Cheryl Healton
Cheryl Healton
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Founding Dean of School of Global Public Health
Professor of Public Health Policy and Management
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Professional overview
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For the last ten years, Dean Healton has devoted herself to building GPH’s academic, service, and research programs. The School has been accredited by CEPH, increased the size of its student body and research funding, recruited top faculty, added doctoral-level programs, and made diversity, equity and inclusion a priority.
Previously, as the founding President and CEO of Legacy, a leading organization dedicated to tobacco control, Dean Healton guided the national youth tobacco prevention campaign, which has been credited with reducing youth smoking prevalence to record lows, and launched programs for smoking cessation, public education, technical assistance, and a broad range of grant making.
Prior to joining Legacy, Dean Healton held numerous roles at Columbia University including Associate Dean of its Medical School, Assistant Vice President for the Health Sciences and Chairman of Sociomedical Sciences, and Associate Dean of the Mailman School of Public Health. She is an Emeritus Professor of Columbia University.
Dean Healton has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles and has been awarded multiple grants in AIDS, tobacco control and higher education. She was the founding chair of the Public Health Practice Council of the Association of Schools of Public Health. As an active member of the public health community she has given presentations around the world and is a frequent contributor to national and local coverage of public health issues.
She holds a DrPH from Columbia University's School of Public Health (with distinction) and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at NYU.
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Education
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MPA, Health Policy and Planning, New York University, New York, NYDrPH, Sociomedical Sciences (with distinction), Columbia University, New York, NY
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Areas of research and study
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Public Health LawPublic Health PolicyTobacco Control
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Publications
Publications
Getting to the truth : Evaluating national tobacco countermarketing campaigns
AbstractFarrelly, M. C., Healton, C., Davis, K. C., Messeri, P., Hersey, J. C., & Haviland, M. L. (n.d.).Publication year
2002Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
92Issue
6Page(s)
901-907AbstractObjectives. This study examines how the American Legacy Foundation's "truth" campaign and Philip Morris's "Think. Don't Smoke" campaign have influenced youths' attitudes, beliefs, and intentions toward tobacco. Methods. We analyzed 2 telephone surveys of 12- to 17-year-olds with multivariate logistic regressions: a baseline survey conducted before the launch of "truth" and a second survey 10 months into the "truth" campaign. Results. Exposure to "truth" countermarketing advertisements was consistently associated with an increase in anti-tobacco attitudes and beliefs, whereas exposure to Philip Morris advertisements generally was not. In addition, those exposed to Philip Morris advertisements were more likely to be open to the idea of smoking. Conclusions. Whereas exposure to the "truth" campaign positively changed youths' attitudes toward tobacco, the Philip Morris campaign had a counterproductive influence.Giving infants a Great Start : Launching a national smoking cessation program for pregnant women
AbstractHaviland, L., Thornton, A. H., Carothers, S., Hund, L., Allen, J. A., Kastens, B., Wojciak, A., Hamasaka, L., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2004Journal title
Nicotine and Tobacco ResearchVolume
6Issue
SUPPL. 2Page(s)
S181-S188AbstractData suggest that 12%-22% of women smoke during pregnancy. The link between smoking during pregnancy and adverse health and reproductive outcomes has been well documented. Great Start is a public education and smoking cessation program developed especially for pregnant women. Launched in December 2001, Great Start was the first national program focused on providing free and confidential smoking cessation counseling to pregnant women through a toll-free quitline. Great Start consisted of a media campaign to raise awareness and direct women to telephone counseling tailored for the pregnant smoker, and educational materials designed to support pregnant women through cessation counseling. The program was evaluated to assess the ability of the television ads to reach pregnant smokers and the effectiveness of a quitline for increasing cessation rates among pregnant women. Great Start demonstrates that it is possible to reach pregnant smokers through television ads that provide information about the consequences of smoking while pregnant, are affirming in tone, and provide direction for women to take action. Initial response to the program indicates that pregnant women want to quit and confirms the need for programs designed specifically to address the needs of this population.Healthy America: Practitioners for 2005: A Beginning Dialogue for U.S. Schools of Public Health - based on healthy America: Practitioners for 2005: An Agenda for Action for U.S. Health Professional Schools
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
1995Abstract~HIV Case Management Services in New York City: Quality and Outcomes : AIDS Information Network Technical Report #11
AbstractHealton, C., Kovacs, E., Burr, C., & Taylor, S. (n.d.).Publication year
1995Abstract~HIV Health Care Services in New York City: Utilization and Quality : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report #14
AbstractMesseri, P., Healton, C., & Aidala, A. A. (n.d.).Publication year
1996Abstract~Hollywood quits - Behind the scenes of a Hollywood-based smoking cessation program
AbstractNides, M., Hund, L. M., Carothers, S., McCausland, K. L., Duke, J. C., Xiao, H., Balaoing, M., Dale, L. C., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
American Journal of Health BehaviorVolume
31Issue
6Page(s)
705-718AbstractObjectives: To develop, implement, and assess the efficacy of a comprehensive, evidence-based smoking cessation program for entertainment industry workers and their families. Methods: Study participants were recruited from 5 outpatient medical clinics and a worksite setting. Tobacco use data were collected during the initial counseling visit and at 6-month follow-up. Univariate and multivariate regressions were used in analysis. Results: More than 50% of participants (n=470) self-reported 7-day abstinence at follow-up. The majority of participants used combination cessation medications, with more than 50% still using at least 1 medication at 6 months. Conclusions: This evidence-based smoking cessation program using behavioral counseling and combination pharmacotherapy was successful with entertainment industry workers.Home and workplace smoking bans in Italy, Ireland, Sweden, France and the Czech Republic
AbstractHealton, C., Heck, J. E., Stücker, I., Allwright, S., Gritz, E. R., Haglund, M., Healton, C. G., Kralikova, E., Sanchez Del Mazo, S., Tamang, E., Dresler, C. M., & Hashibe, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Journal title
European Respiratory JournalVolume
35Issue
5Page(s)
969-979AbstractThe purpose of this study was to report predictors and prevalence of home and workplace smoking bans in five European countries. We conducted a population-based telephone survey of 4,977 females, ascertaining factors associated with smoking bans. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived using unconditional logistic regression. A complete home smoking ban was reported by 59.5% of French, 63.5% of Irish, 61.3% of Italian, 74.4% of Czech and 87.0% of Swedish females. Home smoking bans were associated with younger age and being bothered by secondhand smoke, and among smokers, inversely associated with greater tobacco dependence. Among nonsmokers, bans were also related to believing smoking is harmful (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.30) and having parents who smoke (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.52-0.73). Workplace bans were reported by 92.6% of French, 96.5% of Irish, 77.9% of Italian, 79.1% of Czech and 88.1% of Swedish females. Workplace smoking bans were reported less often among those in technical positions (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.50-0.82) and among skilled workers (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32-0.88) than among professional workers. Workplace smoking bans are in place for most workers in these countries. Having a home smoking ban was based on smoking behaviour, demographics, beliefs and personal preference. CopyrightHousing & HIV/AIDS in New York City : Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #10
AbstractHealton, C., Messeri, P., & Aidala, A. A. (n.d.).Publication year
1995Abstract~Increasing youths' exposure to a tobacco prevention media campaign in rural and low-population-density communities
AbstractDuke, J. C., Vallone, D. M., Allen, J. A., Cullen, J., Mowery, P. D., Xiao, H., Dorrler, N., Asche, E. T., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
99Issue
12Page(s)
2210-2216AbstractObjectives. We examined the effectiveness of a program to increase exposure to national "truth" tobacco countermarketing messages among youths in rural and low-population-density communities. Methods. A longitudinal survey of 2618 youths aged 12 to 17 years was conducted over 5 months in 8 media markets receiving supplemental advertising and 8 comparison markets receiving less than the national average of "truth" messages. Results. Confirmed awareness of "truth" increased from 40% to 71% among youths in treatment markets while remaining stable in comparison markets. Over 35% of all youths who were unaware of the campaign at baseline became aware of it as a direct result of the increased advertising. Youths living in rural and low-population-density communities were receptive to the campaign's messages. Conclusions. Through purchase of airtime in local broadcast media, the reach of a national tobacco countermarketing campaign was expanded among youths living in rural and low-population-density areas. This strategy of augmenting delivery of nationally broadcast antitobacco ads can serve as a model for leveraging limited tobacco control resources to increase the impact of evidence-based tobacco prevention campaigns.Infrastructure Work Group Report
AbstractHealton, C., Messeri, P., & Aidala, A. A. (n.d.).Publication year
1996Abstract~Issues, priorities, and political implications for cancer : An organization's perspective
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
Journal of Cancer EducationVolume
24Issue
SUPPL. 2Page(s)
S24-S25Abstract~Male and Female Applicants for Alcoholism Treatment: A Study of Differential Staff Attitudes
AbstractShaw, J. S., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
1984Journal title
Journal of Drug IssuesVolume
14Issue
4Page(s)
677-686Abstract~Menthol Cigarettes are Harmful
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.). In The Wall Street Journal.Publication year
2010Abstract~Misinformation about tobacco
AbstractMalone, R. E., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2010Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
100Issue
1Page(s)
6Abstract~Mismanaged care : the warning signs.
AbstractHealton, C., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).Publication year
1997Journal title
American journal of preventive medicineVolume
13Issue
6 SupplPage(s)
1-2Abstract~Multiple chapters in addition to serving as corresponding lead Editor1-Global Women's Health Overview Zephyrin, Beddoe, VandeVanter and Healton2-Women and Substance Use- Healton and Naegle3-Hope for the Future: Driving Systems and Policy Change to Advance the Health and Human Rights of Women
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Abstract~Need for HIV Mental Health Services and Service Utilization in New York City. : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report 16
AbstractHealton, C., Messeri, P., & Aidala, A. A. (n.d.).Publication year
1996Abstract~North American Drug Dialogue Public Health Sumit, June 6, 2023 White House Offcie on Drug Conrol Policy"Preventing Substance Use through Public Education" C. Healton
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Page(s)
N/A public power pointAbstract~Obesity and Tobacco
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.). In News and World Report.Publication year
2003Abstract~Paradigm shift in early detection : Lung cancer screening to comprehensive CT screening
AbstractMulshine, J. L., Pyenson, B., Healton, C., Aldige, C., Avila, R. S., Blum, T., Cham, M., de Koning, H. J., Fain, S. B., Field, J. K., Flores, R., Giger, M. L., Gipp, I., Grannis, F. W., Gratama, J. W., Kazerooni, E. A., Kelly, K., Lancaster, H. L., Montuenga, L., … Oudkerk, M. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
European Journal of CancerVolume
218AbstractLarge-scale lung cancer screening implementation combined with improvements in early detection techniques for three major tobacco-related diseases presents a rare opportunity to markedly improve population health outcomes for millions of people. Chest CT enables routine detection of early lung cancer as well as characterizing coronary calcium and detecting early emphysema in the course of lung cancer screening. Integrated preventive care centered on comprehensive chest CT screening has the potential to bring large benefits across co-morbid diseases with a common etiology. The current one-disease/ silo paradigm of medical practice is an obstacle to maximizing chest CT screening's benefits. The large potential for improved health outcomes across the world demands careful public health, quality assurance, and health policy considerations. A systematic analysis of imaging and health data from ongoing chest CT screening could accelerate this paradigm shift through sustained optimization of screening detection, quantitation and management for the three most lethal tobacco-related co-morbidities. To coordinate this effort to advance progress with implementing the full benefit of comprehensive chest CT screening, a new multi- disciplinary professional and advocacy consortium has been developed to foster collaboration to realize the future of multi-disease chest CT screening.Parent-Level Barriers and Facilitators to HPV Vaccine Implementation in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
AbstractLiebermann, E., Devanter, N. V., Frías Gúzman, N., Ompad, D. C., Shirazian, T., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
Journal of Community HealthVolume
45Issue
5Page(s)
1061-1066AbstractCervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the Dominican Republic. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) could reduce mortality from cervical cancer globally by as much as 90%. The purpose of our study was to explore multi-level barriers and facilitators to implementation of a national HPV vaccine program in the Dominican Republic; this article focuses on parent-level barriers and facilitators. In this qualitative study, we conducted six focus groups (N = 64) with parents of school-age children in the Santo Domingo area of the Dominican Republic, representing diverse socioeconomic groups and geographic settings. Thematic content analysis, using inductive and deductive approaches, was done following transcription and translation of audio-recordings from focus group discussions. Among this group of parents in the Santo Domingo area, facilitators to vaccine uptake were favorable attitudes towards vaccines in general and concern about cervical cancer as a health issue. Barriers found were low to moderate knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, especially in the rural and suburban groups, and cost and lack of public awareness of the vaccine. This study identified key barriers and facilitators to HPV vaccine implementation in the Dominican Republic. Health messaging, incorporating specialist providers as opinion leaders, will need to be tailored to broad audiences with varying levels of information and awareness, anticipating misinformation and concerns, and will need to emphasize HPV vaccine as a method to prevent cancer.Pedagogical Scholarship in Public Health : A Call for Cultivating Learning Communities to Support Evidence-Based Education
AbstractMerzel, C., Halkitis, P. N., & Healton, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2017Journal title
Public Health ReportsVolume
132Issue
6Page(s)
679-683AbstractPublic health education is experiencing record growth and transformation. The current emphasis on learning outcomes necessitates attention to creating and evaluating the best curricula and learning methods for helping public health students develop public health competencies. Schools and programs of public health would benefit from active engagement in pedagogical research and additional platforms to support dissemination and implementation of educational research findings. We reviewed current avenues for sharing public health educational research, curricula, and best teaching practices; we identified useful models from other health professions; and we offered suggestions for how the field of public health education can develop communities of learning devoted to supporting pedagogy. Our goal was to help advance an agenda of innovative evidence-based public health education, enabling schools and programs of public health to evaluate and measure success in meeting the current and future needs of the public health profession.Perspectives from the front lines of tobacco control
AbstractBurrus, B., Northridge, M. E., Hund, L., Green, M., Braithwaite, K., Sabol, B., Healton, C., & Treadwell, H. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2006Journal title
Journal of health care for the poor and underservedVolume
17Issue
1 SupplPage(s)
124-142AbstractThis research is designed to share valuable experiences and transferable principles from program staff of the Legacy/Community Voices initiative who have been involved in planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining tobacco control activities in underserved communities. Interviews were conducted with 13 front line staff from 9 sites: Alameda County, California; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Ingham County, Michigan; Miami, Florida; New Mexico; North Carolina; Northern Manhattan; and West Virginia. A model emerged from these interviews that places the life cycle of a program in a central position, with many of the identified themes (working with local champions, obtaining support from multiple partners, increasing organizational capacity) repeated throughout, albeit in different forms at different stages. Reflecting upon wisdom gained and identifying best processes for such work may help ensure that tobacco control programs are developed that are culturally safe and effective in meeting the needs of diverse communities throughout the United States.Physician and dentist tobacco use counseling and adolescent smoking behavior : Results from the 2000 National Youth Tobacco Survey
AbstractShelley, D., Cantrell, J., Faulkner, D., Haviland, L., Healton, C., & Messeri, P. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
PediatricsVolume
115Issue
3Page(s)
719-725AbstractObjective. The present study describes patterns of tobacco use counseling among physicians and dentists as reported by adolescents and determines the association between provider advice to quit and cessation activities among current smokers. Methods. Data were analyzed from the 2000 National Youth Tobacco Survey, an anonymous, self-administered, school-based survey. The National Youth Tobacco Survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of 35 828 students in grades 6 to 12 in 324 schools. Results. Thirty-three percent of adolescents who visited a physician or a dentist in the past year reported that a physician counseled them about the dangers of tobacco use, and 20% reported that a dentist provided a similar message. Among students who smoked in the past year, 16.4% received advice to quit from a physician and 11.6% received advice to quit from a dentist. Physician or dentist advice to quit was correlated with 1 or more quit attempts in the past 12 months. Conclusion. On the basis of adolescent reports, physician and dentist practice patterns remain well below recommended guidelines. Results suggest that provider advice to quit is associated with cessation activity. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether the low prevalence of brief provider tobacco use counseling is a missed opportunity to affect adolescent smoking behavior.Pills and Alcohol Don't Mix
AbstractHealton, C. (n.d.). In New York Times Sunday Magazine.Publication year
1978Abstract~