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

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 adolescent years : An academic-community partnership in Harlem comes of age.

Healton, C., Northridge, M. E., Vallone, D., Merzel, C., Greene, D., Shepard, P., Cohall, A. T., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of public health management and practice : JPHMP

Volume

6

Issue

1

Page(s)

53-60

10.1097/00124784-200006010-00009

Abstract

Abstract

Much has been written about the potential benefits in health promotion that are possible through partnerships between academic institutions and community-based organizations, but little practical advice has been provided on how to sustain these relationships when the original grant funds have been exhausted. Here we document our experiences in Harlem, New York City, a community with grave social, structural, and physical environmental inequities, and describe the successes and failings of a partnership now in its "adolescence" between researchers at the Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health of Columbia University and community activists at West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT).

The Destructive Three Martini Lunch

Healton, C. (n.d.). In New York Times.

Publication year

1978

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.

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 Opioid Crisis, Corporate Responsibility, and Lessons from the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement

Healton, C., Pack, R., & Galea, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2019

Journal title

JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association

Volume

322

Issue

21

Page(s)

2071-2072

10.1001/jama.2019.17144

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 Role of Product Testing in Selecting a Computerized Billing System

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

1981

Volume

II

Page(s)

557 - 1015

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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The shape of our river

Healton, C., & Healton, C. G. (n.d.).

Publication year

1999

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

16

Issue

3 SUPPL.

Page(s)

1-4

Abstract

Abstract

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The Strategic Dialogue on Tobacco Harm Reduction: a vision and blueprint for action in the US

Zeller, M., Hatsukami, D., Healton, C., Backinger, C., Benowitz, N., Biener, L., Burns, D., Clark, P., Djordjevic, M., Eissenberg, T., Govino, G., Hecht, S., Henningfield, J., Husten, C., Kobus, K., Leischow, S., Levy, D., Marcus, S., Meyers, M., … Warner, K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

Tobacco Control

Volume

18

Issue

4

Page(s)

324-332

10.1136/tc.2008.027318 ; http://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/cgi/doi/10.1136/tc.2008.027318

Abstract

Abstract

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The tobacco master settlement agreement - Strategic lessons for addressing public health problems

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2018

Journal title

New England Journal of Medicine

Volume

379

Issue

11

Page(s)

997-1000

10.1056/NEJMp1802633

Abstract

Abstract

The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between the tobacco industry and 46 state attorneys general (AGs), five U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C., remains the largest legal.

The Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium : a foundation-university partnership to reduce tobacco use.

Healton, C., & Curran, J. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Health promotion practice

Volume

12

Issue

6 Suppl 2

Page(s)

112S-3S

Abstract

Abstract

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The truth® Campaign: Using Countermarketing to Reduce Youth Smoking

Healey, B. J., Zimmerman, R. S., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Page(s)

195 - 215

Abstract

Abstract

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The US Cancer Moonshot initiative

Aelion, C. M., Airhihenbuwa, C. O., Alemagno, S., Amler, R. W., Arnett, D. K., Balas, A., Bertozzi, S., Blakely, C. H., Boerwinkle, E., Brandt-Rauf, P., Buekens, P. M., Chandler, G. T., Chang, R. W., Clark, J. E., Cleary, P. D., Curran, J. W., Curry, S. J., Roux, A. V., Dittus, R., … Ying, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2016

Journal title

The Lancet Oncology

Volume

17

Issue

5

Page(s)

e178-e180

10.1016/S1470-2045(16)30054-7

Abstract

Abstract

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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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To be ready for Ebola, hospitals need proper equipment, training and a plan

Healton, C., & Ogedegbe, O. (n.d.). In The Huffington Post.

Publication year

2015

Abstract

Abstract

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To the Editor Response to Gordon et al

Healton, C., & Bayer, R. (n.d.). In New England Journal of Medicine.

Publication year

1989

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco : An equal-opportunity killer?

Curry, L. E., Vallone, D. M., Cartwright, J., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Tobacco control

Volume

20

Issue

4

Page(s)

251-252

10.1136/tc.2011.044479

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco and NIH : More than addiction

Seffrin, J. R., Brown, N. A., Connor, C. D., Myers, M. L., Healton, C., & Richland, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2011

Journal title

Tobacco control

Volume

20

Issue

3

Page(s)

175-177

10.1136/tc.2011.043968

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco control : How are we doing?

Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2016

Journal title

American journal of public health

Volume

106

Issue

7

Page(s)

1164-1166

10.2105/AJPH.2016.303209

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco control since the 1964 Surgeon General's Report : Reflecting back and looking forward

Mulshine, J. L., & Healton, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2014

Journal title

ONCOLOGY (United States)

Volume

28

Issue

3

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco use among middle and high school students - United States, 1999

Healton, C., Healton, C., Messeri, P., Reynolds, J., Wolfe, C., Stokes, C., Ross, J., Flint, K., Robb, W., & Farrelly, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of the American Medical Association

Volume

283

Issue

9

Page(s)

1134-1136

10.1001/jama.283.9.1134

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco Use Among Middle and High School Students – United States, 2002

Allen, J., Vallone, D., Haviland, M. L., Healton, C., Davis, K., Farrelly, M., Husten, C., & Pechacek, T. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

Journal title

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Volume

52

Issue

45

Page(s)

1096 - 1098

Abstract

Abstract

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Tobacco use among middle and high school students--United States, 1999.

Healton, C., Healton, C., Messeri, P., Reynolds, J., Wolfe, C., Stokes, C., Ross, J., Flint, K., Robb, W., & Farrelly, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report

Volume

49

Issue

3

Page(s)

49-53

Abstract

Abstract

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