Academic Health Collaborative of Worcester

Abstract

The Academic Health Collaborative of Worcester (AHCW) is a formal partnership between local universities and the Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) to bridge academics and practice for the purpose of public health improvement. The mission of the ACHW is to foster collaboration between the WDPH, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and academic partners to improve community health and develop public health research and practice leaders. Current academic partners include Clark University, UMass Medical School, and Worcester State University. The collaborative allows the WDPH to work closely with faculty to create a study or project with student deliverables co-designed by faculty and WDPH staff to advance the strategic plan of the WDPH and the Community Health Improvement Plan. Successful AHCW workforce development initiatives have included internships, clerkships, consultancies, and service learning assistantships. Most recently, a consultant developed materials to improve the structure and capacity of the AHCW. Due to this work, we anticipate additional partners to join the AHCW in the coming months. Student education, workforce development, and practice-focused research make the AHCW uniquely positioned to improve the public's health through an interdisciplinary approach. Through the collaborative, WDPH can leverage local expertise to help achieve its goal of becoming the healthiest city in New England by 2020.