Community and Behavioral Health News

The latest news from the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Alumna Hianca Andrades writes about her work in maternal and child health

Alumna Hianca Andrades (23MPH) recently wrote a blog post for MCH Leads about her position as the maternal, child, and adolescent health coordinator at Johnson County Public Health and the importance of building trust with communities.  Published February 6, 2024

Rima Afifi to present the CPH Distinguished Faculty Lecture April 15

Rima Afifi, professor of community and behavioral health, will present the CPH Distinguished Faculty Lecture, "Narrative Change and Relationship Building: Why Love Matters in Achieving Social Justice," on April 15. Published February 5, 2024

Webinar: Confronting Collective Violence in Health Research

On Feb. 19, hear from Dr. Nawal Muradwij on "Confronting Collective Violence in Health Research: How can we bolster liberation movements?" This presentation is part of Conversations on Health Equity in Research and Practice: A Webinar Series with Emerging Public Health Leaders. Registration and details are available online.  Published February 2, 2024

From the Front Row:  Alumna Kelsey Feller, public health data, and careers

Lauren chats with CPH alumna and 2023 Outstanding Alumni Award recipient Kelsey Feller. She is bureau chief of Data Sharing, Privacy and Open Records in the Division of Compliance at the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (IDHHS), where she balances the importance of data security and privacy with facilitating the use of data for public health initiatives and research. Published February 1, 2024

Iowa research finds new app supports improved care for persons living with dementia

Caregivers of people living with dementia reported a significant increase in their knowledge, skills, and a more positive attitude in delivering oral hygiene care, leading to higher confidence in providing care, through the use of a mobile application (app), according to new research from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics and the University of Iowa College of Public Health. (PR Newswire) Published February 1, 2024

Meet our faculty: Oluwafemi Adeagbo

Hear how Oluwafemi Adeagbo, assistant professor of community and behavioral health, uses his background in medical ethics to inform his public health teaching and research.  Published January 25, 2024

Maternal and child health Academic Practice Partnership highlighted

The college's Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Public Health Catalyst Program and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (formerly IDPH) have developed an academic practice partnership. Learn more about how the trust-based partnership benefits students and collaborations. (National MCH Workforce Development Center) Published January 23, 2024

Nominations for 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards due Feb. 29

The UI College of Public Health is pleased to announce that it is accepting nominations for its 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards. This award program recognizes outstanding alumni in two categories: first, recent graduates who have completed College of Public Health programs within the past ten years and, second, other alumni for accomplishments throughout their careers. Published January 16, 2024

Older, Wiser, and Prepared for Disasters

To help vulnerable populations and their families prepare before an emergency happens, researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a program called Disaster PrepWise. The program is led by Sato Ashida, associate professor of community and behavioral health. Published December 21, 2023

Supporting Kids’ Mental Health

The journey to adulthood is often a turbulent one, but recent research shows that today’s adolescents are struggling with dramatic increases in mental distress. CPH researchers Jonathan Platt and Ebonee Johnson are working to address these issues. Published December 21, 2023