The intersection of public health and criminal justice is gaining attention as a critical area of study. The recent research article titled "Master of Public Health in Health Equity and Criminal Justice: Student and Alumni Feedback on the Development of a New Master of Public Health Concentration" sheds light on the importance of this emerging field. This blog post explores how practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or by engaging in further study.
The Need for a New Concentration
The United States leads the world in incarceration rates, with significant impacts on public health. The research highlights that mass incarceration is not only a social issue but also a public health crisis. It disproportionately affects communities of color, leading to health inequities that persist even after individuals are released from correctional facilities.
Touro University California (TUC) recognized the need for specialized training in this area and developed a new concentration within their Master of Public Health (MPH) program. This concentration aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address the health impacts of mass incarceration effectively.
Key Findings from the Research
- Student and Alumni Interest: A significant majority of students and alumni expressed interest in the Health Equity and Criminal Justice (HECJ) concentration. Approximately 64% were interested, with many willing to complete field studies at correctional facilities.
- Educational Gaps: The research identified an educational gap in training public health professionals to address issues related to incarceration. The HECJ concentration aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive curriculum focused on these challenges.
- Impact on Families and Communities: The study emphasizes that the effects of incarceration extend beyond individuals to impact families and communities, highlighting the need for a holistic approach in public health education.
Implementing Research Outcomes
Practitioners can enhance their skills by integrating insights from this research into their practice. Here are some actionable steps:
- Pursue Further Education: Consider enrolling in programs like TUC's HECJ concentration to gain specialized knowledge in addressing health inequities related to criminal justice.
- Engage with Affected Communities: Build partnerships with organizations working within correctional facilities or with formerly incarcerated individuals to better understand their needs and challenges.
- Advocate for Policy Change: Use your platform to advocate for policies that address the root causes of mass incarceration and promote health equity.
The Importance of Continued Research
This research underscores the importance of continued study in the intersection of public health and criminal justice. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in further research to explore innovative solutions to these complex issues. By doing so, they can contribute to developing strategies that promote health equity and improve outcomes for affected populations.
Conclusion
The development of an HECJ concentration at TUC represents a significant step forward in addressing the public health impacts of mass incarceration. By implementing the insights from this research, practitioners can enhance their skills and contribute to meaningful change in their communities.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Master of Public Health in Health Equity and Criminal Justice: Student and Alumni Feedback on the Development of a New Master of Public Health Concentration.
