News from the School of Public Health

Alvin M. Powers is no stranger to hard work. A visionary leader in the healthcare industry, he built a legacy that extended far beyond business success. Powers dedicated his life to improving the lives of others, and with that, came an unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Upon his passing in November 2023 at age 89, his family and friends established the Alvin M.

A new study out today in Health Affairs shows that state-funded health insurance coverage of abortion is a crucial factor in access, particularly for Black and Hispanic people and people in low-income communities.

Applying for college, Noa Blumenthal was unsure if she wanted to take the pre-med track. She knew she wanted a major that provided flexibility to gain essential skills to keep the option of a medical degree or other health career open.

In a small village in the lush blue-green hills of Tanzania’s southern highlands, farmers are sharing their biggest challenges with a group of graduate students from University of Maryland. 

A passion for social systems and a drive to create more equitable  health outcomes have defined the career of Katie Howard, MPH ’08. Now serving as senior policy advisor for Quality, Metrics, Surveys, and Evaluations at the Oregon Health Authority, Howard is leveraging data-driven strategies to address health inequities and implement real-world solutions for vulnerable communities.

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Over the last year, more than 20 members of the UMD School of Public Health community - alongside colleagues throughout the state - have been steadily working toward a single ambitious goal: shaping the future of public health in Maryland.