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** RAND RESEARCH AND COMMENTARY ON THE ISSUES THAT MATTER MOST
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Jan 14, 2021


We Need to Brace for More Violence

It's been a week since a mob of the president's supporters attacked the U.S. Capitol. Five people died as a result. Yesterday, the House of Representatives impeached President Trump for "incitement of insurrection."

According to RAND's Brian Michael Jenkins, a renowned terrorism expert, it's lucky that the attack wasn't a massacre. Congress reconvened shortly after the assault to certify the election results, and so democracy held. But security "failed spectacularly," he says.

In the near term, attention is understandably focused on any security threats during President-elect Joe Biden's inauguration next week. But Jenkins warns that the United States has entered a new era in which political violence may continue well into the future: "The 2020s could turn out to be a turbulent decade."

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As the Vaccines Arrive, So Do the Questions

Is one COVID-19 vaccine better than another? Why has the initial vaccine rollout been so challenging? And what can be done to help convince people to get the shot? RAND experts recently discussed key questions related to COVID-19 vaccines. Importantly, they cautioned people to continue to be careful after getting vaccinated. It's still unknown whether those who are exposed to the virus after being vaccinated might still be able to transmit it to others.

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Transforming Mental Health Care in America

High levels of unmet need for mental health care. Limited community-based supports. Disparities in access to care and quality of services. The U.S. mental health system faces serious challenges. But recent trends - such as expanded mental health care coverage and bipartisan support for reform - suggest that the country could clear these hurdles. To help identify a path forward, RAND researchers interviewed experts and conducted a comprehensive review of mental health care best practices and innovations.

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Telehealth Use Spiked as Pandemic Shutdown Began

Between mid-March and early May 2020, more than 50 percent of Americans with a behavioral health condition said that they used telemedicine. Among those with a chronic physical condition, more than 40 percent turned to telehealth. That's according to a new RAND study. Notably, some groups used telemedicine more than others. This highlights the importance of ensuring equal access if these services remain popular after the pandemic.

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Civic Engagement in the COVID-19 Era

Did the turbulence and tragedy of 2020 lead to a renewed sense of civic engagement? To find out, RAND conducted a survey that emphasizes the perspectives of Americans who are disproportionately shouldering the social and economic burdens of the pandemic. Overall, the results show that many people - despite struggling themselves - are helping their neighbors by supporting local businesses, volunteering and donating money, or working to change policies that will improve their communities.

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Why The U.S. Sends Aid to Foreign Countries

Some view foreign aid as charity at the American taxpayers' expense. But that's not accurate, says RAND's Raphael Cohen: Providing foreign aid serves U.S. self-interest. It can help keep Americans safer, more prosperous, and secure. For example, consider the investments that enable other states to combat terrorism or stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Such support can prevent crises from escalating to a point where they require direct U.S. intervention.

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** TRENDING REPORTS
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Prevalence of Psychological Distress During First Months of the Pandemic Equaled That Experienced During Prior Year
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The Coronavirus Pandemic Highlights Why Family Caregivers Need to Be Integrated into the Health Care Team and Shows Us How to Make It Happen
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** RAND IN THE NEWS
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Countering Truth Decay
Los Angeles Times
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Why America Should Go to Summer School
Forbes
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Colorado Democrats Will Pursue Mandatory Waiting Period for Gun Buyers, Safe-Storage Measure in 2021
Colorado Sun
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** DISCOVER THE STORIES BEHIND THE RESEARCH
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Are we ready for the Internet of Bodies? What can be done to address COVID-19 vaccine skepticism? How do U.S. insulin prices compare to those of other countries?

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