Cheryl Healton

Founding Dean of School of Global Public Health

Professor of Public Health Policy and Management

Professional overview

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.

Education

MPA, Health Policy and Planning, New York University, New York, NY

DrPH, Sociomedical Sciences (with distinction), Columbia University, New York, NY

Areas of research and study

Public Health Law

Public Health Policy

Tobacco Control

Publications

Publications

Planning Alcoholism Services - Survey of Eighty-eight New York State Out-Patient, Detoxification, Half-way House and Rehabilitation Facilities

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1977

Journal title

New York State Division of Alcoholism

Abstract

Abstract

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Predicting the future of the AIDS epidemic and its consequences for the health care system of New York City

Healton, C., Alderman, M. H., Drucker, E. E., Rosenfield, A., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1988

Journal title

Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine: Journal of Urban Health

Volume

64

Issue

2

Page(s)

175-183

Abstract

Abstract

The point of this exercise is not to predict precisely the exact number of AIDS cases that will occur in any particular year. Rather, it is our aim to utilize existing data to develop a plausible scenario of the demand that this epidemic may place on the health care system of New York City in the very near future. To ignore the possibilities inherent in the empirical evidence currently available is to court a societal calamity even greater than the one already perceived. Even now, in the early phase of this epidemic, when HIV infected people occupy only 4.5% of the City's total of hospital beds, a set of emerging distortions and difficulties already threaten the integrity of the City's hospital system. A similar pattern is occurring in other cities with equivalent case rates, e.g. Newark and San Francisco. Innovation, particularly in a system so large and well established as New York's metropolitan health care establishment, which can protect the existing system while still meeting the challenge of AIDS, will be difficult and time consuming at best. But time is short, the need is great and is likely to grow rapidly.

Preventing 3 Million Premature Deaths and Helping 5 Million Smokers Quit : A National Action Plan for Tobacco Cessation

Fiore, M. C., Croyle, R. T., Curry, S. J., Cutler, C. M., Davis, R. M., Gordon, C., Healton, C., Koh, H. K., Orleans, C. T., Richling, D., Satcher, D., Seffrin, J., Williams, C., Williams, L. N., Keller, P. A., & Baker, T. B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

94

Issue

2

Page(s)

205-210

10.2105/AJPH.94.2.205

Abstract

Abstract

In August 2002, the Subcommittee on Cessation of the Interagency Committee on Smoking and Health (ICSH) was charged with developing recommendations to substantially increase rates of tobacco cessation in the United States. The subcommittee's report, A National Action Plan for Tobacco Cessation, outlines 10 recommendations for reducing premature morbidity and mortality by helping millions of Americans stop using tobacco. The plan includes both evidence-based, population-wide strategies designed to promote cessation (e.g., a national quitline network) and a Smokers' Health Fund to finance the programs (through a $2 per pack excise tax increase). The subcommittee report was presented to the ICSH (February 11, 2003). which unanimously endorsed sending it to Secretary Thompson for his consideration. In this article, we summarize the national action plan.

Prohibiting menthol in tobacco products : A policy whose time has come

Healton, C., Beck, S. E., Cartwright, J., & Vallone, D. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

Addiction

Volume

105

Issue

SUPPL.1

Page(s)

5-7

10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03205.x

Abstract

Abstract

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Public attitudes regarding banning of cigarettes and regulation of nicotine

Connolly, G. N., Behm, I., Healton, C., & Alpert, H. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2012

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

102

Issue

4

Page(s)

e1-e2

10.2105/AJPH.2011.300583

Abstract

Abstract

Knowledge of current public opinion is important as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) applies the best scientific evidence available to tobacco product regulation. Based on a nationally representative survey of the US adult population, we report 43% support for banning of cigarettes, 65% for reducing nicotine, and 77% for reducing nicotine if such an action could cause fewer children to become addicted to cigarettes. The FDA should consider protecting children by removing all but nonaddictive cigarettes from the marketplace.

Public Health Reports : Foreword

Martin, K., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Public Health Reports

Volume

121

Issue

5

Page(s)

487-489

10.1177/003335490612100501

Abstract

Abstract

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Racial/Ethnic Diversity in Academic Public Health : 20-Year Update

Goodman, M. S., Plepys, C. M., Bather, J. R., Kelliher, R. M., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2020

Journal title

Public Health Reports

Volume

135

Issue

1

Page(s)

74-81

10.1177/0033354919887747

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: This study is a follow-up to an examination of the racial/ethnic composition of public health students (1996) and faculty (1997) at schools of public health that was conducted 20 years ago. We examined data on the race/ethnicity of students, graduates, and faculty among Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)–member institutions during 2016-2017 and how these data have changed in the past 20 years. Methods: We obtained data on the race/ethnicity of students (in 1996 and 2016), graduates (in 1996 and 2016), and faculty (in 1997 and 2017) at ASPPH-member institutions from the ASPPH Data Center. We tabulated frequencies, percentages, and 20-year percentage-point changes by race/ethnicity. We examined data for all current ASPPH-member institutions and for comparable subcohorts of 1996 and 1997 member institutions that are current ASPPH members. Results: In graduate student enrollment, the 20-year increase in each nonwhite racial/ethnic subgroup was ≤5 percentage points. Among tenured faculty, the 20-year increase was greatest among Asians (8 percentage points) but was

Recruiting Rare and Hard-to- reach Populations: A Sampling Strategy for Surveying NYC Residents Living with HIV/AIDS doi

Abramson, D., Messeri, P., Aidala, A. A., Healton, C., Jessop, D., & Jetter, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Journal title

Journal of the American Statistical Association

Abstract

Abstract

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Reducing carcinogen levels in cigarette smoke [4]

Gritz, E. R., Sarna, L., Dresler, C., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2007

Journal title

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention

Volume

16

Issue

10

Page(s)

2171

10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-07-2556

Abstract

Abstract

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Reversal of Misfortune : Viewing Tobacco as a Social Justice Issue

Healton, C., & Nelson, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

94

Issue

2

Page(s)

186-191

10.2105/AJPH.94.2.186

Abstract

Abstract

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Robbing Peter to Pay Paul with our Lives, Huffington

Healton, C., & El-Mohandes, A. (n.d.). In The Huffington Post.

Publication year

2015

Abstract

Abstract

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Safer sex strategies for women : The hierarchical model in methadone treatment clinics

Stein, Z., Saez, H., El-Sadr, W., Healton, C., Mannheimer, S., Messeri, P., Scimeca, M. M., Van Devanter, N. L., Zimmerman, R., & Betne, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

76

Issue

1

Page(s)

62-72

10.1007/BF02344462

Abstract

Abstract

Women clients of a methadone maintenance treatment clinic were targeted for an intervention aimed to reduce unsafe sex. The hierarchical model was the basis of the single intervention session, tested among 63 volunteers. This model requires the educator to discuss and demonstrate a full range of barriers that women might use for protection, ranking these in the order of their known efficacy. The model stresses that no one should go without protection. Two objections, both untested, have been voiced against the model. One is that, because of its complexity, women will have difficulty comprehending the message. The second is that, by demonstrating alternative strategies to the male condom, the educator is offering women a way out from persisting with the male condom, so that instead they will use an easier, but less effective, method of protection. The present research aimed at testing both objections in a high-risk and disadvantaged group of women. By comparing before and after performance on a knowledge test, it was established that, at least among these women, the complex message was well understood. By comparing baseline and follow-up reports of barriers used by sexually active women before and after intervention, a reduction in reports of unsafe sexual encounters was demonstrated. The reduction could be attributed directly to adoption of the female condom. Although some women who had used male condoms previously adopted the female condom, most of those who did so had not used the male condom previously. Since neither theoretical objection to the hierarchical model is sustained in this population, fresh weight is given to emphasizing choice of barriers, especially to women who are at high risk and relatively disempowered. As experience with the female condom grows and its unfamiliarity decreases, it would seem appropriate to encourage women who do not succeed with the male condom to try to use the female condom, over which they have more control.

Section I: Research Synthesis Report: Does Tobacco Marketing Influence Under-Age Use of Tobacco Products? Evidence from the Empirical Literature

Healton, C., Messeri, P., Schulz, A., & Gemson, D. H. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

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Selecting a Computerized Billing System

Healton, C., & Deutch, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

1979

Journal title

MGMA connexion / Medical group Management Association

Volume

26

Issue

4

Abstract

Abstract

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Smoking in the Movies

Healton, C. (n.d.). In Washington Post.

Publication year

2003

Abstract

Abstract

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Smoking, obesity, and their co-occurrence in the United States : Cross sectional analysis

Healton, C., Vallone, D., McCausland, K. L., Xiao, H., & Green, M. P. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

British Medical Journal

Volume

333

Issue

7557

Page(s)

25-26

10.1136/bmj.38840.608704.80

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of obesity, smoking, and both health risk factors together among adults in the United States. Design: Cross sectional analysis of a national health interview survey. Setting: United States. Participants: 29 305 adults (aged ≥ 18) in 2002. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of adults who are obese (body mass index ≥ 30), who smoke, and who are obese and smoke. Prevalence was stratified by age, sex, ethnic group, education, and income. Results: 23.5% of adults were obese, 22.7% smoked, and 4.7% smoked and were obese. Conclusions: Although the proportion of adults who smoke and are obese is relatively low, this subgroup is concentrated among lower socioeconomic groups.

Speaking truth(sm) to youth. How the American Legacy Foundation is helping teens reject tobacco.

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

North Carolina medical journal

Volume

63

Issue

3

Page(s)

162-164

Abstract

Abstract

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Stabilizing the HIV/AIDS workforce : Lessons from the New York City experience

Healton, C., Healton, C., Aidala, A., Haviland, L., Stein, G., Weinberg, G., Jessop, D., Messeri, P., & Jetter, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

12

Issue

4 SUPPL.

Page(s)

39-46

10.1016/s0749-3797(18)30257-5

Abstract

Abstract

The Ryan White Title I Personnel Needs Study described here is an evaluation of the human resource needs of HIV/AIDS service agencies in New York City. The research presented here was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Medical and Health Research Association and the New York City Department of Health and the Planning and Evaluation Committee of the New York City HIV Health and Human Services Planning Council. The assessment is divided into two components. The first component is a survey of 100 key informants from HIV/AIDS service agencies. The second component is a detailed staffing survey of 70 personnel directors of HIV/AIDS service agencies. HIV/AIDS service directors perceived staff recruitment as a more difficult process than staff retention, regardless of agency type. Vacancy rates at the surveyed agencies varied by professional category; they were especially high in the category of nurse practitioners (13%) and outreach/education workers (15%). Agencies stressed that incentives that would positively affect recruitment and retention should be tailored to address the concerns of varied health care and social service professionals. In addition, agencies were not routinely able to provide some incentives deemed effective such as higher salaries, housing subsidies, and smaller caseloads. To reduce recruitment and retention problems, agency informants recommended a variety of incentive programs including malpractice insurance for physicians, flexible hours for full-time employees (including case managers, nurses, physician's assistants), smaller caseloads, and a decrease in the proportion of staff time devoted to direct client contact. Overall health care trends including truncated federal budgets, state Medicaid cutbacks, and the rapid conversion to managed care all affect the quality of patient care and of the work setting for health care and social service providers serving persons with AIDS. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): AIDS, health personnel, employment supported, employee workload, staff attitude.

Summary Tables for Client Survey. The First Cases. : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report #4

Healton, C., Messeri, P., Aidala, A. A., & Abramson, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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Summary Tables for Client Survey: The First 100 Cases : Community health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #7

Messeri, P., Healton, C., Aidala, A. A., & Abramson, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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Survey of Personnel Needs of HIV/AIDS Agencies: Recruitment and Retention Difficulties and Personnel Incentive Programs : Community Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #2

Healton, C., Haviland, L., Weinberg, G., Messeri, P., & Aidala, A. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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Survey of Personnel Needs of HIV/AIDS Recruitment and Retention Difficulties and Personnel Incentive Programs : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report #2

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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Task Force Report on HIV/AIDS Education for Public Health

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1998

Abstract

Abstract

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Televised movie trailers : Undermining restrictions on advertising tobacco to youth

Healton, C., Watson-Stryker, E. S., Allen, J. A., Vallone, D. M., Messeri, P. A., Graham, P. R., Stewart, A. M., Dobbins, M. D., & Glantz, S. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine

Volume

160

Issue

9

Page(s)

885-888

10.1001/archpedi.160.9.885

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To determine the proportion of televised movie trailers that included images of tobacco use during 1 year and the extent of youth exposure to those trailers. Design: Content analysis combined with Nielsen data measuring media exposure. All movie trailers (N=216) shown on television from August 1, 2001, through July 31, 2002. Main Outcome Measures: Exposure among youth aged 12 to 17 years to televised movie trailers that included smoking imagery. Results: Of the movie trailers televised during the study period, 14.4% (31 trailers) included images of tobacco use. Tobacco use was shown in 24.0% of the 23 trailers for R-rated (restricted) movies and 7.5% of the 8 trailers for PG-13- and PG-rated (parental guidance) movies. Ninety-five percent of all youth aged 12 to 17 years in the United States saw at least 1 movie trailer depicting tobacco use on television during this 1 year, and 88.8% saw at least 1 of these trailers 3 or more times. Conclusions: Nearly all US youth aged 12 to 17 years were exposed to images of tobacco use on television in the context of a movie trailer during the study period. Given the relationship between youth exposure to tobacco use in movies and smoking initiation, the public health community should work to enact policy to reduce or eliminate the influence of tobacco use in televised movie trailers.

The Adolescent HIV Study: Needs, utilization and Barriers for Medical Care, Social Services and Prevention Education : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report #8

Healton, C., Aidala, A. A., Kennedy, G., Haviland, L., Weinberg, G., Larson, S., & Messeri, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

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