Baltimore is more than just a location for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health—it is a vital part of its mission, community, and impact. Every corner of the city tells a story of partnership, innovation, and care. The School’s deep connection with Baltimore focuses on advancing health equity and strengthening the ties between academic research and community well-being. From service-learning to health data sharing, numerous projects and initiatives are making a visible difference across neighborhoods.
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Community Engagement Centers
SOURCE: Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center
- SOURCE connects Johns Hopkins Schools of Public Health, Nursing, and Medicine with over 100 community organizations.
- Partnerships aim to improve health outcomes and promote social justice through hands-on student learning and community collaboration.
Key Contributions of SOURCE:
- Provides service-learning courses that pair students with local organizations for real-world experiences.
- Develops online training modules to educate students and faculty on respectful and equitable community partnerships.
SOURCE Activities and Outcomes
| Activity | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Service-learning with local orgs | Practical experience for students and solutions for community needs |
| Online training modules | Preparedness for ethical academic-community collaborations |
| Partnerships with 100+ orgs | Improved access to services, food, and health education |
Urban Health Institute (UHI)
Urban Health Institute’s Mission:
- Advances health and equity in Baltimore through funding, education, and leadership training.
- Encourages cross-campus collaborations and empowers community voices.
Highlight Programs:
- Small Grants Program: Provides funding to support local projects led by faculty and students.
- Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program: Trains community leaders for effective, long-term impact.
Urban Health Institute Impact Programs
| Program | Key Focus |
|---|---|
| Small Grants Program | Fund health initiatives like youth meals, cookbooks, and trauma recovery |
| Bunting Neighborhood Leadership Program | Equips leaders with tools to improve community connectivity and opportunity access |
Local Departmental Initiatives
Engaging Baltimore through Departments:
- Each academic department and the Office of the Dean has adopted mission statements focused on serving Baltimore.
- Departments conduct long-term research and support on-the-ground health programs.
Example Projects:
- Biostatistics Department: Led long-term studies like the Women’s Health and Aging Studies and the Experience Corps Project.
- Office of External Affairs: Partners with SOURCE to offer Nonprofit 360, a program supporting Baltimore nonprofits with training and mentorship.
Departmental Projects
| Department | Project Name | Community Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Biostatistics | Women’s Health and Aging Studies | Tracked aging factors among 1,000+ Baltimore women |
| Biostatistics | Experience Corps Project | Engaged older adults in community teaching roles |
| External Affairs + SOURCE | Nonprofit 360 | Built capacity in fundraising, communication, and board development |
Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs (CCP)
Overview of CCP:
- Established in 1988, CCP is a leader in communication for health and social change.
- Partners locally and globally to support behavior change, capacity building, and advocacy.
Key Local Campaigns:
- B’more for Healthy Babies: A citywide campaign aimed at reducing infant mortality.
- UChoose Campaign: Focuses on sexual and reproductive health for Baltimore youth under 25.
CCP Projects and Contributions
| Program | Objective | Collaborators |
|---|---|---|
| B’more for Healthy Babies | Reduce infant mortality through strategic communication and community action | Baltimore City Health Dept, HealthCare Access Maryland |
| UChoose | Support reproductive health through youth-designed campaigns | City Health Dept, City Schools, community partners |
Baltimore Projects Listing
About the Listing:
- An online platform developed with community partners that showcases projects in Baltimore involving faculty from the Bloomberg School.
Features:
- Projects can be searched by type or topic.
- Each listing includes project summaries, community benefits, and contact details.
Benefits:
- Increases transparency and access to public health efforts.
- Encourages community involvement and knowledge-sharing.
Baltimore Projects Listing Usefulness
| Feature | Benefit to Community |
|---|---|
| Searchable by topic and type | Easy navigation and targeted engagement |
| Summaries and contact info included | Helps residents connect and participate in relevant projects |
| Collaborative development | Ensures relevance and community approval |
Courses of Special Interest to Baltimore
Student Learning Integrated with Local Needs:
- Courses are designed with community service at the core.
- Real-life applications enhance learning and simultaneously benefit local communities.
Community Involvement:
- Students collaborate with organizations like Wolfe Street Academy.
- Projects promote food access, education, and healthier lifestyles.
Collaborative Practice Across Baltimore
Partnerships with Baltimore City Health Department:
- The School works closely with city health officials to ensure research benefits the public directly.
- Shared goals include reducing disparities, improving care access, and empowering neighborhoods.
Focus Areas Include:
- Food security
- Trauma healing
- Youth development
- Reproductive health
- Aging and elderly support
Looking Ahead
Baltimore is at the heart of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s mission. Every project, partnership, and course reflects a strong dedication to advancing health equity and creating lasting connections with the city’s neighborhoods. By bringing together faculty, students, and community members, these initiatives are shaping a healthier, more just future for Baltimore. The School not only studies public health—it practices it, every day, in the streets, schools, and homes of the city it proudly calls home.
