Maggie Thomas

Past Fellow

Maggie Thomas is a graduate of the doctoral program at Boston University School of Social Work, and was a 2016 PHP writing fellow. Her doctoral research concentrated on public policy, with a focus on poverty and systemic oppression. Prior to joining BU, Maggie practiced social work with LGBTQ+ youth and families in the child welfare system.

Maggie's Work:

09.20.2017 Springfield Illinois legislative chambers

New Budget, Old Problems: Public Health Challenges in Illinois

The ongoing effects of the Illinois budget crisis, in particular on public higher education, have clear negative consequences for individual and community health.

Fellow Maggie Thomas

03.14.2017 (SOS) Safety Orange Swimmers, a floating public art installation in Fort Point Channel, Boston

Paying for Public Art

Who should be responsible for the cost of public art and how? Local, state, and national public health departments can embrace the importance of public art.

Fellow Maggie Thomas

03.06.2017 Diagram of microaggressive speech

Dignity in Language for Population Health

Microaggressions are subtle, insidious, and often nearly constant in the experience of individuals belonging to marginalized identity groups.

Fellow Maggie Thomas

03.03.2017 Mural on building titled It Has to be From Here: Forgotten but Unshaken, by Betsy Casañas

Health Equity

Public Art as Public Health

Despite concerns about justifying spending on art when so many public needs are underfunded, studies demonstrate the concrete public health benefits of public art.

Fellow Maggie Thomas

02.27.2017 Diagram showing the school-to-prison pipeline

The School-to-Prison Pipeline

Exclusionary school discipline, disproportionately experienced by children of color, LGBTQ children, and children with disabilities, is strongly associated with delinquency and criminal justice involvement.

Fellow Maggie Thomas

02.22.2017 Night shot of alley with photos of people's faces wheatpasted on the bricks

Health Equity

Social Workers Connecting Complex Patients and PCPs

A pilot program in Portland, Maine works to bridge the collaboration gap between complex patients and PCPs to reduce breakdowns in care for patients with complicated needs.

Fellow Maggie Thomas