Category: News and Stories

CHER’s 2024 Graduates

Emily | May 1, 2024

Spring is a season of renewal and growth, and nowhere is this more evident than in the accomplishments of our Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER) graduates. In this spotlight, we shine on these emerging scholars who are not only integral to our mission of supporting early-stage researchers but also hold immense potential to drive meaningful change in the field of health equity… Read more

The pathway from MPH to CHER

Emily |

In the world of public health, the journey from student to staff researcher often involves navigating through diverse experiences, mentorships, and opportunities. For Marissa Tutt and Chassity Begay, two students who completed the Master of Public Health – Indigenous Health (MPH–IH) emphasis at Northern Arizona University (NAU), their paths led them to the Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER), where they continue to advance health equity through their research… Read more

Marissa Tutt and Chassity Begay standing next to each other.

Addressing Burnout: Institutional Models for Retaining Healthcare Workforce

Emily |

*Please note: this article includes sensitive topics such as self-harm and suicide… Read more

NAU and WSU work together to secure $3 million in NIH funding for Native elder research and researcher development

Judith | February 21, 2024

In 1998, the Colorado School of Public Health’s Center for American Indian and Alaska Native Health, in response to NIA’s research framework, established the Native Elder Research Center to address the barriers in Native elder research… Read more

NAU’s Native cancer research center celebrates an exciting first year

Judith | February 20, 2024

A dedicated team of health equity experts, community members, and NAU faculty, staff, and students launched the initiative to new heights, raising awareness of the steps to address cancer health equity for Native American populations in Arizona… Read more

Tribal health advocates and experts discuss cancer health equity at the Annual Arizona Inter-tribal Cancer Health Equity Forum.

Regents’ professor Julie Baldwin inducted into National Academy of Medicine

Judith | November 15, 2023

In October 2023, Dr. Julie Baldwin, founding and Executive Director of NAU’s Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER), became one of the newest members inducted into the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (NAM). NAM membership stands as one of the most prestigious accolades in health and medicine, acknowledging individuals who have shown exceptional professional accomplishments and strong dedication to service. … Read more

Julie Baldwin alongside her sons Nate and Nick Johnson, mother Jeanne Harding, daughter Isabella Johnson and husband Bill Johnson at the 2022 National Academy of Medicine Class Member Induction Ceremony.

New tools created to promote community health representative integration in emergency preparedness and vaccine deployment

Judith |

You’re not alone. It is vital to be seen in the context of our cultures and identities when it comes to proper healthcare outcomes. That’s where community health representatives (CHRs) come in. … Read more

Janet Yellowhair presenting at the 7th Annual CHR Summit in Tucson, AZ.

Strength in diversity: The Indigenous heartbeat of health equity

Judith |

At the Center for Community Health and Engaged Research (CHER), we’ve discovered that building trust is vital in conducting comprehensive research and upholding the integrity of our research center. As we embark on this journey toward a more inclusive approach to health equity, we’ve discovered one element that makes all the difference – the presence and participation of indigenous voices within our center… Read more

NAU advances cancer health equity in native communities with inter-tribal forum

Judith | November 14, 2023

In a milestone event, Northern Arizona University’s Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity (C-NACHE) convened their first-ever Arizona Inter-Tribal Cancer Health Equity Forum (AICHEF) on September 26, in Flagstaff. The forum hosted 40 attendees from various tribal nations and tribal-serving organizations across Arizona and built the platform for diverse voices to flow freely with the infusion of cancer health data and policy updates. … Read more

Two AICHEF participants gather to speak to each other on the topics they heard.

JPB-Harvard Fellowship supports pilot research for Dr. Mike Anastario

Judith |

The JPB-Harvard Environmental Health Fellowship supports junior faculty who conduct research on the combined influence of environmental and social determinants of health inequities. The program offers training, collaborative learning, and research support for fellows to conduct innovative pilot research… Read more