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INFORMATION FOR

Health Equity

Globally, nationally, and locally in New Haven, the marginalized, stigmatized, and less powerful segments of the population unequally bear the burden of poor health. Social Behavioral Science researchers work to narrow these gaps both through the development of interventions and through formative research that can help us to better understand the social production of health inequalities. Here in New Haven, we work with residents of the city’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods in order to improve living conditions and health outcomes (Ickovics, Duffany). Beyond New Haven, we also work to address social determinants of health disparities. Our research examines the effects of racism and stigma on health (Dovidio, Keene, Levy, Lowe, Nuñez-Smith, Pachankis, Wang), the ways in which neighborhoods shape health (Keene, Ickovics, Lowe, Ransome, Foster, Kershaw), and the role of housing as a social determinant of health (Keene). Globally, we work to ameliorate disparities in chronic diseases (Pérez-Escamilla), substance use (Ransome, Edelman, Foster), mental health (Hagaman, Lowe), child development (Hagaman), and sexual health (Miller, Kershaw, Ransome). Finally, through the Equity Research and Innovation Center (ERIC) we develop evidence-based models to narrow health and healthcare inequalities, with a particular focus on racial and ethnic minority populations.

Faculty of Interest