Passaic Today

Montclair State University and the Township of Montclair have launched New Jersey's first Academic Health Department. This partnership connects students with practical public health experiences while the township gains from academic research and innovative health solutions. The new department was celebrated by Montclair President Jonathan Koppell, Mayor Renee Baskerville, and other officials at an event attended by faculty, students, and community partners.

Amy Monaco, Montclair Township Health Officer, and Lisa Lieberman, Chairperson of the University's Department of Public Health, expressed their satisfaction with the initiative. "This partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing public health education and community health initiatives," said Koppell. He added that aligning faculty and student strengths with township challenges could foster a resilient public health workforce.

Mayor Baskerville emphasized her support for the partnership, acknowledging the critical role of public health departments in resident well-being. "I’ve seen firsthand the critical role the Public Health Department plays in determining the well-being of its residents," she stated.

The Academic Health Department model integrates research, service learning, and community efforts to strengthen both organizations' missions. Key components include student involvement in internships and projects, joint research activities, continuing education programs for township officials, seminars to advance knowledge, and sharing best practices.

Public Health graduate student Bhumi Patel shared her experience working on two projects: developing outreach materials for seniors through a pet fostering initiative and conducting surveys on opioid misuse as part of an awareness program. "We were able to engage in an important public health partnership," Patel said.

The Academic Health Department adds to Montclair State University's collaborations with local entities like Mountainside Medical Center and various non-profits. Koppell highlighted that broad partnerships are essential for success in public health education as demand grows.

Formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, this partnership reinforces the university's commitment to serving public interests beyond campus borders. "Serving our students cannot stop at the campus borders," Koppell noted.