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Meharry Public Health

  • The History of Meharry Public Health
  • The Role of Meharry Public Health in Community Health
  • Academic Programs Offered by Meharry Public Health
  • Faculty and Staff at Meharry Public Health
  • Meharry Public Health's Research Initiatives
  • Community Outreach and Engagement by Meharry Public Health
  • Collaborations and Partnerships with Other Organizations
  • The Impact of Meharry Public Health on Public Health Policy
  • Alumni Success Stories from Meharry Public Health
  • How to Get Involved with Meharry Public Health as a Student or Supporter

The History of Meharry Public Health

Meharry Public Health was founded in 1886 as the Meharry Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, a historically black college in Nashville, Tennessee. The department was established to provide medical education and healthcare services to African Americans who were often denied care due to racial discrimination. Over time, the department expanded its focus to include public health and became known as the Meharry School of Medicine and Dentistry in the early 20th century. In 1968, the school became an independent institution and was renamed the Meharry Medical College. In 1999, the college established the School of Graduate Studies and Research, which included the Division of Public Health.

The Role of Meharry Public Health in Community Health

Meharry Public Health plays a crucial role in improving the health and well-being of communities, particularly those that are underserved or marginalized. The division's mission is to promote health equity and eliminate health disparities through research, education, and community engagement. It achieves this by training public health professionals who are equipped to address complex health challenges, conducting innovative research that examines the root causes of health disparities, and collaborating with community partners to develop effective interventions and policies.

Academic Programs Offered by Meharry Public Health

Meharry Public Health offers several academic programs at the master's and doctoral levels. The Master of Public Health (MPH) program prepares students for leadership roles in public health practice, research, and policy. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Health Services Research and Policy trains students to conduct interdisciplinary research that informs health policy and practice. Additionally, the division offers a joint MD/MPH program in collaboration with the School of Medicine, as well as a Certificate in Public Health for students who wish to gain foundational knowledge in public health but do not wish to pursue a full degree.

Faculty and Staff at Meharry Public Health

Meharry Public Health has a diverse and accomplished faculty and staff who are dedicated to advancing the field of public health. The division's faculty members are renowned experts in areas such as health disparities, community-based participatory research, and social determinants of health. They bring a wealth of experience from academia, government, and non-profit organizations to their roles as educators, researchers, and community partners.

Meharry Public Health's Research Initiatives

Meharry Public Health is committed to conducting research that addresses the root causes of health disparities and informs policies and practices that promote health equity. The division's research initiatives focus on a wide range of topics, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, maternal and child health, mental health, and environmental health. Meharry Public Health also houses several research centers, including the Center for Health Policy, the Center for AIDS Health Disparities Research, and the Center for Women's Health Research, which provide a platform for interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Community Outreach and Engagement by Meharry Public Health

Meharry Public Health recognizes the importance of community engagement in promoting health equity and eliminating health disparities. The division actively engages with communities through partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, community-based participatory research projects, and health education and outreach programs. Meharry Public Health also hosts an annual Community Health Fair, which provides free health screenings and education to community members in Nashville and surrounding areas.

Collaborations and Partnerships with Other Organizations

Meharry Public Health values collaboration and partnerships as a means of achieving its mission. The division collaborates with a wide range of organizations, including universities, community-based organizations, government agencies, and healthcare providers. Meharry Public Health is a member of several national and international public health networks, including the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.

The Impact of Meharry Public Health on Public Health Policy

Meharry Public Health has had a significant impact on public health policy at the local, state, and national levels. The division's faculty members have served on advisory committees for government agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They have also provided expert testimony to Congress on issues related to health disparities and health equity. Additionally, Meharry Public Health's research has been instrumental in informing policies and programs that address health disparities and promote health equity.

Alumni Success Stories from Meharry Public Health

Meharry Public Health alumni have made significant contributions to the field of public health and have gone on to hold leadership positions in academia, government, and non-profit organizations. For example, Dr. Camara Jones, a former MPH student at Meharry Public Health, is a renowned expert on racism and health disparities and has served as the president of the American Public Health Association. Another alumna, Dr. M. Monica Sweeney, is a former assistant commissioner for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and has been recognized for her contributions to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

How to Get Involved with Meharry Public Health as a Student or Supporter

There are several ways to get involved with Meharry Public Health as a student or supporter. Prospective students can apply to one of the division's academic programs and become part of a community of public health professionals who are dedicated to promoting health equity and eliminating health disparities. Supporters can make a donation to the division to support its research, education, and outreach initiatives. Meharry Public Health also welcomes partnerships with organizations that share its mission and values.

Frequently Asked Questions About Meharry Public Health

What is the mission of Meharry Public Health?

The mission of Meharry Public Health is to improve the health and well-being of underserved populations by advancing health equity through education, research, and community engagement.

What academic programs are offered by Meharry Public Health?

Meharry Public Health offers several academic programs, including Master of Public Health (MPH), Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), and Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI).

What research areas are focused on by Meharry Public Health?

Meharry Public Health focuses on a wide range of research areas, including health disparities, social determinants of health, chronic diseases, infectious diseases, and environmental health.

What community engagement initiatives are led by Meharry Public Health?

Meharry Public Health leads several community engagement initiatives, including health fairs, health education programs, and collaborations with community organizations to address health disparities and promote health equity.

What opportunities are available for students to get involved with public health research at Meharry?

Meharry Public Health offers various opportunities for students to get involved with public health research, such as research assistant positions, internships, and the Student Research Training Program.