Earlier this week, Multnomah County announced a new partnership with the Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, establishing Oregon’s first Academic Health Department. Officials say the partnership will strengthen public health education and practice by connecting students to hands-on experiences while enhancing services for county residents.
“This new academic relationship with OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is a game-changer,” said Rachael Banks, Director of the Multnomah County Health Department. “Academia fuels our practice, and our experience enriches their programs. By leveraging the combined expertise of our core staff and university faculty, we’re building a stronger, more resilient public health and healthcare infrastructure for the future of Multnomah County.”
Academic Health Departments are formal affiliations between local health departments and academic institutions, similar to teaching hospitals for medical education. They offer public health students real-world experience and create opportunities for health departments to integrate new research and evidence-based practices into their work.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being,” said Paul Halverson, Dean of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. “It builds a powerful bridge between education and real-life experiences, offering students hands-on opportunities to engage in the ever-changing landscape and challenges of public health while supporting the vital work of the Health Department. Together, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient public health system—one that reflects diversity, innovation, and creativity as we both strive to improve the quality of life for all.”
County officials said the Academic Health Department will:
· Strengthen the region’s public health and healthcare infrastructure by combining the expertise of staff and faculty from both institutions.
· Create pathways for students to enter and stabilize the public health workforce.
· Provide the Health Department with student interns and residents who can contribute to ongoing programs and respond to emerging challenges.
· Enhance employee retention and morale by offering professional development and career advancement opportunities.
The Health Department also plans to increase diverse staff participation in teaching roles, giving students the chance to learn directly from public health professionals working within local government. Director Banks has been asked to provide input as the school reviews and enhances its curriculum.
The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health is ranked #22 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, placing it among the top 11% of accredited public health schools in the country. It is currently Oregon’s only accredited school of public health.
Students will have expanded opportunities to intern within the Public Health Division and other divisions of the Health Department, gaining practical experience to complement classroom learning.
The partnership marks a milestone in strengthening public health systems by integrating education and practice to prepare the next generation of public health professionals while improving services for residents across Multnomah County.
