- Working to create a comprehensive and enhanced understanding of the reasons for homicides in Pittsburgh through the Community Violence Prevention Project (VPP) at the Center for Health Equity . Through partnership and collaboration with local organizations including adult and juvenile court, county jail, city and county social service providers, trauma physicians, anti-gun violence advocates, and community members, the VPP is tackling the tough question of what needs to be done to reduce the number of homicides and gun-related injuries in our communities. Key findings from 2012 project activities can be found in the Community Violence Prevention Project: Findings Report (2012).
- Conducting a countywide health survey of adolescents 14-19 years old beginning in November 2013. The Healthy Allegheny Teen Survey (HATS) is voluntary. Participants are randomly selected and receive a $20 gift card in the mail after completing the survey. Information collected is confidential and will help the ACHD and local health organizations better serve youth in our communities.
- Completion of the first Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey for the Allegheny County Department of Health
- Receipt of a CDC Prevention Research Center to investigate public health and aging, in collaboration with the Department of Epidemiology
- Developing new research foci in computational modeling, Internet interventions, lifespan trajectories for drug abuse and mental health, and worksite health promotion
- Establishment of the Certificate in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health and Wellness, the first such certificate program in the world
- Development of a large NIH- and foundation-funded research portfolio
- Establishment of the Certificate in Community-based Participatory Research and Practice, the first such program in the country