{"id":127450,"date":"2025-03-07T14:55:55","date_gmt":"2025-03-07T19:55:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/cchl\/?p=127450"},"modified":"2025-03-07T14:55:55","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T19:55:55","slug":"montclair-state-university-and-montclair-township-launch-new-jerseys-first-academic-health-department","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/cchl\/2025\/03\/07\/montclair-state-university-and-montclair-township-launch-new-jerseys-first-academic-health-department\/","title":{"rendered":"Montclair State University and Montclair Township Launch New Jersey\u2019s First Academic Health Department"},"content":{"rendered":"

Montclair State University\u2019s Department of Public Health and the Township of Montclair\u2019s Department of Health & Human Services have announced a groundbreaking partnership, forming\u00a0New Jersey\u2019s first Academic Health Department<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This first-of-its-kind initiative in the state connects Montclair students with real-world public health experiences, while the Township benefits from academic research and innovative health solutions. The new Department was recently celebrated by Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, Montclair Township Mayor Renee Baskerville and other University and Township officials at an on-campus event attended by faculty, students and community partners.<\/p>\n

Led by Montclair Township Health Officer Amy Monaco and University Department of Public Health Chairperson Lisa Lieberman, officials said they were happy to see it come to fruition.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing public health education and community health initiatives,\u201d said Koppell. \u201cBy aligning the strengths of our faculty and students with the real-world challenges faced by the Township\u2019s Health Department, we can foster a more resilient, well-equipped public health workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mayor Baskerville, a former physician who worked in public health, said she was thrilled to support the partnership, noting that it takes \u201cspecial people\u201d to work in the field, many of whom consider it a calling. \u201cI\u2019ve seen firsthand the critical role the Public Health Department plays in determining the well-being of its residents, especially those that are underserved,\u201d she said. \u201cI look forward to strengthening and expanding this initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"President
President Jonathan Koppell announces the new Academic Health Department, a partnership with Montclair Township. (Photo by Ian Peters for Montclair State University)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Montclair
Montclair Township Mayor Renee Baskerville, a retired doctor in public health, celebrates the collaboration. (Photo by Ian Peters for Montclair State University)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How the Academic Health Department Partnership Will Work<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Academic Health Department model integrates academic research, service learning and community health efforts to\u00a0strengthen both organizations\u2019 missions. Key components include:<\/p>\n