The UMD Prevention Research Center (UMD-PRC) welcomes a new director, associate professor in the Department of Behavioral and Community Health, Elizabeth Aparicio, who brings extensive experience in community-engaged health research on sexual and reproductive health and mental health among trauma-affected youth and young adults. Aparicio has also led clinical training and intervention at the center as deputy director for five years.
“I'm absolutely thrilled to be stepping into the director role. I’m really dedicated to the work of the center and to building out our four research areas of sexual and reproductive health, violence prevention, substance use and mental health. It's a really exciting time,” said Aparicio.
The Prevention Research Center (PRC) was founded in 2009 by UMD professor and prevention science expert Bradley Boekeloo, known for his extensive work on preventative behavioral interventions for sexual health. The center was subsequently helmed for several months by SPH family science professor, Jessica Fish, who brought expertise in research examining the positive development and health of LGBTQ+ people and their families.
The UMD-PRC is a growing multidisciplinary community of scholars who develop and disseminate evidence-based solutions that prevent and address adverse health outcomes for sexual and gender minority (SGM) people. In the coming years, UMD-PRC will expand its population focus to others who experience disparities in their four focal areas, such as student parents, foster youth, and pregnant and new parents of color.
People can apply to be student or faculty affiliates, and gain the benefits of collaboration, support and review of research proposals and projects.
“When you join as an affiliate, you have an academic connection point to the prevention science work we do and you gain a wonderful community of knowledgeable and passionate colleagues,” said Aparicio.
Prevention research focuses specifically on informing, developing and testing upstream approaches to be able to prevent health issues down the road, an approach that aims to reduce pain and suffering, and also reduce dollars spent on public health interventions.
“Prevention science is a whole integrated approach with primary, secondary and tertiary levels of prevention work. It is critically important to public health and especially for sexual and gender minority people.”
Upcoming Trainings
This fall, the UMD-PRC will lead sexual and gender diversity learning community (SGDLC) workshops, evidence-based clinical trainings that introduce mental and physical healthcare providers to a clear approach to providing LGBTQ-affirming mental and physical healthcare.
The workshops are geared toward clinicians and practitioners across different fields, including mental health professionals, drug and alcohol counselors, and medical professionals such as physicians, medical assistants, and nurses. The center also provides consultation on relevant research projects and tailored training through contracts with organizations nation-wide.
You can register in advance for SGDLC trainings here. Consultation and training requests can be sent to umd-prc@umd.edu.
