The University of Minnesota School of Public (SPH) is launching a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Prevention Research Center (PRC) focusing on improving health and wellness for children and families most at risk for cardiovascular and weight-related diseases. This Center will join the PRC network of 20 academic research centers focused on preventing chronic diseases nationwide, and continues the legacy of the U of M hosting a PRC since 1996.
Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the U.S. with approximately 14.7 million young people aged 2–19 years old who are affected and at risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The center’s work will focus on youth and families from historically underserved communities, including those of lower income and those identifying as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). This comes at a critical time as the CDC reports Latine and Black children are living with the highest prevalence of obesity in the country.
The U of M PRC’s work will build on a vast portfolio of nutrition and health-related research and implementation at SPH that leverages deep and long-standing partnerships with community leaders, public health agencies, and health organizations, who have shared commitments to healthy weight promotion. It will focus on community-engaged, applied research that is translatable across community and cultural settings.
“Our current public health systems aren’t set up to help youth and families thrive,” said Melissa Laska, Distinguished McKnight University professor and co-director of the center. “This is especially true for those from historically underserved communities. The goal of the PRC is to identify systems strategies to provide better care and resources for families around nutrition and physical activity, while at the same time addressing key social determinants of health, like poverty. “
The center will also prepare future leaders in healthy weight research and public health practice to effectively and respectfully engage in community-based efforts to enhance nutritional health for families and children.
About the School of Public Health
The University of Minnesota School of Public Health improves the health and wellbeing of populations and communities around the world by bringing innovative research, learning, and concrete actions to today’s biggest health challenges. We prepare some of the most influential leaders in the field, and partner with health departments, communities, and policymakers to advance health equity for all. Learn more at sph.umn.edu.
