The Division of Public Health Practice at the Harvard School of Public Health was created in 1997 in response to the national call by the Institute of Medicine for dedication to public health practice. It strives to strengthen service, education and research opportunities to the School's students, faculty and practitioners. The Division also helps prepare students for leadership positions and nurtures community partnerships to meet health challenges.
Dr. Howard Koh is the Division Director, the Associate Dean for Public Health Practice, and the Harvey V. Fineberg Professor of the Practice of Public Health.
The mission of the Division is to translate passion and learning into advances that protect the health of all. It serves as a bridge between the various areas of academia and the community through such initiatives as the Massachusetts Community Networks to Eliminate Cancer Disparities through Education, Research and Training (MassCONECT), Tobacco Control Research and Training Program, Program to Eliminate Health Disparities, Violence Prevention Program, and the Harvard School of Public Health Center for Public Health Preparedness.