The Washtenaw County Health Department and the University of Michigan School of Public Health have announced the establishment of a formal Academic Health Department partnership. The partnership will drive innovative public health solutions through enhanced education, workforce development, and community health services.
Coordinated through the School of Public Health’s Office of Public Health Practice in collaboration with health department leadership and staff, this initiative bridges academic knowledge with practical applications, offering significant benefits including:
- Enhanced learning experiences: Public health students will gain valuable hands-on learning opportunities integrated with real-world public health practice.
- Workforce development and training: Health department staff will benefit from shared information and resources, enhancing their skills through collaborative efforts.
- Shared research and community health initiatives: Both organizations will participate in joint research projects and community health services, fostering innovation, improving public health outcomes, and maximizing resources.
“The U-M School of Public Health and Washtenaw County Health Department have a long history of collaboration and now, through the Academic Health Department model, we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to this partnership,” said Laura Power, MD, MPH, director of Michigan Public Health’s Office of Public Health Practice. “By combining our strengths, we can both prepare the future workforce and enhance public health capacity.”
Juan Marquez, MD, MPH, medical director at the Washtenaw County Health Department echoes this sentiment: “We are excited about the opportunities this partnership creates to enhance both student learning and community public health initiatives. By working together, we can offer valuable experiences for students while addressing key public health challenges, ultimately strengthening the local public health workforce, which supports and improves health for everyone in Washtenaw County.”
Learn more about the Academic Health Department and explore the initiatives.
About the Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.
Local public health information and updates are available at www.washtenaw.org/health. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates, sign up at http://bit.ly/WCHD555.
About the University of Michigan School of Public Health
Since 1941, the University of Michigan School of Public Health has been pursuing a healthier, more equitable world through education, research and action. Ranked among the top schools of public health in the country, Michigan Public Health trains more than 1,300 graduate and undergraduate students each year. With more than 190 faculty and researchers across six academic departments and numerous collaborative centers and institutes, the school produces impactful research aimed at finding lasting solutions to pressing public health challenges. Compassion, innovation and inclusion drive Michigan Public Health faculty, staff, students and more than 19,000 alumni worldwide to pursue positive change and make a lasting impact on the health of the world. Learn more at publichealth.umich.edu or follow us on social media at @umichsph.