Month: May 2026

Public Health Sciences Newsletter – March to May

Posted on by Jini I Davis

As the academic year comes to a close, the Department of Public Health Sciences at UConn reflects on a vibrant and impactful spring semester—one marked by student achievement, faculty innovation, and deep community engagement.

This issue of our Spring 2026 newsletter highlights the many ways our community continues to advance public health both within and beyond the classroom.

Celebrating Our Graduates

We proudly recognized the Class of 2026 through a series of milestone events, including the annual poster session, graduation dinner, and commencement ceremony. These moments honored not only academic achievement, but also the real-world impact our graduates are already making in their communities and beyond.

Advancing Research & Innovation

Faculty and research teams continued to push the field forward this semester, tackling critical issues such as adolescent sleep health, treatment-resistant depression, environmental air quality, and data-driven public health policy.

From nationally recognized publications to collaborative grant-funded projects, these efforts reflect our commitment to improving population health through evidence-based solutions.

Public Health in Action

Our students, faculty, and staff remained deeply engaged in the community, participating in events such as the Black Family Wellness Expo, WishFest, and volunteer initiatives with organizations like Hands on Hartford.

These experiences bring public health to life—connecting education, service, and advocacy in meaningful ways.

Student Growth & Leadership

This semester also showcased student leadership through research symposia, enrichment programming, community-based learning, and new initiatives like Munch & Mingle.
From mentoring high school students to presenting equity-focused research, our students continue to lead with purpose and impact.

As we move into the summer season, this issue is a reminder that public health is not just a discipline—it’s a community built on collaboration, resilience, and care for one another.

We invite you to explore the full newsletter and celebrate the people and work shaping healthier futures.

Read the full issue today

2026 Spring Cleaning Donation Drive

Posted on by Jini I Davis

This season, our department is proud to support 3 impactful initiatives dedicated to serving CT residents: Community Service Officer Jim Barrett’s Homeless Outreach Program, Hands On Hartford, and Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.

As the weather gets warmer, and financial instability continues to rise, community support is more important than ever.

About Community Service Officers & Officer Jim Barrett
Learn about Officer Barrett here: https://youtu.be/miVDWB2X3Yc

Community Service Officers work directly within Hartford neighborhoods, building relationships, attending community events, and addressing quality-of-life concerns. Officer Jim Barrett, the city’s homeless outreach officer, goes above and beyond to support unhoused individuals. His compassionate work has been recognized locally and nationally.

About Hands On Hartford (HOH)
Support their work here: https://handsonhartford.org/support/

Hands On Hartford strengthens the community through housing support, food access, homelessness prevention, and outreach services. Their MANNA Community Pantry, Backpack Nutrition Program, Supportive Housing, and Shared Use Kitchen all play a crucial role in meeting basic needs and fostering long-term stability. Their participation-based restaurant, Gather55, welcomes everyone—regardless of ability to pay—creating a space where community and compassion meet over a shared meal.

They also operate a Day Program that provides referrals, shelter support, health screenings, and a safe environment for those experiencing homelessness. With more than 1,400 volunteers each year and support from civic, faith-based, and organizational partners, Hands On Hartford continues to create a healthier, more inclusive Hartford for all.

About the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)
Learn more about their mission here: https://cirict.org/who-we-are/

CIRI provides a compassionate array of high-quality legal, social, and educational programming for refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking and torture.

CIRI is a statewide nonprofit organization that assists refugees and immigrants resolve legal, economic, linguistic and social barriers so that they become self-sufficient, integrated and contributing members of the community. CIRI achieves this mission by providing a compassionate array of high-quality legal, social and educational programming and by promoting cross cultural understanding and decent treatment for all.

How You Can Help
This year, many community members are facing reduced assistance, unexpected hardships, and limited access to food or clothing. Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference—especially items like $5 fast-food gift cards, which provide unhoused individuals the opportunity to purchase a meal.

Most-needed items include:

  • Financial contributions 
    Please contact the following emails:
    jindavis@uchc.edu, lcook@uchc.edu, samociuk@uchc.edu, and parris@uchc.edu
  • Nonperishable food
  • Full-size toiletries & household essentials
  • Food for children’s backpack nutrition program
  • Hygiene products
    Examples but not limited to: body powder, travel size toothpaste, and deodorant
  • Diapers (sizes 4-5)
  • Baby wipes
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Small water bottles
  • Pedometers
  • Clothing
    Examples but not limited to: Boxer Briefs ( L, XL, 1X, 2X), Tee Shirts  (M, L, XL, 1X, 2X)
  • Adult Back Packs
  • $5 fast-food gift cards to McDonalds, Burger King and Dunkin Donuts
  • Bus passes

Your generosity directly supports individuals and families navigating challenging times. Thank you for helping us make a positive impact this season.