John Wiesman, DrPH, MPH (Associate Dean for Practice)
Gillings advances public health practice through preparedness work, community hubs, student engagement and partnerships that strengthen equity across N.C.
The Gillings School is in the third of a six-year strategic plan for practice, advancing our vision of a healthier North Carolina and a stronger global health impact.
Highlights from our work in practice:
- Leading Regional Emergency Preparedness: In partnership with the CDC, Gillings was awarded the Region 4 Center for Public Health Preparedness and Response. The Center is building capacity across eight southeastern states, including launching an intervention to help emergency response agencies address harmful health rumors.
- Activating the Public Health Partnership Hubs: The four pilot Hubs in Cumberland, Durham, Halifax and Jackson counties are now fully operational (see Partnership Hubs article). Hub coordinators have connected with more than 50 community partners and supported more than 15 projects and classroom collaborations. Gillings students contributed 4,800+ hours of practice work, supporting community events, organizing focus groups and integrating community voices into coursework.
- Engaging Students: Seventeen Master of Public Health students have completed practica and internships through the Hubs, strengthening local public health infrastructure while gaining hands-on experience.
- Strengthening Academic Health Departments (AHDs): Gillings has formalized collaboration agreements with the N.C. Division of Public Health and is launching an acceleration project to support local health departments interested in creating their own AHDs.
For more information on practice at Gillings, visit: sph.unc.edu/practice/practice-and-service
Looking ahead
In the coming year, the practice unit will:
- Embed and Elevate Public Health Practice: Continue embedding students, faculty and staff into community-based and government organizations in the four Hub counties to address local health priorities.
- Advance Practice-Based Research: Collaborate with the Gillings Research Strategic Plan to strengthen evidence-based solutions.
Together, these efforts keep us moving forward in our commitment to elevate practice alongside research and teaching.
Widening our impact
Gillings faculty and students are actively shaping public health outcomes across N.C. and beyond. Their practice work addresses urgent needs (ranging from disaster preparedness to food access) while advancing health equity for communities locally and globally.
- About 70% of faculty engage in impactful practice work across N.C. counties and globally.
- Beyond practicum, 10% of students contribute to public health efforts at county, state and international levels.
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