Jo Weaver, Bella Albiani, & Avi Locke: "Health and Stress Among People Experiencing Homelessness in Eugene"

“There’s nothing that compares to the generosity I’ve learned is possible to exist by virtue of this community and the way they care for each other.”  - Avi Locke, ‘25 UO Graduate & Lab Manager for the UO Stress Physiology Integrative Team Lab & the Global Health Biomarker LabBella Albiani, StudentResearcher, Multidisciplinary Science ‘26Jo Weaver, Co-Director ofthe Center for Global Health, Associate Professor, Global Studies In this episode of The Global Hearth, we learn about a groundbreaking National Science Foundation-funded study exploring the intersection of homelessness, stress, andphysical well-being. Led by medical anthropologist Professor Jo Weaver and biological anthropologist Professor Josh Snodgrass, the project partners with community organizations in Eugene to research and develop a multi-faceted understanding of the lived realities experienced by our unhoused neighbors. Joined by staff researcher Avi Locke and student researcher Bella Albiani, Jo Weaver helpsus understand why addressing homelessness in Eugene must be approached through comprehensive solutions that are tailored to our local ecosystem. This project is the first of its kind to combine three distinct data streams: physiologicalbiomarkers (i.e. taking blood samples to measure hormones like cortisol and cholesterol), structured questionnaires, and personal narrative to create a holistic picture of life unsheltered that quantitative data alone cannot fullycapture. Quick Links: Homelessness Policy and Health ProjectAmazon Wishlish for Eugene NeighborsUOHousing and Homelessness HubBlackThistle Street Aid AllostaticLoad BiomarkersWhatis Narcan? JoWeaver’s Google Scholar PageLastly, remember to follow Universityof Oregon Global Ducks on LinkedIn, and your questions,comments, insights (and favorite poetry!) are welcomed via email to [email protected] you forjoining us at the Global Hearth.