Public Health Policy Analyst Intern

Lauren Gonzalez-Perez

Lauren Gonzalez-Perez is a Los Angeles–based public health policy analyst intern with YIP’s Policy Media team, where she supports research, analysis, and editorial work on public health and health policy issues. Her work includes contributing to policy briefs and opinion pieces, conducting background research, and helping translate complex policy topics for academic and public audiences.

Outside of YIP, Lauren is the founder and director of Project Mosaic, a nonprofit focused on advocacy and support for underserved communities. She is passionate about intersecting STEM, public health, and policy to advance equitable outcomes, with particular attention to unhoused individuals and immigrant communities. Through her academic and advocacy work, she aims to center lived experience, data-driven solutions, and inclusive policy design.

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All articles by the author

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Policy Briefs by the author

The STREETS Initiative: A New Approach to Homelessness

Public Health Policy

July 27, 2026

This brief analyzes the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recent announcement of more than $700 million in funding to cohesively address mental illness conditions, substance use disorders, and homelessness.

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What We Are Still Getting Wrong About Hantavirus Preparedness

Public Health Policy

June 30, 2026

Hantavirus is a rare, fatal, and highly contagious disease, spread primarily through rodents, with no available vaccine or cure. Recent cases have been recorded in the U.S. with health organizations implementing preventive measures to potentially minimize its spread. This brief analyzes agencies’ policies and provides suggestions for future amendments, evaluating and improving their effectiveness in controlling the disease.

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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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