Public Health Policy Lead

Anika Agrawal

Anika Agrawal is a high school student in Virginia interested in health equity and access with a particular focus in rural health, women's health, and global health. She believes that real progress begins with research and analysis that informs policies to better serve communities.

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All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

Emerging Threats in Drinking Water: Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals on the EPA Watchlist

Public Health Policy

June 27, 2026

This brief analyzes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s addition of microplastics and pharmaceuticals to its drinking water contaminant watchlist. As emerging contaminants in drinking water gain public and media concern, examining the watchlist’s implications serve as a step towards protecting American’s wellbeing.

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Nutrition Reform in Public Schools: Assessing California’s Real Food, Healthy Kids Act

Public Health Policy

May 17, 2026

As chronic malnutrition-induced conditions in American children continue to rise, it becomes increasingly crucial that we examine and scrutinize potential policy that attempts to resolve these health concerns. This brief analyzes the California Real Food, Healthy Kids Act (AB 1264), reviewing its plan to phase ultra-processed foods out of public school meals by 2035, and its effectiveness as a model for national nutrition policy.

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Childhood Immunization Schedule Revisions in the United States

Public Health Policy

April 12, 2026

This brief analyzes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revision of the childhood immunization schedule, reducing the number of vaccines it recommends for all children. It also examines the potential public health, economic, and societal implications of this policy shift through the perspectives of policymakers, medical professionals, and affected communities.

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Impact of AI on Medicine

Public Health Policy

March 7, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI )and digital technologies are increasingly shaping the U.S. healthcare system, transforming how patients are treated, monitored, and diagnosed. From past innovations such as X-rays and antibiotics to today’s advanced AI-powered diagnostic systems, technology advancements continue to reshape modern medicine.

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Menstrual Education & Access in Schools

Public Health Policy

November 25, 2025

Menstrual education is essential for all individuals to enhance their understanding and improve health outcomes. This brief will discuss the issue of menstrual education and its availability in schools.

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Gun Violence and Youth

Public Health Policy

September 13, 2025

Gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. This brief analyzes current policy surrounding gun violence in America and seeks to offer insight as to how a human crisis has turned into a political issue.

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An Analysis of the Impact of Health Research Funding Cuts

Public Health Policy

June 15, 2025

This brief explores the impact of the Trump administration’s cuts to key public-health research branches, including the National Institute of Health (NIH), the World Health Organization, and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

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An Analysis of the Efficacy of Value-Based Care Health Systems

Public Health Policy

April 27, 2025

Value-based care (VBC), which pays a fixed rate per patient, deviates from healthcare’s traditional fee-for-service (FFS) model in which practitioners are paid per service (doctor visit, surgery, vaccine, etc.) they do. Given the growing prevalence of this system, this brief aims to analyze the efficacy of VBC to improve patient outcomes.

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The Evolving Role of Telehealth and Telemedicine in America’s Healthcare System

Public Health Policy

March 7, 2025

Telehealth (telemedicine) programs are often used to provide healthcare virtually, where doctors do not physically interact with patients. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, in which telehealth was the preferred mechanism for healthcare, this brief aims to analyze the efficacy of telemedicine and will examine its future in America’s healthcare system.

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