Montclair State University President Jonathan Koppell and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced on October 15 a partnership agreement between the Essex County Office of Public Health Management and Montclair’s College for Community Health, Department of Public Health. The partnership will make the Essex County Office of Public Health Management the first countywide Academic Health Department in the State of New Jersey.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis partnership reflects Montclair State University\u2019s deep commitment to serving the public good through impactful, community-based collaboration,\u201d said President Jonathan Koppell. \u201cWe are proud to expand our myriad of partnerships with Essex County and grateful to County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo for recognizing what is possible when academic expertise of our Department of Public Health is aligned with Essex County\u2019s forward-thinking leadership. Together, we are building a model for how universities and local governments can work together to strengthen public health infrastructure, train the next generation of professionals and improve the well-being of the communities we serve.”<\/p>\n
Dean Ron Werner-Wilson of Montclair\u2019s College for Community Health added, \u201cWe are committed to teaching, research and service that promotes equitable healthcare and wellbeing in New Jersey and beyond. As the Dean of the College, I am delighted that this Academic Health Department partnership with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management will enable us to join our individual commitments to public health, multiplying our impact on Essex County residents, while building our students\u2019 skills and expertise.”<\/p>\n
\u201cMontclair State always has been a great partner with us and their involvement and presence in the community is second to none. Combining the talent and resources of both our institutions will enhance the outreach and service we provide to our residents, develop innovative approaches to enhance wellness and preparedness and create a pipeline to develop future public health officials,\u201d DiVincenzo said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCounty Executive DiVincenzo understands the importance of public health and I appreciate the guidance and support he has given as we have worked to create a public health program that responds and can adapt to the needs of our diverse community. Joining with Montclair State brings two public health powerhouses together in a relationship that will benefit our residents,\u201d said Maya Harlow, Essex County Public Health Officer and Director of the Essex County Office of Public Health Management.<\/p>\n
The agreement formalizes an existing working relationship between the two entities and strengthens their shared commitment to serve the public, foster research initiatives and share resources when needed. By working more closely together, the County and University will be able to create a coordinated approach to preventing disease, promoting wellness and public health education and preparing for emergencies. The combination of practical experience by the County\u2019s public health officials and academic insight from the University\u2019s teachers and students is an opportunity to improve outcomes, create innovative approaches to promoting public health and serve as a model for community-centered public health practice.<\/p>\n
In addition, the agreement creates a workforce development pathway for Montclair State University students to gain real-world, research and data analysis experience by interning with the Essex County Office of Public Health Management. Interns would be involved in data collection and analysis, assist with existing public health programs and outreach initiatives, and participate in public advocacy and emergency preparedness in cooperation with Essex County. The University would ensure students meet academic requirements and understand the health department\u2019s policies and procedures.<\/p>\n
The Essex County Office of Public Health Management had a major role in organizing and administering Essex County\u2019s highly successful COVID-19 testing and vaccination program during the pandemic. Through a partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, Essex County also has established a successful mobile outreach program and student vaccination clinic initiative.<\/p>\n
The Montclair State University Department of Public Health, in the College for Community Health, has worked for decades to train the public health workforce of NJ, with alumni in public health leadership roles across the state and the region, to address a wide range of public health needs. These have included responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, maternal and child health challenges in the state, tobacco and substance use reduction, and more.<\/p>\n
Prospective Students and Parents:<\/strong> Plan your visit<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0take your first step\u00a0in applying to become a Red Hawk<\/a>. Learn more about the Department of Public Health<\/a> in the College for Community Health<\/a>.
\nJournalists<\/strong>:\u00a0Contact\u00a0Media Relations<\/a> for assets or to schedule an interview on this topic.<\/p>\n