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Research and Practice

Practice

We put research into practice to solve some of the most pressing public health problems across the globe.

We apply rigorous public health knowledge through collaboration with governments, policymakers, communities, advocacy organizations, and health care delivery systems—and across disciplines—deploying evidence to the front lines.

Through research, technical assistance, and innovative partnerships, we assess problems, develop interventions and support the development of evidence-based policies..

We offer a wide variety of courses and other opportunities that hone students' skills in health communication, community-based participatory research, campaign organizing, and translating research into action. Through field placements, internships and practicums, students learn how to effectively collaborate with communities and all levels of government to turn cutting-edge research into practice.

Practice Highlight

BESURE Baltimore Strives to Address HIV and Social Determinants of Health

The Behavioral Surveillance Research Study (“BESURE”) has been operating in Baltimore for over a decade, but its goal has remained constant: building a better understanding of HIV and social determinants of health in the Baltimore community and across the country. HBS faculty member, Danielle German, PhD, serves as BESURE’s primary investigator.

BESURE is a collaborator of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS), which measures HIV prevalence, risk behaviors, testing behaviors, and prevention services among individuals deemed high risk for transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) oversees the NHBS.

White van with circular BESURE logo parked against the curb
SPARC mobile van
Practice Highlight

SPARC Women’s Center Expands Services in Baltimore Community During COVID-19

HBS professor, Susan Sherman, PhD, founded the SPARC Women’s Center in 2017. SPARC aims to provide essential services to the Baltimore community, from legal aid to opioid maintenance therapy to HIV prevention, all while using a harm-reduction approach to care.

With the onset of the pandemic, SPARC has continued to expand its services to address surging demand, from HIV testing to Hep A vaccination. Each week during the pandemic, SPARC has distributed over 160 bags containing food, prepared meals, syringes, self-HIV test kits, and Narcan kits to their clients – working tirelessly to meet the community’s needs during unprecedented times.

Practice Highlight

Johns Hopkins Health Education and Training Corps (“JH HEAT Corps”) Works to Introduce COVID-19 Curriculum in Schools

HBS faculty members, Vanya Jones, PhD, Tony Bridges, BS, and Mindi Levin, MS, have joined a cross-disciplinary team of Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Medicine experts tasked with designing and implementing a new health education program. The Johns Hopkins Education and Training Corps, also known as the “JH HEAT Corps” is working to create and execute a COVID-19 curriculum in K-12 schools across the U.S.

In the coming months, JH HEAT Cops is working to expand the curriculum into 12 modules. The team hopes to tailor it to serve students from elementary school through high school and beyond.