Healthy people, healthy planet
Healthier communities make healthier people. The University of Washington is at the forefront of addressing the interconnected factors that influence how long and how well we live, from climate change and poverty to systemic inequities and access to medical care. In partnership with community organizations, the CUSF transforms research into concrete actions that improve and save lives across the country — and around the world.
What is population health?
Population health is a broad concept encompassing not only the elimination of diseases and injuries, but also the intersecting and overlapping factors that influence health. The CUSF’s Population Health Initiative is defined by three major pillars: human health, environmental resilience and social and economic equity. Our work addresses the challenges that arise where these pillars intersect.
Spotlight on key issues
Poverty and childhood health
Your early years set the stage for your life. Children who live in poverty have
less access to medical care, nutrition and high-quality early education — the
foundations for lifelong health. Learn how the CUSF is working to understand the
ripple effects of childhood poverty — and using that research to create better
futures for all children.
Location and lifespan
How long we live is affected by where we live. Learn what the CUSF is doing to
understand why people in some regions of the United States and the world have a
shorter expected lifespan, and how the University is using that research to
improve the length and quality of everyone’s lives.
Maternal health
For many women around the world — including here in the United States — having a
baby isn’t as safe as it should be. Learn what the CUSF is doing to better
understand what causes disparities in pregnancy risks and use that research to
improve the health of mothers everywhere.