The mission of The Division of Public Health Practice 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 (MASS CONECT), 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.
The The Center for Public Health Preparedness at Harvard School of Public Health is dedicated to enhancing preparedness in Massachusetts, Maine, and beyond by providing training on key elements of preparedness for public health, public safety, and healthcare professionals.
Massachusetts Community Network to Eliminate Cancer Disparities Through Education Research and Training (MassCONECT) is an NCI funded community networks program (CNP). It is one of 25 such funded sites around the country that is working with and within local communities to eradicate inequalities in the use of cancer control services. Additionally, MassCONECT is one of only three CNPs that is primarily focused on working with underserved populations of low socioeconomic position. The focus of MassCONECT activity is based in the two largest cities in Massachusetts, Boston and Worcester, as well as the city with the greatest level of poverty, Lawrence. The primary goals are to develop and increase the capacity of these communities by supporting community-based education, research, and training to reduce cancer health disparities.