Leroy Akoto

Background

About Leroy Akoto

As a Health Policy Research Intern with The Correctional Association of New York (CANY), my role involved performing detailed Health Policy Research that explored the differences between the New York State Department of Health policies, and policies of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. I identified the gaps in Healthcare services for incarcerated individuals, especially youth. Our work is crucial to the expansion of health services and oversight in prisons, by the New York State Department of Health. One of the main focuses at this moment is on the new Consolidated Appropriations Act (with oversight from CMS) which mandates that states must provide Medicaid and CHIP health services to eligible youth- including incarcerated youth. I am a Research Associate currently contributing to two research studies at New York University, under the School of Global Public Health, within the department of Anti-Racism, Social Justice, and Public Health. The first study is one on Long-COVID, specifically exploring patient experiences and the impact lingering Long-COVID symptoms have on their daily lives. After presenting our findings at the American Public Health Association conference (APHA) in October 2024, our team is now on the next phase of the study, developing our publication. The second study I am part of is a CDC funded study which explores the impact State Alcohol-Related Firearm laws has on Firearm violence. Our study has expanded and we are now working in collaboration with UCLA. In conjunction with working as a Health Policy Intern and Research Associate, I am pursuing my Master of Public Health at New York University, specializing in Public Health Policy and Management, where I have developed and honed skills in policy research and analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design and methods, and evidence-based practices to improve programs, organizations, and overall healthcare systems. As a dedicated Public Health student and future Public Health professional, I am committed to health equity, lowering the cost of healthcare, and expanding our systems to provide greater mental healthcare services in minority and impoverished communities.