UMD-PRC Mission
The University of Maryland Prevention Research Center (UMD-PRC) is a 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. Prevention science is an interdisciplinary field focused on developing evidence-based strategies that reduce risk factors and enhance protective factors to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The UMD-PRC has four main content areas of prevention research that uniquely impact SGM communities: mental health, substance use, sexual and reproductive health, and violence prevention.
The work of the UMD-PRC spans the translational science spectrum and relies on community-engaged methods to address SGM health equity in a variety of ways, including:
- Conducting foundational research: We take an interdisciplinary approach to examining health disparities and identify mutable social determinants that contribute to SGM health inequity.
- Developing and testing interventions: We develop, implement, and evaluate interventions that promote SGM mental, behavioral, and sexual health.
- Implementing and evaluating programs: To improve delivery and maximize impact, we evaluate the implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed programs that prevent disease and promote health for SGM populations.
- Informing practitioners and policymakers: We disseminate and communicate with various audiences to inform public health practice and policies at the local, state, and national levels.
- Training the next generation: A core feature of our work includes training and mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in SGM health equity and prevention science.
![Diverse group of LGBTQ+ individuals smiling](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-02/sph-PRC-Center-branding-image-press-release-ft-image_0.jpg?itok=AmiWV0wF)
![PHRM 2018 of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2021-02/PH%20Research%20Day%20at%20Marylans%202018.jpeg?itok=C-E1fU-j)
UMD-PRC Affiliates
The UMD-PRC supports several ongoing research and public health practice projects.
![PRC launch event of the School of Public Health at the University of Maryland](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2020-11/FLK-48918839876-PRC-event-800x500.jpg?itok=KjY01kB6)
Community Advisory Board
UMD-PRC activities are driven by our community advisory board and partners.