The University of Georgia College of Public Health has received funding to launch the Health Collaboration Hubs (HCH) initiative, a community-engaged project designed to translate academic expertise into locally driven, actionable solutions that improve health outcomes across Georgia. 

Thanks to the generous support of the UGA Foundation, HCH will build on the college’s strong record of place-based initiatives. The overarching goal is to connect faculty, students, public health agencies, healthcare providers and community stakeholders to address locally identified health priorities and strengthen community health infrastructure. 

“Collaboration is at the heart of public health, and the University of Georgia’s land- and sea-grant mission. Health for all is only achievable when communities, researchers, health professionals and policymakers work together because we all envision a healthier future, and we believe we have the power to make it happen,” said Associate Dean for Outreach & Engagement Lisa Renzi-Hammond. “Health Collaboration Hubs will emphasize collaboration — more voices and more perspectives united to produce better health.” 

The college will be able to utilize existing on-campus and statewide partnerships to implement projects and strengthen relationships across Georgia.

The hubs will operate through a sustained, community-driven model. During the first six months of engagement, faculty focused on public service and outreach and interdisciplinary student teams will work with local leaders, first responders and residents to understand community needs through focus groups, asset mapping and town halls. From there, a community-led work group will develop a targeted action plan for high-impact interventions, and UGA will be there to offer rigorous evaluation and data-driven decision-making for projects. 

In tandem with these community partnerships, the college will develop an interdisciplinary Community Health Certificate designed for university students and community partners. Delivered online to maximize statewide accessibility, the coursework will emphasize health equity, health promotion and public health leadership, with applied practicum experiences embedded throughout. 

“Preparing the next generation of public health leaders requires more than classroom instruction. It requires real-world experience in the communities they will one day serve,” said Dean Marsha Davis. “Through the Community Health Certificate and hands-on practicum experiences, the Health Collaboration Hubs equip students across disciplines with the skills and partnerships they need to build a stronger, healthier future for Georgia.” 

The initiative will engage undergraduate and graduate students across multiple disciplines, including public health, pharmacy, social work and medicine. By working alongside faculty mentors and public health practitioners, students will integrate classroom learning with community-based impact. 

This collaborative approach ensures community partners have access to relevant research and practice expertise, while providing students with hands-on experience in problem-solving and project management. Ultimately, the HCH initiative aims to create pathways for continued service in Georgia’s public health workforce, preparing the next generation of public health changemakers.