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

Infrastructure Work Group Report

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

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

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Need for HIV Mental Health Services and Service Utilization in New York City. : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report 16

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

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

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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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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.

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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The Adolescent HIV Study: Needs, Utilization and Barriers for Medical Care, Social Services and Prevention Education : Community Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #8

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

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

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The impact of patient education about the effect of zidovudine on HIV perinatal transmission : Knowledge gain, attitudes, and behavioral intent among women with and at risk of HIV

Healton, C., Healton, C., Dumois, A., Taylor, S., Loewenstein, N., Burr, C., & Kaye, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

1996

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

12

Issue

4 SUPPL.

Page(s)

47-52

10.1016/s0749-3797(18)30258-7

Abstract

Abstract

The termination of the perinatal HIV transmission trial, ACTG 076, by the Data Safety and Monitoring Board in February 1994 because of the efficacy of zidovudine (ZDV) in substantially reducing maternal-infant HIV transmission has created a considerable need for efficacious patient education approaches and materials for women with and at risk of HIV infection. Complexities surrounding patients' decisions to use ZDV in accordance with the treatment arm protocol of this study must be communicated to women, especially the consequences for both themselves and their potential children. In March 1994, a public-private partnership was formed to develop and test the impact of patient education information on 076 and to explore cultural differences in decision-making surrounding ZDV use during pregnancy. Objectives were (1) to develop an efficacious patient informational booklet on the results of ACTG 076 and (2) to determine the differential attitudes and behavioral intentions of women toward taking AZT during pregnancy. A multidisciplinary group of providers and researchers developed the patient education booklet and field-tested it in five New York City area sites. Subjects were a multiethnic group of women of childbearing age who were predominantly HIV-positive or at risk of HIV infection (n = 120). This 076 education resulted in a substantial increase in intention to use ZDV to reduce perinatal transmission despite full disclosure of the unknowns (P < .001). There were differences in knowledge acquired between racial/ethnic groups, which must be viewed cautiously since the study did not assess socioeconomic status adequately. Attitudes toward ZDV (P < .05), trust in health care providers (P < .03), and opinions on whether testing should be voluntary (P < .02) also varied by race/ethnicity. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): perinatal transmission, AIDS education, pregnancy, HIV, ACTG 076.

The “Unconnected”: Service Needs of HIV-Positive Who are Outside or Marginal to the Service Delivery. : C.H.A.I.N. Techinical Report #9

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

Publication year

1996

Abstract

Abstract

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A Tri-County Survey of the Personnel Needs of HIV/AIDS Service Agencies : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report #5

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

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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A Tri-County Survey of the Personnel Needs of HIV/AIDS Service Agencies : Community Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #5

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

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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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

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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HIV Case Management Services in New York City: Quality and Outcomes : AIDS Information Network Technical Report #11

Healton, C., Kovacs, E., Burr, C., & Taylor, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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Housing & HIV/AIDS in New York City : Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #10

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

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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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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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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The Personnel Needs Study Part II: Delivering HIV/AIDS Care: The Professional Care Provider Speaks Out : Community Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #6

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

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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The Ryan White Title I Evaluation: The Personnel Needs of HIV/AIDS Care and Burnout : Community Health AIDS Information Network Technical Report #6

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

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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Training for HIV/AIDS Service. : C.H.A.I.N. Technical Report #3

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

Publication year

1995

Abstract

Abstract

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An HIV Counseling and Testing in New York State Family Planning and Prenatal Care Assistance Programs

Healton, C., Moon-Howard, J., Abramson, D., & Bayer, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Abstract

Abstract

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The effect of video interventions on improving knowledge and treatment compliance in the sexually transmitted disease clinic setting : Lesson for hiv health education

Healton, C., & Messeri, P. (n.d.).

Publication year

1993

Journal title

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Volume

20

Issue

2

Page(s)

70-76

10.1097/00007435-199303000-00003

Abstract

Abstract

Eight intervention studies investigating patient education and treatment adherence in the sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic setting are reviewed. Across the eight studies selected for analysis, meta-analytic procedures were applied to compare the impact of educational and prevention approaches. The effect of video was compared with that of other modes of health education on: 1) knowledge and attitudes about STDs and condoms and 2) treatment compliance, as measured by return for test of cure, drug compliance, premature resumption of sexual activity, and condom coupon redemption rates. The largest effects were those for video on knowledge and attitudes about STDs and condoms, followed by the effects of other non-video interventions on STD knowledge. Lower effects were found among video and non-video interventions targeting treatment compliance outcomes. These results are consistent with prior prevention studies that have demonstrated difficulty in achieving behavior change. Key words: sexually transmitted disease; treatment compliance; HIV, prevention of.

A New York State Community Services Programs: Past Accomplishments and Future Directions

Moon-Howard, J., Healton, C., Messeri, P., & Jefferson, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

1992

Abstract

Abstract

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Cuba's response to the HIV epidemic

Pérez-Stable, E. J., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1991

Journal title

American Journal of Public Health

Volume

81

Issue

5

Page(s)

563-7

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cuba's response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has been to conduct mass testing of the population to ascertain seroprevalence, to enforce mandatory relative quarantine of persons testing positive, and to implement educational interventions using media and school-based programs.METHODS: Interview with the Vice-Minister of Health and review of available data.RESULTS: Reports to date show a very low seroprevalence rate without evidence of a widespread epidemic. Sexual contact with foreign-born persons is the primary risk factor. Possible advantages of Cuba's policy include rapid reduction in the risk of HIV transmission by infected blood products, an opportunity for focused education and secondary prevention, and limitation of new infections. Possible disadvantages include the restriction of individual freedom in those who are not guilty of any illegal act, quarantine of persons with false positive HIV tests, and ongoing transmission because of the incomplete nature of the quarantine. The policy is expensive and may displace other public health priorities. The content of the media-based educational interventions has emphasized rational medical information in unimaginative formats with a limited focus on prevention.CONCLUSIONS: The issue of personal responsibility for behavioral change versus government imposed regulations is at the core of Cuba's HIV policy. The quarantine policy may paradoxically permit most Cubans to feel that they are personally invulnerable to the HIV epidemic.