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Our mental health is an integral part of our overall health, yet barriers to mental health care and persistent stigma about mental illness make it difficult for everyone to achieve their best mental health. At the UMD School of Public Health, we are working to improve access to mental health care, and the quality of that care for underserved groups such as LGBTQ+ people, older adults and communities of color.

Health literacy is about how people find, understand and use health information and services to decide on and take action to protect and promote health.

At the UMD School of Public Health, we aim to improve health literacy and increase health equity through clear communication strategies and techniques.

The health and well-being of our children and families is the basis for a thriving and sustainable world. At the UMD School of Public Health, we examine how childhood experiences and family dynamics influence our health throughout life, and pursue research and policies that support the well-being of all families, caregivers and children. 

From exposure to extreme weather and worsening air pollution to the spread of food and water borne diseases — climate change is a health emergency. At the UMD School of Public Health, we are studying the ongoing health impacts of climate change in our communities and developing strategies to mitigate harm, promote sustainability and advocate for environmental justice. 

Physical activity is essential to maintaining health throughout life. At the UMD School of Public Health, we’re studying physical activity’s role in health from the cellular to the societal level. Programs examine impacts of activity on cognitive health and preventing injury and disease as we age and the role of our built environments in supporting active lifestyles. 

Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. At the UMD School of Public Health, we conduct research, lead interventions and inform policies that remove obstacles to health and aim to improve the conditions in which all people live, learn, work and play which can impact lifelong health and well-being.

Life expectancy in the US is on the decline, yet we spend more on medical care than any other nation. To promote health and well-being, the UMD School of Public Health is studying the benefits of investments in programs focused on preventing disease and care coordination in reducing health disparities and health care costs, while improving access to high-quality and affordable care for diverse populations.  

Since the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the global coronavirus pandemic was identified, UMD School of Public Health experts have been at the forefront of the response. Our contributions have included research on how COVID-19 spreads, health communication guidance to keep people safe, and dispelling vaccine misinformation. We’re also addressing the disproportionate impacts of this crisis on different groups, including families of color and LGBTQ+ people.