfaction and healthcare equity. 🔗 bit.ly/4dkPMps
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
On Oct 16th, Dr. Michelle Murti will discuss Toronto’s outbreak preparedness and response at the EPIC Symposium. 🔗: bit.ly/2026EPICSymp... Catch up on what Dr. Murti said in 2024 about using AI for preparedness during our AI Speaker Series. 📽️ Rewatch here: bit.ly/4xIM0xu
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
What does it take to turn evidence into public policy? Dr. Howard Njoo discusses the difference between evidence-based and evidence-informed decision-making during a health emergency. ▶️ Watch the full session: bit.ly/4yUXcIg
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Flu season is around the corner. Experts from public health, health care and pharmacy share why vaccination still matters, how it can help prevent severe illness, and what you can do to protect yourself and your community this season. 💉 🔗 bit.ly/4h6naCD #FluSeason #PublicHealth #FluVaccine
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🛡️ As flu season approaches, air filtration remains an important layer of protection against infectious diseases. IHEP member Jeff Siegel @engineering.utoronto.ca) explains how high-efficiency air filtration can help reduce airborne pathogens in shared indoor spaces.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
When people hear the word "governance," they may think of policies and procedures. Quinn Grundy @uoftnursing.bsky.social explains why good governance is a critical foundation for emergency preparedness and response. 📺 Watch the full session: bit.ly/4iqH38F
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
IHEP members Sharmistha Mishra, Sharon Straus and Michelle Murti are featured in UofTMed Magazine, discussing how wastewater surveillance is helping communities monitor infectious diseases, inform public health action and strengthen preparedness. bit.ly/3UJdjtU
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
One Health U of Guelph @onehealthuofg.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
TOMORROW! The next @WHO EPI-WIN webinar is Wed., Sept. 16, 7:30 am EDT. This webinar will explore practical experiences gained from pandemic preparedness initiatives, with lessons learned on translating investments into stronger preparedness systems: bit.ly/4hgPZw5
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WHO Health Emergencies EPI-WIN webinar: Strengthening pandemic preparedness: from investment to implementation and impact
Pandemic prevention, preparedness and response (PPR) requires sustained investment to build and maintain the capacities needed to detect, prevent and respond to health emergencies. This webinar will e...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Congratulations to IHEP members Fahad Razak and András Tilcsik on being appointed to @src-rsc.bsky.social's College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists! www.utoronto.ca/celebrates/s...
utoronto.ca
Six faculty members named to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists
Six faculty members from the University of Toronto have been appointed to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.The college recognizes members of the emerging g...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
📬 Stay connected with the Institute! Sign up for our listserv to receive newsletters, event announcements, and updates. Join here: bit.ly/4qfQx7C
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
UofT-TCAIREM @uoft-tcairem.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Can you turn #health data into solutions? Join @uoft-tcairem.bsky.social 2026 National Health #Datathon and team up to tackle real-world health challenges using #AI and #data! 📅 Oct. 2–3 📍 Hybrid ⏳ Register by Sept. 25 🔗 tcairem.utoronto.ca/news/registr... #AIinMedicine #DataScience
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social explains why human expertise must remain at the centre of AI-powered tools developed to support public health decision-making. The project was a collaboration between @uoftdlsph.bsky.social and Toronto Public Health. 🎥 Watch: bit.ly/4wv4zVv
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
How can we ensure the next health emergency doesn't widen existing inequities? Dr. Fahad Razak discusses how digital data could help improve access to innovation and interventions for populations often left behind during crises. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/XrSxNyj9d5U?...
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
UofT-TCAIREM @uoft-tcairem.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
🚀 Registration open for UofT-TCAIREM's fully accredited intro to #AI course for #clinicians! ⏳ Register by Oct. 8, 2026 📅 Course dates: Oct. 17-18 💻 Virtual 🔗 ow.ly/7mWR50ZFI8m #AIhealth #AI #HealthAI #MedTech #healthcare #MedEd #DoctorLife
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
📚 As students head back to school, indoor air quality can help support healthier classrooms. In this video, Sarah Haines @civmin.bsky.social shares practical evidence-informed steps schools can take to improve air filtration & reduce airborne particles indoors. @utoronto.ca @engineering.utoronto.ca
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the effects of COVID-19 may extend beyond the initial recovery period. Read the new publication by IHEP members Joseph Munn, Peter Austin, Clare Atzema, Candace McNaughton and Andrea Gershon. 🔗https://bit.ly/4qLYvqd
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
A recent study by IHEP member @dfisman.bsky.social, @uoftdlsph.bsky.social, & co-authors found that while COVID-19 infections rose sharply across all groups during the Omicron period, racialized individuals in Canada continued to experience higher SARS-CoV-2 infection risk. 🔗 bit.ly/4wGRCaZ
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Led by IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social in collaboration with Toronto Public Health. @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social @utoronto.ca @uoftdlsph.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
How can AI support preparedness for large-scale events? Zahra explains how online signals can help identify potential public health concerns and support a more proactive approach to preparedness. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/fJqHLpnUyA0
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
When systems are inconsistent, people rely on relationships. Chavon Niles, @uoftmedicine.bsky.social, reflects on the role of family, community networks and trusted relationships during times of uncertainty. ▶️ Watch the full session: bit.ly/3Sp8pkW
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
Amesh Adalja @ameshaa.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
In this TV interview I discuss some myths and facts about COVID-19
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Already following us here? We'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn as well. Follow the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics: 🔗 bit.ly/4qjlEQy
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https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/institute-of-health-emergencies-and-pandemics
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Transparency can't be built during a crisis. Quinn Grundy @uoftnursing.bsky.social discusses why it needs to be embedded in policies and decision-making processes long before the next emergency. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/KDszxlog860?...
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Session 2: Transforming policy to enhance emergency preparedness and response
YouTube video by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Can air filtration help reduce the spread of infectious diseases? IHEP member Jeffrey Siegel and co-author Chun Chen examine the challenges and opportunities in using air filtration to help reduce airborne infectious disease transmission. 🔗 bit.ly/4wfEmKb
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social explains why human expertise must remain at the centre of AI-powered tools developed to support public health decision-making. The project was a collaboration between @uoftdlsph.bsky.social and Toronto Public Health. 🎥 Watch: bit.ly/4wv4zVv
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
How is Long COVID disproportionately impacting racialized immigrants? Funded by an IHEP catalyst grant, members @maddymant.bsky.social and Kathi Wilson argue that Long COVID is not just a health issue; it’s also shaped by racism, poverty, precarious work, and policy gaps. 🔗https://bit.ly/4x9NPEp
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
@utoronto.ca @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social @uoftdlsph.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Could AI help us prepare for health emergencies before they happen? Mohammad discusses how AI could help identify emerging health risks earlier and support preparedness. The project was led by IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social in collaboration with Toronto Public Health. 📺: youtu.be/fJqHLpnUyA0
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Are organizations preparing for the next crisis, or the last one? András Tilcsik @rotmanschool.bsky.social explains why learning from past failures doesn't always translate into preparedness for future challenges. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/KDszxlog860?...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Wildfire emergencies are increasing in frequency, duration and intensity, and so are their health impacts. New research co-authored by IHEP member Dr. Michelle Murti (Toronto Public Health) highlights key health effects and offers guidance for primary care providers. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/4eRgbgf
Thick smoke rises through a dense forest with bright orange embers visible among the trees.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
CTV News spotlight MaaTRx, a University of Toronto innovation with roots in research at the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics. 🔗 Read the feature: bit.ly/4wxnD6a #AI #DrugShortages #HealthSystems #HealthInnovation #CanadaHealth #HealthTech @pharmacy.utoronto.ca
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This new AI platform will tell your pharmacist when your meds are running low
For hospitals, a chemotherapy drug shortage can mean an impossible scramble of tough choices: find more supply, delay treatments or switch a patient to another regimen. This time, the warning came…
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
AI can accelerate data analysis during health emergencies but human expertise remains essential. Daniel Barnett discusses the risks of AI "hallucinations" and why expert judgment still matters. ▶️ Watch more: youtu.be/Awdm-Uc2QPU @johnshopkinssph.bsky.social @johnshopkinsehe.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
📢Already following us here? We'd love to connect with you on LinkedIn as well. Follow the Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics: 🔗 www.linkedin.com/showcase/ins...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics | LinkedIn
Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics | 1,898 followers on LinkedIn. Transforming the future of public health emergency research, through interdisciplinary collaboration, building capacity, ...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
What if we knew more about the buildings we spend time in? Jeff Siegel @engineering.utoronto.ca explains why a "census of buildings" could help inform ventilation and filtration strategies during future health emergencies. ▶️ Watch the full session: bit.ly/3R4CA0d
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
This #WorldAIDay, we're featuring the work of IHEP member @dzevela.bsky.social and collaborators at @uoftdlsph.bsky.social and Toronto Public Health, exploring how AI could support public health emergency preparedness. 🎥 Watch: youtu.be/fJqHLpnUyA0 #HealthEmergencies @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
📬 Stay connected with the Institute! Sign up for our listserv to receive newsletters, event announcements, and updates. Join here: bit.ly/4qfQx7C
Dark blue graphic promoting the U of T Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics mailing list, with an envelope icon, “Stay connected with the Institute,” a “Subscribe Now” button, and the URL pandemics.utoronto.ca/mailing-list/.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
"Infectious diseases don't operate in a vacuum." Alison Hill @artsci.utoronto.ca explains why understanding human behaviour is essential for improving disease models and informing policy decisions. ▶️ Watch the full session: youtu.be/XrSxNyj9d5U?...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Featured by @utoronto.ca , MaaTRx, developed by IHEP member Mina Tadrous and @pharmacy.utoronto.ca alum Shanzeh Chaudhry, helps health systems anticipate and respond to drug shortages through real-time data and predictive analytics. 📰 Read more: bit.ly/4wtnvnU
Two photos, one of Mina Tadrous on the left and the other of Shanzeh Chaudhry on the right, both wearing blazers and smiling at the camera.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
The VITAL data platform will allow secure sharing of real-time clinical data from hospitals across the country while maintaining patient privacy and provincial control. Find out more: geminimedicine.ca/VITAL/
geminimedicine.ca
Vital - GEMINI
Vital: Canada’s Largest Hospital Data Network for Research and Innovation Advancing clinical trials, AI, and a continuously improving health system Français What is Vital? Vital is a new collaborative...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
VITAL, co-led by IHEP members Fahad Razak and Amol Verma, has received $100 million in federal support to expand its national health data platform across Canada. 🔗 Read more: www.utoronto.ca/news/health-...
utoronto.ca
Health data initiative led by Unity Health, U of T researchers to expand across Canada with $100‑million in federal support
A hospital data-sharing platform founded by researchers at Unity Health Toronto and the University of Toronto will receive $100 million in new federal investment to expand across Canada.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Last week's heat wave led to 39 heat-related ER visits in Toronto, according to CBC News. Sara Allin @ihpmeuoft.bsky.social explains how extreme heat can strain health systems, exposing gaps in coordination and capacity. 🔗 Read the CBC article: bit.ly/4f2B7PP
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Reposted by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
University of Toronto @utoronto.ca · 24/06/2026
#UofT startup builds early-warning system for drug shortages ⚕️ uoft.me/cvc
Mina Tadrous (L) and Shanzeh Chaudhry (supplied images)
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
How can policy and governance improve emergency preparedness? Watch this session from the 2026 IHEP Symposium, on strengthening coordination, accountability and response systems. 🔗 youtu.be/KDszxlog860?...
youtu.be
Session 2: Transforming policy to enhance emergency preparedness and response
YouTube video by Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
📘 New research from IHEP member Karen Chapple suggests the revival of neighbourhood commercial districts is being driven less by remote work and more by population growth, new housing and the presence of essential workers. 🔗 Read the paper: www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/a...
Aerial view of Toronto area at dusk, showing a busy north–south roadway lined with shops, homes and mid-rise buildings. Vehicle headlights and traffic signals illuminate the street as it stretches toward the horizon, surrounded by tree-filled neighbourhoods under a cloudy evening sky.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
MaaTRx was developed by IHEP member, Mina Tadrous @pharmacy.utoronto.ca, together with co‑lead Shanzeh Chaudhry, alum of the Faculty who now plays a leading role in advancing the platform.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Drug shortages have become a steady pressure point in Canada’s health system. MaaTRx, a new @UofT platform, uses real‑time data and AI to flag drug shortage risks early, helping health leaders act sooner. 🔗 Read more: www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-sta...
utoronto.ca
U of T startup builds early-warning system for drug shortages
An early-warning tool developed by researchers at the University of Toronto helps predict and manage drug shortages by giving Canadian health leaders more visibility into the risks before it’s too lat...
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
This International Women In Engineering Day we’re highlighting Sarah Haines (@civmin.bsky.social). In this video she shares practical guidance to help schools improve indoor air quality and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Watch ▶️ #IndoorAirQuality #INWED26 @utoronto.ca
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
The interdisciplinary team includes IHEP members Brian Baigrie @ihpst-uoft.bsky.social, Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed @uoftcompsci.bsky.social, @furnesscolin.bsky.social and Nadia Caidi (Faculty of Information).
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
New NFRF funding will support PROOF-Health, a project led by Zahra Shakeri @uoftdlsph.bsky.social to identify harmful health misinformation earlier. 🔗: pandemics.utoronto.ca/ihep-support...
pandemics.utoronto.ca
New PROOF-Health Project to Combat Misinformation
An interdisciplinary team has secured NFRF Exploration funding for PROOF-Health, a brand-new project launching to identify and stop dangerous health claims.
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Institute of Health Emergencies & Pandemics @uoftpandemics.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
📘 IHEP-supported research led by Tanya Titchkosky @oiseuoft.bsky.social finds that public health communication often treats disability as disease-like, rather than addressing disabled people as a community. 🔗 Read the article: bit.ly/4dVWQZk
Graphic announcing a new publication titled “Unboxing disability communication” with authors Aparna Raghu Menon and Tanya Titchkosky, alongside an image of labelled archival storage boxes on shelves.
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