The Detroit Urban Research Center Highlights Health in Decisions about Detroit's Future

DETROIT, MICHIGAN (5/6/2013) - The Detroit Urban Research Center (Detroit URC) is one of eight groups nationally that recently received a grant from a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts, to conduct a health impact assessment (HIA). The Detroit HIA will look at how the Detroit Future City (DFC) strategic framework may affect the health of people living in Detroit, and recommend ways to protect health. Healthy Neighborhoods for a Healthy Detroit (D-HIA) will highlight health in decisions regarding how city services and infrastructure are maintained.

Detroit URC board members Barbara Israel and Ricardo Guzman discuss how the Center's shared commitment and shared leadership has helped this partnership effectively address community health issues for over 18 years, in a post on the Michigan Nightlight blog.  "We are a diverse partnership made up of community-based organizations, academic researchers, and health service providers working together to reduce health inequalities in Detroit." 

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Barbara Israel, DrPH, Director of the Detroit Urban Research Center and faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is one of seven faculty members at the University of Michigan to recieve the 2013 Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.  Awards went to faculty who have shown deciaction to developing cultural and ethnic diversity at the University of Michigan. 

“The nominations we received were simply outstanding and prove that our faculty continues to think creatively about how to elevate Michigan’s role as a national model for diversity in higher education, ” says Lester Monts, senior vice provost for academic affairs. “This year’s recipients truly epitomize the values of fairness, tolerance, and appreciation for the viewpoints and lifestyles of others. We appreciate their efforts to promote diversity and create a rich environment for our students, faculty and staff.”

Established in 1996, the award is given in honor of Harold Johnson, dean emeritus of the School of Social Work. The award provides $5,000 to recipients to further research and scholarship opportunities.

Come out for the Community Action Against Asthma (CAAA) Health Expo on April 23 from 5:30 to 8:00pm.  Findings from their recent study will be presented and doctors and other asthma experts will be on hand to answer your questions.