About Us

Founded in 2024, the Center is housed within the Division of Public Health at the University of Utah. We are dedicated to partnering with public health professionals and communities to transform evidence into actionable solutions that strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery in the face of public health emergencies and disasters. Guided by our mission and vision, we strive to be the trusted academic resource for emergency public health—advancing science and practice through research, training, and service.

WHAT IS A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY?

A public health emergency is an event that poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of a population. These events can overwhelm community resources and require a coordinated response to protect public health.

These emergencies may be the result of natural hazards (geological, climatological, or biological) or human-induced (both intentional & non-intentional).

Examples include but are not limited to:

Outbreaks and pandemics
Natural disasters and severe weather
Biological, chemical or nuclear releases/attacks
Radiation emergencies.

WHY IS EMERGENCY PUBLIC HEALTH ESSENTIAL?

Every day around the world, individuals, families, communities, & nations are confronted with large-scale emergencies that threaten their health & security.
Proper planning & prevention can reduce the catastrophic impact of emergencies & disasters on communities.
Emergency preparedness & response is a national priority that requires coordinated efforts across all sectors, with public health research playing a critical role in identifying & validating the most effective solutions.
Public health emergencies that start locally can very quickly become a global emergency.

How do we support emergency public health?

The Rocky Mountains & High Plains Center for Emergency Public Health, housed within the University of Utah’s Division of Public Health, aims to enhance public health preparedness and response by:

Discovering What Works

We turn evidence into action. Our research identifies what truly helps communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies—from wildfires to pandemics to extreme weather. We test new ideas, evaluate programs, and share what works across the region and beyond—so we’re not just reacting to the next disaster, we’re ready for it.

Empowering Individuals & Communities

We work alongside state and local public health professionals and sovereign Tribal Nations & Communities to deliver trainings that strengthen their preparedness and response capacities. We build trusted partnerships, expand departments’ access to resources, and support communities—especially those that are rural, frontier, or under-resourced.

Growing the Future

Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. From graduate electives and traditional or executive certificate programs to internship placements and fieldwork, we provide hands-on opportunities for students to engage directly in emergency public health. These experiences ensure that the next generation is skilled, inspired, and ready to lead in times of crisis.

Reimagining What's Possible

We’re exploring new ways to strengthen emergency public health—developing new tools that meet people where they are and make emergency preparedness smarter and more accessible. We think differently, test ideas, and create practical solutions that communities can use to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.

Learn more about us in our feature in the 2025 American Public Health Association (APHA) Thought Leadership film series: