Prevention and Community Health
Harnessing the power of community to promote health, well-being and equity.
The Department of Prevention and Community Health engages in research, training and practice that is founded in cutting-edge social-structural and behavioral theories and methodologies and driven by diverse community voices and partnerships. Our students are prepared to respond to pressing public health challenges using a variety of approaches including community mobilization and policy advocacy, and individual behavior change.
Academic Programs
Academic degree programs in PCH include: a Social and Behavioral Sciences PHD and 4 MPH programs in; Community Oriented Primary Care; Health Promotion; Maternal and Child Health; Public Health Communication and Marketing. Our graduates are making significant contributions across a range of sectors, including government, nonprofits, academia, and private industry.
Meet Our Department Chair
Melissa Napolitano, PhD
Interim Department Chair and Professor
As the Interim Chair of the department, and on behalf of our outstanding faculty and staff, I am pleased to introduce you to our vibrant academic community.
We are dedicated to reducing health inequities through innovative social and behavioral programs and collaborative partnerships with public health agencies and community-based organizations. In the United States and internationally, our world-class faculty engage in research and practice activities that improve the health and well-being of people here and around the globe, particularly those who are marginalized or underserved. You can see the impact of our faculty’s work in better health systems, healthier neighborhoods, more supportive schools, and more equitable public policies.
I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our faculty and staff, our academic programs, and our exciting research, practice, and learning opportunities.
Student Opportunities
PCH Internationally
International Opportunities
Each semester, faculty, staff and students from PCH practice what they teach and learn in the classroom with the goal of better health for all.
PCH in DC
In Our Own Community
PCH offers a unique location in the capitol allowing students to work with federal agencies on the most pressing public health problems facing the world.
PCH at GW
Here on Campus
GW is home to a wide range of public health research and practice activities both within GWSPH and across the university.
Explore PCH
Research
Faculty, staff and students study and intervene on health outcomes in areas such as: HIV, cancer, mental health, substance use, violence, child and adolescent development, and sexual and reproductive health.
Practice Experience
Drawing on deep connections with community and governmental partners, our faculty, staff and students work in collaboration with these partners to improve the health of multiple underserved populations.
Centers
PCH is home to 4 centers and its faculty, staff and students are affiliated with many other centers throughout both the Milken Institute School of Public Health as well as the University as a whole.
New In PCH
2023-24 Nashman Center Faculty Fellow: Dr. Tamara Taggart, GWSPH
We are proud to announce that for the 2023-24 year, Dr. Tamara Taggart will be serving as the Nashman Center Faculty Fellow. During the coming year, Dr. Taggart will conduct community-engaged formative research (surveys, interviews, focus groups, and environmental scans) to develop an Activist in Residence (AiR) program.
Activists in Residence is a practice model that provides opportunities for activists to engage with an academic community to develop and strengthen their capacity, network, resources, and work.
Department News
New Study: Anti-Smoking Chatbots Provide Sound Advice — Most of the Time
Researchers found significant variation in adherence to public health guidelines, highlighting the need for improved chatbot accuracy
February 10, 2025
Anti-Smoking Chatbots Provide Sound Advice — Most of the Time. Researchers found significant variation in adherence to public health guidelines.
The Public Health Scholars Program Announces New Incoming Cohort
December 12, 2024
The Public Health Scholars Program (PHSP) at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health (Milken Institute SPH) is delighted to announce a new incoming cohort of PHSP Scholars.
PCH Associate Professor Donaldson Conserve has been awarded dual R01 grants from NINR and NIAID
September 12, 2024
Donaldson Conserve has received dual R01 grants from the National Institute of Nursing Research and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.