You have a desire to serve

You believe health care should not be a privilege

You want to dismantle racism

You want to promote equity and opportunity

You want to have a global impact

You know that prevention saves Lives and money

AND THAT scientific evidence informs smart solutions

You believe that Your zip code shouldn’t determine how long you live

You care about people

Join us on a fearless journey to do public health good…

The Health Advocates In-Reach and Research (HAIR) initiative provides health education and outreach through Black-owned hair salons and barbershops throughout Maryland. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these venues have provided a trusted space for conversation about vaccine beliefs and concerns and have served as sites for vaccine clinics. By increasing vaccine access and confidence, the program is making a difference in protecting communities that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

The Mission of Mercy and Health Equity Festival, a partnership between the School of Public Health, Catholic Charities and the Maryland State Dental Association provides free dental and health care for thousands of underserved and uninsured adults. Events have been held in 2014, 2017, 2019 and will return in 2023.

Public Health Beyond Borders (formerly called Public Health Without Borders) is a globally-minded group of students who partner with communities to reduce health disparities around the world and increase global awareness about good health. Students work with communities in Peru, Ethiopia, India and Sierra Leone as well as the communities surrounding the University of Maryland.

Global Connections - School of Public Health faculty and students actively engage in research, service and education activities aimed at improving health across the globe and partnering with communities to implement programs to increase health equity. The Global Health Initiative's mapping project highlights these projects.

Providing Comfort to those in Need - Service activities in partnership with organizations like Comfort Cases give students a way to apply principles learned in the classroom to tangibly make a difference in communities. Students pack backpacks and duffle bags with personal care items and letters of encouragement for youth in the U.S. foster care system.

Stop Covid-19 Study

Environmental Health Professor Don Milton's Stop Covid-19 study is providing evidence related to how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, spreads by air. This information is informing prevention measures, including how our indoor spaces are engineered to protect against the spread of this and other viruses.

Climate Change and Health

From exposure to extreme weather and worsening air pollution to the spread of food and water borne diseases — climate change is a health emergency. At the UMD School of Public Health, we are studying the ongoing health impacts of climate change in our communities and developing strategies to mitigate harm, promote sustainability and advocate for environmental justice.

The CONSERVE Center for Sustainable Water Re-use, Food and Health is developing methods for the safe use of nontraditional water sources to irrigate our food and reduce the water demands that are exacerbated by climate change. Researchers also are studying the health impacts of climate change on asthma, cardiovascular disease and food and waterborne disease outbreaks. The Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health lab is advancing environmental justice by developing community-university partnerships focused on equitable planning, healthy zoning and sustainable community development.

SUPPORTING LGBTQ+ MENTAL HEALTH

The University of Maryland Prevention Research Center is working to improve mental health for LGBTQ+ people through research, service and training so that health care providers can provide competent and affirming care.

Stopping Misinformation & BUilding Trust in Vaccines

Misinformation and distrust in the COVID-19 vaccine has slowed our ability to recover from the global pandemic. Family Science Professor Sandra Quinn studies the cultural beliefs behind vaccine racial disparities and is partnering with a team focused on stopping the spread of vaccine and health misinformation, spread largely on social media. Whether for the coronavirus, influenza or preventable childhood diseases, vaccines prevent disease and save lives.

Exercise and Brain Health in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s Disease

With funding from the National Institutes of Health, Kinesiology Professor Carson Smith is studying the influence and possible benefits of exercise on the brain and cognitive function in healthy older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.