Eliminating health disparities will require solutions that bring communities and institutions together as partners and build upon the assets, strengths, and capacities of each. Schools and graduate programs of public health with their roles in educating public health professionals, conducting public health research and applying knowledge to solve public health problems have a unique and important role to play, said Karen Liller, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs at USF College of Public Health. "We are proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to involving faculty, staff, students, and our surrounding communities in education and research initiatives to eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities."

The Kellogg Foundation defines engaged institutions as "institutions that invest in lasting relationships with communitiesthese relationships influence, shape, and promote the success of both the institution and the community."

Teams include academic administrators, faculty, staff, students and community partners. Consultation will be provided by members of the CCPH Consultancy Network, the organization's training and technical assistance arm. The initiative will also sponsor teleconferences, identify promising practices and produce resource materials.

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Contact: Anne DeLotto Baier
abaier@hsc.usf.edu
813-974-3300
University of South Florida Health
17-Feb-2006