School of Public Health News
Data analysis shows no increase in mental health prescriptions after abortion
As more women globally turn to medications to have abortions, a UMD-led study out today in JAMA Psychiatry found no evidence that a first medication or procedural abortion caused an increase in mental health medication use.
SPH welcomes Mitch Mokhtari as associate dean for faculty affairs
This month, SPH Professor Mitch Mokhtari will expand his role within the School of Public Health (SPH) as its associate dean for faculty affairs. He brings decades of academic, administrative and global experience to the leadership position.
Honoring the 2026 School of Public Health Award Recipients
The University of Maryland School of Public Health (UMD SPH) honored four people making exceptional contributions to public health at its Spring Soirée on April 16 at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union.
SPH fatherhood expert tunes in to passion for music
TAKOMA PARK, Md. – The cheerful rhythms of Remy Ongala’s electric guitar fade as Dr. Kevin Roy comes on the air, embodying all the lively energy of the music he is broadcasting. You can hear his smile.
Risk of maternal death during pregnancy greatly exceeds risk of death from abortion
Commonly cited data on the mortality risk of pregnancy when compared to abortion in the U.S. is a vast undercount, according to a study out today in JAMA Network Open.
From cold call to global classroom
The best collaborations sometimes start by accident—and the strongest ones end with new friendships. Professor Kerry W. Tripp, who teaches family public health and law at University of Maryland's School of Public Health, created a Global Classrooms partnership that connects students across languages...
Be Well class builds mental health resilience
It’s about this time of the semester when the stresses of college life can get overwhelming. Whether you’re a freshman transitioning away from home, a senior juggling studies and internships or any student navigating life’s stressors, this class is for you.
With deep sadness: Remembering Professor Emeritus Norman Epstein
Longtime and cherished faculty member Dr. Norman Epstein, professor emeritus in the University of Maryland School of Public Health’s Department of Family Science, died on October 17th at the age of 78.
New director to continue crucial work of prevention research
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-af...
Spotlight: Matthew Ryan Alvarez MS ’25
Recent SPH graduate Matthew Ryan Alvarez wants to improve men's mental health and help couples through therapy. As of May 2025, he’s got a masters in marriage and family therapy from UMD’s School of Public Health to help him reach his goals.