Christine Herman
Managing Editor, Side Effects Public MediaChristine Herman is the managing editor of Side Effects Public Media. In her prior role as health reporter at Illinois Public Media, she reported extensively on mental health and access to health care for vulnerable populations, reaching national regional and national audiences through partnerships with Side Effects, NPR and KFF Health News. Christine is a 2018-19 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism fellow and a board member of the Association of Health Care Journalists. She got her start in public radio as a founding producer for Illinois Public Media's statewide talk show, The 21st. Christine earned her Ph.D. in chemistry and master's in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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An insufficient mental health care system pushes some families to give up custody of their children for care. States look for better solutions. -
Having health insurance doesn’t always mean the care you need will be covered, even if that care is provided in-network. Consumers have a right to appeal denied claims, but federal data shows very few people do. -
The launch of 988 is something that’s been celebrated as a long-time need by mental health advocates and law enforcement agents. But rolling out the service is proving to be complicated. -
With roughly a third of the vaccine-eligible population in the U.S. still not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, public health officials have been calling on trusted community voices to address hesitancy, mistrust and misinformation about the coronavirus vaccine. Keith Thomas has taken that message to heart. -
Many K-12 school districts are tapping federal funds to pay for regular surveillance testing of students. It's an effective pandemic tactic when used alongside mask-wearing and other precautions. -
Rural health experts are calling on trusted agricultural leaders — like farmers and ranchers — to use their understanding of science and nudge vaccine-hesitant neighbors to roll up their sleeves. -
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday reversed course on its mask guidance, once again suggesting all individuals wear masks indoors in areas where COVID-19 cases are surging. -
Administrative burdens — like haggling with insurers over payments — cut into the already low reimbursement rates Medicaid provides doctors for services.This can disincentivize doctors from accepting Medicaid, according to a new working paper from the University of Chicago. -
Side Effects Public Media recently received questions from audience members through our texting group, the Midwest Checkup, about how the changes wrought by the pandemic may affect child development. -
A growing number of kids struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts. A new way of linking hospitals and schools may be the key to getting more of them help.
