Faculty

faculty photo
Aaron Katz
Principal Lecturer
I work in health policy because it involves issues that touch people's lives ... and because of my mother. My other passions include traveling with my wife, Kate, gardening, tennis, softball, reading, music, and all things garlic.

CPH  
University of Toronto (Canada), 1975
Public Health
BS  
University of Wisconsin, 1974
Zoology
Adjunct Principal Lecturer, Global Health

Department of Health Services Program Affiliations:
  -  Community-Oriented Public Health Practice
  -  Master of Health Administration Program
  -  Health Policy Analysis and Process Track, (MPH program)

Aaron Katz is also affiliated with the Department of Global Health MPH. In addition to teaching several health policy courses, Aaron is Director of the Packard-Gates Population Leadership Program and editor-in-chief of Northwest Public Health. Aaron was director of the Health Policy Analysis Program from 1988 through 2003. His current research interests focus on strengthening public health systems in developing countries through enhancing policy research, development, and advocacy capacity and leadership training and development, in addition to long-standing research on health system change in the United States.

Aaron received the American Public Health Association's Award for Excellence in 2006 and the School of Public Health and Community Medicine's Outstanding Teaching Award in 2004.

Contact Information
1107 NE 45th, Suite 400
Suite 400, University District Building
Box:  354809
Seattle, WA 98195-4809
(voice)  206-616-5227     (fax)  206-543-9345
garlyk@u.washington.edu
Teaching Interests
health policy (domestic and international), social and political determinants of health, reproductive health, leadership development
  • HSERV 591, Community Oriented Public Health Practice (program evaluation and health policy)
Research Interests

health policy, health sector leadership, social/political determinants,
health system market change, health care costs and access

Projects
Public Health Political Mapping Study
Aaron is a co-investigator on this multi-country study of civil society organizations efforts to influence health systems and health policy in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Community Tracking Study / Center for Studying Health System Change
Since 2000, Aaron has participated in these biennial site visits for this Robert Wood Johnson Foundation-funded longitudinal study of how community health systems are changing across the country.
Effective Collaborations Between Local Governments and Non-Profit Organizations
Aaron was the principal investigator on this cross-national study of how nonprofit organizations and local governments interact and what public policies can facilitate such relationships to the benefit of communities and their residents. The study was funded by the Center for Global Partnership, Japan Foundation, in New York City.
Beyond Employer-Based Health Insurance Coverage: Lessons from State Health Policy
Aaron was an investigator in this project designed to mine state-based health policy and health services research concerning alternatives to employer-based health insurance. The project was funded by The Commonwealth Fund.
Study of the Potential Effects of the Conversion of Premera Blue Cross to For-Profit Status
As director of HPAP, Aaron directed an assessment of the potential impacts of the Premera conversion on the health care systems in Washington and Alaska. The study was commissioned by a coalition of consumer groups, Washington State Hospital Association, and Washington State Medical Association.
External Funding (sampling of current and past involvement)
Health System Change Round Six
Center for Studying Health System Change
PI:   Katz           Dates:    10/2006 - 08/2008
Mr. Katz is a member of the Public Sector Research Team and Site Visit Team B for the Community Tracking Study coordinated by theCenter Studying Health System Change.

Mapping and Empowering Public Health Networks in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
PI:   Khagram           Dates:    01/2006 - 05/2008
The goal of this project is to identify approaches for policy and program action and develop a template for empowering public health networks in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Global Health Fellows Program
Public Health Institute
PI:   Katz           Dates:    07/2006 - 08/2007
The goal of this project is to develop a pipeline for future leaders in global health, to the professional development and support to emerging, mid-career and senior global health fellows, and related training opportunities to promote leadership development among global health professionals.

Transition of Immigrant Families from Medicaid to Basic Health II
WA State Department of Social and Health Services
PI:   Katz           Dates:    01/2003 - 03/2004
The Health Policy and Analysis Program shall conduct a study of the transition of identified families and individuals from the Department of Health and Social Service's Medical Assistance Administration's medical programs to the Health Care Authority's Basic Health program.

Effective Collaborations Between Local Governments & Non-Profit Organizations
Japan Foundation
PI:   Katz           Dates:    04/2001 - 03/2004
To discover characteristics of practice and public policy that help to create equal and mutually beneficial partnerships between local governments and community-based non-profit organizations.

Effects of the Proposed Premera Conversion an Access to Health Insurance
Columbia Legal Services
PI:   Katz           Dates:    02/2003 - 01/2004
The major goal of this research is to assess the potential effects of a Premera conversion on the health insurance and health care market, and the major components of those markets.

Transition of Immigrant Families from Medicaid to Basic Health
Kaiser Family Foundation
PI:   Katz           Dates:    12/2002 - 12/2003
The Health Policy Analysis Program will conduct a study of the transition of immigrant families from Washington's state-funded Medicaid program to the Basic Health program.

The State Forums Partnership Program
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
PI:   Katz           Dates:    09/2002 - 08/2003
The primary goal of this study is to conduct State Table Forums, an established and well-received series of forums created to provide a neutral venue for stakeholders in Washington's health system to come together to discuss health policy.

Using State Policy Research and Analysis to Inform Federal and State Policy
University of Maine
PI:   Katz           Dates:    06/2002 - 05/2003
The University of Washington Health Policy and Analysis Program (HPAP) will consult with the University of Southern Maine's project team to identify potential issues/topics related to insurance coverage and state-level contacts and research centers.

Future of Rural Health
Washington Health Foundation
PI:   Katz           Dates:    07/2002 - 12/2002
To provide consultation services in the Future of Rural Health Program of the Washington Health Foundation (WHF) by drafting a conceptual framework for a 5-10 year WHF program and advising on program development and planning of major events.

Survey of Publicly-Funded Mental Health Services for Children in WA State
Clegg and Assoc., Inc
PI:   Katz           Dates:    01/2002 - 06/2002
The Health Policy Analysis Program will assist Clegg and Associates, Inc. in undertaking a survey of publicly-funded mental health services for children in Washington state for the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee.

Retired Providers
WA State Department of Health
PI:   Katz           Dates:    05/2002 - 06/2002
The goal of this project is to research and analyze options for expanding the number of retired, volunteer health providers.

Access to Health Insurance
WA State Office of Financial Management
PI:   Katz           Dates:    06/2001 - 04/2002
The major goal of this project is to "profile" the state of Washington's uninsured population.

Review of Omnibus AIDS Act Prevention System
WA State Department of Health
PI:   Katz           Dates:    11/2001 - 03/2002
To assist the Department of Health establish an HIV/AIDS Prevention Study Committee.

Joint Study of Possible Regulation of Third Party Administrators
WA State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
PI:   Katz           Dates:    10/2001 - 01/2002
The major goal of this project is to evaluate the need for regulation of third party administrators in Washington state for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Assessment of the Southern Rural Access Program
University of Maine
PI:   Katz           Dates:    06/2001 - 10/2001
The University of Washington Health Policy analysis Program (HPAP) will participate in site visits to evaluate the Southern Rural Access Program.

Future of Rural Health
Washington Health Foundation
PI:   Katz           Dates:    06/2000 - 05/2001


Primary Care Providers Study
WA State Health Care Authority
PI:   Katz           Dates:    07/2000 - 01/2001
To determine payment sources and rates paid to primary care providers (PCPs) serving Washington State's medical assistance programs and whether certain PCPs serve a disproportionate share of low income patients.

Understanding the Changing Rural Health Care Needs
WA State Department of Health
PI:   Katz           Dates:    05/2000 - 08/2000
Development of performance standards for public health departments and assessment of needs in the rural health community.

WSMA Medical Practice Data Project 2000
Washington State Medical Association
PI:   Katz           Dates:    02/2000 - 07/2000
An evaluation of medical services available in WA state using four major database sources.

Vital Signs Public Health Project
WA State Office of Financial Management
PI:   Katz           Dates:    11/1998 - 12/1999
To promote investigation and legislation efforts on improved public health policies affecting access, practice and education.

Certificate of Need Study for Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee
WA State Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
PI:   Katz           Dates:    05/1998 - 01/1999
To study the effects of the State CON project on health services and the expected effects of the repeal of the existing program.


Selected Publications

Katz A, G Claxton, RE Hurley, CS Lesser, JH May, and BC Strunk,Dynamic Orange County Health Care Market Responds to Opportunities,Threats: Orange Co, Cal. Community Report, Center for StudyingHealth System Change, Washington, DC, August 2005.

Katz, A, AB Staiti, KL McKenzie, "Preparing for the Unknown, Responding to the Known - Communities and Public Health Preparedness," Health Affairs, Vol. 24, No. 4, July/August 2006.

Katz, A, Regarding the Application by Premera Blue Cross and its Affiliates to Convert to For-Profit Corporations, Supplemental Report of Aaron Katz (Expert Witness), March 3, 2004.

Katz A, RH Hurley, KJ Devers, LA Conwell, BC Strunk, AB Staiti, JL Hargraves, and RA Berenson, Bitter Contract Dispute Reaffirms Blues' Dominant Position in Lansing: Lansing, Mich. Community Report, Center for Studying Health System Change, Washington, DC, Spring 2003.

Katz A, RH Hurley, KJ Devers, LA Conwell, BC Strunk, AB Staiti, JL Hargraves, and RA Berenson, Competition Revs Up in the Indianapolis Health Care Market: Indianapolis, Ind. Community Report, Center for Studying Health System Change, Washington, DC, Winter 2003.

Felland, LE, CS Lesser, A Staiti, A Katz, P Lichiello, "The Resilience of the Health Care Safety Net, 1996-2001," Health Services Research, Vol. 38, No.1, Part II, February 2003.

A Katz and Dominguez-Karasz, C, Selected Policy Options for Strengthening Employer-Based Health Insurance in Washington State, Health Policy Analysis Program, University of Washington, Seattle, May 2002.

Katz A, Lichiello P, Sarata A, and Thompson J. HIV Prevention Study: Report to the Secretary, Washington State Department of Health. Health Policy Analysis Program, University of Washington, Seattle, March 2002

Selected Dissertation, Thesis and Capstone Committees (recent graduates)
2008
Advisor, capstone for Emily DeRiel
Evaluation of Washington State Take Charge program Collaboration with Northwest Health Law Advocates, Seattle

2008
Advisor, capstone for Jessica Gleckel
Program Evaluation of Flora Tristan’s SISMU (Integrated Women’s Center) Collaboration with Flora Tristan Organization, Lima, Peru

2008
Advisor, capstone for Annie Phare
Policy Analysis of Firearm Safety Legislation in Washington State Collaboration with PHSKC – Injury Prevention Unit & Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, Seattle

2008
Advisor, capstone for Kelly Randels
Using HIV testing in TB patients as an entry point to integrated TB/HIV care Collaboration with the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia

2007
Member, thesis committee for Edith Mukisa
Assessing Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Parents in Rural Central Uganda

2007
Chair, thesis committee for Raana Zahid
Gender reform action plan--A breakthrough for Paskastani women? A policy research using Health Rights of Women Assessment Instrument (HeRWAI)

2006
Advisor, capstone for Andrew Bryant
Community drama and street theater for maternal and newborn health promotion in Timor-Leste, East Timor

2006
Advisor, capstone for Stacy Delong
Built for health: a community activity assessment at High Point

2006
Member, thesis committee for Mina Halpern
"I have AIDS, so listen up": Advocacy of People Living with HIV in Bolivia

2005
Member, thesis committee for Kathryn Koelemay
Training in management of risk, vaccine refusal and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) in developing countries: Should the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) play a role?

2005
Member, thesis committee for Oscar Ocho
Needs assessment for Adolescent and Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in a Health Region in Trinidad


Links
Packard-Gates Population Leadership Program
Global Health Fellows Program
Center for Studying Health System Change
Northwest Public Health