Reflecting on a Community Psychology Journey: What I’ve Learned About Doing Work That Matters
When I entered graduate school in 2009, I didn’t know what program evaluation was. I didn’t really know what community psychology was, either. I knew that I was interested in systems. I was interested in why some programs, organizations, and policies seemed to make a difference while others struggled. And I knew I wanted to…
The Problem Isn’t Finding Public Health Research. It’s Finding What Matters.
Public health does not have an information shortage. Every week, researchers publish new findings on behavioral health, infectious disease, health equity, workforce, implementation, chronic disease, policy, and dozens of other areas. Add reports, guidance, evaluations, and emerging practices, and the challenge becomes obvious: no public health professional can reasonably keep up with all of it.…
What Public Health Can Learn From AI in Journalism
This article first appeared over at This Week in Public Health Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing journalism. Newsrooms are using AI to summarize information, generate drafts, analyze large datasets, translate stories, optimize content for search, and help distribute information to audiences. Public health is beginning to use many of the same technologies. But a new…
The SEAD Comprehensive Plan Is a Good Start. Here’s What It’s Missing.
How community psychology and implementation science reveal the difference between a vision and a strategy. Every community has a vision for its future. Ask residents what they want, and you’ll hear familiar themes: safer streets, thriving local businesses, parks where children can play, places to walk, housing that young families can afford, preserved farmland, less…
What Pennsylvania’s Drug Take-Back Infrastructure Can Teach Us About Public Health Capacity
When most people think about prescription drug take-back programs, they think about a single event: a Saturday morning when residents clean out medicine cabinets and drop off unused medications at a local collection site. But the real story is much bigger. A recent review of Pennsylvania’s prescription drug take-back system reveals a statewide public health…
Exeter Class of 2026: Where Graduates Are Headed Next
Note: This article is cross-posted from our sister site This Week in School Psychology. For years, one of the biggest stories in Exeter’s graduation data was uncertainty. In 2022, nearly four out of every ten graduating seniors either hadn’t announced a plan or weren’t sure what came next. Four years later, that uncertainty has largely…
Transforming Public Health in Africa Through Data Science Training
In today’s world, data has become a vital tool for solving public health challenges, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, where diseases like malaria, HIV, and cancer remain prevalent. However, the lack of skilled professionals and locally tailored educational programs hinders the full potential of data-informed solutions. The Advancing Public Health Research in Eastern Africa…
How Data Transparency Transforms Social Services
Data is the lifeblood of effective social services. For nonprofit organizations striving to maximize their impact, transparency and collaboration have become non-negotiable. Research (link will download a .pdf) shows that accessible, standardized nonprofit data informs better decisions, fosters trust, and enables innovative partnerships. But how can organizations harness these insights to transform social services? A…
Unlocking Nonprofit Success: Insights for Better Social Service Delivery
In today’s nonprofit landscape, measuring success goes beyond just outputs and outcomes. It’s about understanding the broader impact, strengthening internal and external relationships, and tailoring programs to meet diverse community needs. A recent study on nonprofit success indicators offers a groundbreaking framework to help leaders navigate this complexity and improve social service delivery. Why Defining…
How Advice Networks Drive Effective Program Implementation
When social services operate effectively, they can profoundly impact communities. Behind the scenes, advice networks—systems of knowledge-sharing and mentorship—play a vital role in shaping these outcomes. Recent research into Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) networks reveals valuable lessons for administrators and professionals seeking to improve the design and execution of social programs. What Are Advice Networks,…
What Pennsylvania Can Expect from Federal Education Policy Under Trump 2.0
s the Trump administration prepares to retake the reins, Pennsylvania’s education system faces significant uncertainty. Federal education policies could bring sweeping changes that would directly impact schools, teachers, and students across the state. Here’s a breakdown of what might lie ahead based on Trump’s record and stated priorities. A Push to Dismantle the Department of…
The Power of Focus Groups in Social Services
Imagine you’re planning a new playground or trying to address a wave of neighborhood break-ins. How do you ensure your approach aligns with what the community truly needs? Focus groups offer a powerful way to understand the nuanced opinions, concerns, and desires of those you serve. They’re not just about gathering information—they’re about building trust,…
