The Gillings School protects health through preparedness, clean air and water, and healthy communities, driven by research, collaboration, and partnerships.
At the Gillings School, we work to protect health for all – and in all areas of life. From understanding the chemical makeup of the air we breathe to measuring the health effects of public policy, our researchers make discoveries that matter.
Acting on these discoveries, in collaboration with communities and partners, helps establish the conditions for people to thrive.
Such a wide-ranging mission can be difficult to understand. Three key domains help explain how public health measures shape where we live, work and play:
1. Preparedness
Preparedness means building systems, guidelines and technologies to mitigate routine risks as well as emergency conditions.
We develop vaccines and treatments to prepare for future outbreaks; create strong messages that educate people about public health issues and increase vaccine coverage; and train and advise governments, leaders and workplaces to protect health at work and at home.
2. Clean air and water
Clean air and water are vital to life everywhere but are increasingly under threat.
We collaborate with communities and support their efforts to identify and address environmental contamination; study the impact of harmful chemicals in the air and develop strategies for sustainable change; and innovate new technologies that protect access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene around the world.
3. Healthy families and communities
From the doctor’s office to the convenience store, public health interventions help your family and community stay healthy.
We explore the genetic and metabolic factors that treat and prevent chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, diabetes and obesity; examine inequitable health outcomes and develop solutions; and we generate population-level strategies to reduce tobacco use, vaping, substance and alcohol misuse, and other behaviors that compromise health.
The Gillings School’s research, practice and education contribute the evidence, know-how and personnel to promote good health for individuals, societies and ecosystems. This wide-ranging mandate requires broad participation and partnerships with philanthropic individuals and organizations committed to transforming global public health.
One of the best ways you can support our work is by making a gift to the Dean’s Acceleration Fund. This signature fund provides the flexibility to respond to urgent needs and capitalize on emerging opportunities in all these areas.
Contact the Gillings School Advancement team to learn more about how you can help:
