SPRING 2026
Self-collection kits boost cervical cancer screening
KPWHRI has been at the forefront of research on a new approach to cervical cancer screening: giving people the option to skip the usual pelvic exam and collect their own samples to test for HPV, the virus that causes most cervical cancers. In 2023, Kaiser Permanente Washington became the first health care organization in the U.S. to offer HPV kits with self-collection. Now, a new study in NEJM Catalyst shows that this approach has boosted screening rates and is benefiting both patients and clinicians.
KPWHRI awarded funding to study antinausea drugs in pregnancy
The findings will help pregnant people make informed treatment decisions with greater confidence.
Autopsy study links BP drugs to possible brain benefits
New research supports theory that some blood pressure medications may provide extra protection against dementia.
Researchers begin trial of C. diff vaccine
KPWHRI is inviting Kaiser Permanente Washington members age 65 and older to take part.
Closing the gap in recognizing cognitive impairment
ACT Center findings provide insights on screening patients for social needs and helping them connect to social services.
2025 annual report
Last year, KPWHRI scientists conducted 263 health research projects and published more than 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals.
NEWS FROM KPWHRI'S CENTERS
Improving diabetes outcomes in community health centers
The ACT Center is working with the Washington Association for Community Health (WACH) to lead a learning collaborative that brings together 9 Federally Qualified Health Centers from across Washington state to improve diabetes care and outcomes. Read more in this recent Q&A with Claire Allen, MPH, and the ACT Center’s partners from WACH.
Applying trauma-informed principles to evaluation practice
CCHE has created a visual resource to help evaluators put trauma-informed principles into practice across each phase of an evaluation. The visual summarizes CCHE’s chapter in the Handbook of Health Services Evaluation. It turns core concepts such as safety, trust, collaboration, and cultural humility into clear, actionable steps for planning, data collection, analysis, and results sharing. Designed for both evaluators and their partners, the tool supports approaches that are more thoughtful, respectful, and grounded in the experiences of communities, especially those affected by trauma. Explore the trauma-informed practice visual.
Recognition
- Cook named Fellow of American Statistical Association
- NCI/AcademyHealth program selects Henrikson as visiting scholar
- Green presents findings from Kaiser Permanente Washington evaluation to HPV Task Force
- Wernli presents at American Thoracic Society international conference
- DiJulio a panelist at NW PCI Network Annual Meeting
- Harrington and McEvoy present at Women’s Health Initiative meeting
- Wernli and Crawford-Gallagher receive KPWHRI mentoring awards
- Hoopes gives 2 workshops on adolescent health
- Matson and Angerhofer give webinar on integrating cannabis use treatment into primary care
- Simon presents virtual grand rounds at Stanford University
- Penfold coauthors top-cited paper in drug safety journal
- Hickman gives webinar on end-of-life decision-making
More KPWHRI News
Land Acknowledgment
Our Seattle offices sit on the occupied land of the Duwamish and by the shared waters of the Coast Salish people, who have been here thousands of years and remain. Learn about practicing land acknowledgment.