Diana R Silver

Vice Dean of Faculty Affairs

Professor of Public Health Policy and Management

Professional overview

Dr. Diana Silver's research explores the impact of variation in the implementation, adoption and repeal of state and local public health policies on health outcomes, particularly alcohol consumption, motor vehicle crashes, tobacco use, and food safety. Some of her other work has examined variation in access to publicly funded services such as clinics, after-school programs, parks and playgrounds. Her work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and several other funders.

Dr. Silver's work has been published in a variety of prominent journals, including the American Journal of Public Health, the American Journal of Health Promotion, Public Health, Tobacco Control, Journal of Safety Research, Social Science and Medicine, the American Journal of Evaluation, PLoS One, Journal of Community Health, Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health,  International Journal of Equity in Health, Globalization and Health, Youth and Society, Public Administration Review and Policy Studies Journal. She is an associate editor for the American Journal of Health Promotion, and serves on the New York City Department of Health’s Health Advisory Committee. She began her career focused on the developing policies and programs that could address the epidemics of AIDS, substance abuse and violence in New York City, in such settings as schools, workplaces, jails, and homeless shelters.

Dr. Silver teaches undergraduate and master’s level courses at the School of Global Health, and trains doctoral students. In 2015, Dr. Silver received NYU’s Distinguished Teaching Award, the university’s highest honor for teaching excellence.

Education

BA, History, Bates College, Lewiston, ME

MPH, Health Education, Hunter College, New York City, NY

PhD, Public Administration, New York University, New York City, NY

Honors and awards

Distinguished Teaching Award, New York University (2015)

Steinhardt Goddard Award (2011)

Annual Award for Outstanding Evaluation, American Evaluation Association (2010)

Public Affairs Resident Scholar, The Rockefeller Foundation (2007)

Areas of research and study

Access to Healthcare

Alcohol, Tobacco and Driving Policies

Food Safety Policies

Implementation and Impact of Public Health Regulations

Injury Prevention

New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Public Health Law

Public Health Policy

Publications

Publications

People versus place, tackling urban poverty : Guest blog for Media Matters

Silver, D. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

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People versus place, tackling urban poverty : Guest blog for Media Matters

Silver, D. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

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Understanding the political context of "new" policy issues : The use of the advocacy coalition framework in the case of expanded after-school programs

Brecher, C., Brazill, C., Weitzman, B. C., & Silver, D. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2010

Journal title

Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory

Volume

20

Issue

2

Page(s)

335-355

10.1093/jopart/mup008

Abstract

Abstract

This article uses the Advocacy Coalition Framework to identify the stakeholders and their coalitions in the arena of after-school policy, which drew much new attention beginning in the early 1990s in many American cities. Using evidence from case studies in five cities, we show how the framework can be extended beyond stakeholder analysis to include identification of core and secondary value conflicts and of opportunities for policy analysis to help strengthen coalitions and pressures for change. Coalitions in each of the cities differ over core values relating to the purposes of after-school programs (academics versus "fun"), but policy analysts can promote common goals by developing options to deal with the secondary conflicts over the relative importance of facilities versus program content, the modes of collaboration between public schools and community based organizations, and the incentives for public school teachers to engage in staffing after-school programs.

Finding the impact in a messy intervention : Using an integrated design to evaluate a comprehensive citywide health initiative

Weitzman, B. C., Mijanovich, T., Silver, D. R., & Brecher, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

American Journal of Evaluation

Volume

30

Issue

4

Page(s)

495-514

10.1177/1098214009347555

Abstract

Abstract

This article uses the evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) Urban Health Initiative (UHI), a 10-year effort to improve health and safety outcomes in distressed cities, to demonstrate the strength of an evaluation design that integrates theory of change and quasi-experimental approaches, including the use of comparison cities. This paper focuses on the later stages of implementation and, especially, our methods for estimating program impacts. While the theory of change was used to make preliminary identification of intended outcomes, we used the sites' plans and early implementation to refine this list and revisit our strategy for estimating impacts. Using our integrated design, differences between program and comparison cities are considered impacts only if they were predicted by program theory, local plans for action, and early implementation. We find small, measurable changes in areas of greatest programmatic effort. We discuss the importance of the integrated design in identifying impacts.

The pros and cons of comprehensive community Initiatives at the city level: The case of the urban health Initiative

Silver, D. R., & Weitzman, B. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2009

Journal title

The Foundation Review

Volume

1

Issue

1

Page(s)

85-95

Abstract

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If you build it, will they come? : Estimating unmet demand for after-school programs in america's distressed cities

Weitzman, B. C., Mijanovich, T., Silver, D. R., & Brazill, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2008

Journal title

Youth and Society

Volume

40

Issue

1

Page(s)

3-34

10.1177/0044118X08314262

Abstract

Abstract

Telephone-survey data were gathered from parents and youth in five of America's largest and most distressed cities to estimate unmet demand for after-school programs. Unmet demand was conceptualized as a function of low utilization and dissatisfaction with one's current arrangement; furthermore, the authors argue that dissatisfaction must stem from something that can be addressed through changes in policy or programs. Large numbers of parents of children who infrequently use after-school programs were found to indicate that they would increase utilization if there were improvements in the quality, access, or types of programming. However, large numbers of parents whose children do not participate or participate infrequently in after-school programs were also found to express satisfaction with their arrangement and indicated that they do not wish to change it. Expanding services with the assumption that children from these families will participate may be misguided.

Efforts to improve public policy and programs through data practice : Experiences in 15 distressed American cities

Weitzman, B. C., Silver, D. R., & Brazill, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2006

Journal title

Public Administration Review

Volume

66

Issue

3

Page(s)

386-399

10.1111/j.1540-6210.2006.00596.x

Abstract

Abstract

Philanthropies and government agencies interested in children's issues are encouraging localities to improve the process of collecting, linking, and sharing microdata and aggregated summary statistics. An implicit assumption of these efforts is that outcomes will improve as a result of the new approaches. However, there has been little systematic study of these efforts. In this article, we examine efforts to improve data practice in 15 distressed American cities. Interviews conducted in these cities revealed variation in the types of information collected, dissemination, and intended audiences. We identify significant challenges to these efforts, including adequate resources, turf battles, technical problems, access to information sources, inconsistent leadership, and absence of political will. We find that little is known about the impact of these initiatives on decision making. Assumptions that improved data practice will lead to improved policy making have not yet been realized in these cities.

Following the money : Using expenditure analysis as an evaluation tool

Brecher, C., Silver, D. R., Searcy, C., & Weitzman, B. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

American Journal of Evaluation

Volume

26

Issue

2

Page(s)

166-188

10.1177/1098214005275631

Abstract

Abstract

This article describes the nature and utility of fiscal analysis in evaluating complex community interventions. Using New York University's evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative as an example, the authors describe issues arising in defining and operationalizing constructs for fiscal analysis. The approach's utility is demonstrated in the use of interim findings to help redefine the program's goals for resource allocation, to modify its theory of change to include greater emphasis on state-level action, and to emphasize the importance of local public schools as resource centers and intervention targets. The fiscal analysis also provides new insights into the limitations of "preventive" versus "corrective" spending categories and helps make goals for such functional reallocation more realistic. The authors discuss limitations of fiscal analysis due to available data quality, the extent of cooperation needed from public officials to collect relevant data, and the level of expertise needed to interpret the data.

Integrating a comparison group design into a theory of change evalutation : The case of the urban health initiative

Weitzman, B. C., Silver, D. R., & Dillman, K. N. (n.d.). (E. Stern, Ed.).

Publication year

2005

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What does government spend on children? : Evidence from five cities

Brecher, C., Searcy, C., Silver, D. R., & Weitzman, B. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

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Facing the challenge of evaluating a complex, multi-site initiative

Silver, D. R., & Weitzman, B. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2003

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Integrating a comparison group design into a theory of change evaluation : The case of the urban health initiative

Weitzman, B. C., Silver, D. R., & Dillman, K. N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

American Journal of Evaluation

Volume

23

Issue

4

Page(s)

371-385

10.1016/S1098-2140(02)00236-9

Abstract

Abstract

This paper describes how we strengthened the theory of change approach to evaluating a complex social initiative by integrating it with a quasi-experimental, comparison group design. We also demonstrate the plausibility of selecting a credible comparison group through the use of cluster analysis, and describe our work in validating that analysis with additional measures. The integrated evaluation design relies on two points of comparison: (1) program theory to program experience; and (2) program cities to comparison cities. We describe how we are using this integrated design to evaluate the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative, an effort that aims to improve health and safety outcomes for children and youth in five distressed urban areas through a process of citywide, multi-sector planning and changed public and private systems. We also discuss how the use of two research frameworks and multiple methods can enrich our ability to test underlying assumptions and evaluate overall program effects. Using this integrated approach has provided evidence that the earliest phases of this initiative are unfolding as the theory would predict, and that the comparison cities are not undergoing a similar experience to those in UHI. Despite many remaining limitations, this integrated evaluation can provide greater confidence in assessing whether future changes in health and safety outcomes may have resulted from the Urban Health Initiative (UHI).

Setting an agenda for local action : The limits of expert opinion and community voice

Silver, D. R., Weitzman, B. C., & Brecher, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Policy Studies Journal

Volume

30

Issue

3

Page(s)

362-378

10.1111/j.1541-0072.2002.tb02152.x

Abstract

Abstract

Many social programs, funded by government or philanthropy, begin with efforts to improve local conditions with strategic planning. Mandated by funders, these processes aim to include the views of community residents and those with technical expertise. Program leaders are left to reconcile public and expert opinions in determining how to shape their programs. The experience of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative suggests that although consultation with experts and the public failed to reveal a clear assessment of the community's problems or their solutions, it did assist in engaging diverse groups. Despite this engagement, however, core leaders wielded substantial power in selecting the agenda.

Shooting rapids : A review of "Down the great unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1896 discovery and tragedy through the Grand Canyon" by Edward Dolnick

Silver, D. R. (n.d.). In New York Times Book Review.

Publication year

2002

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Health promotion in the city : A structured review of the literature on interventions to prevent heart disease, substance abuse, violence and HIV infection in US metropolitan areas, 1980-1995

Silver, D. R., Freudenberg, N., Silver, D., Carmona, J. M., Kass, D., Lancaster, B., & Speers, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

77

Issue

3

Page(s)

443-457

10.1007/BF02386753

Abstract

Abstract

To achieve its national public health goals, the US must improve the health of low-income urban populations. To contribute to this process, this study reviewed published reports of health promotion interventions designed to prevent heart disease, HIV infection, substance abuse, and violence in US cities. The study's objectives were to describe the target populations, settings, and program characteristics of these interventions and to assess the extent to which these programs followed accepted principles for health promotion. Investigators searched five computerized databases and references of selected articles for articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 1980 and 1995. Selected articles listed as a main goal primary prevention of one of four index conditions; were carried out within a US city; included sufficient information to characterize the intervention; and organized at least 25% of its activities within a community setting. In general, programs reached a diverse population of low-income city residents in a variety of settings, employed multiple strategies, and recognized at least some of the principles of effective health promotion. Most programs reported a systematic evaluation. However, many programs did not involve participants in planning, intervene to change underlying social causes, last more than a year, or tailor for the subpopulations they targeted, limiting their potential effectiveness. Few programs addressed the unique characteristics of urban communities.

Everyday heroes : A review of Something Better for My Children: The History and People of Head Start by Kay Mills

Silver, D. R. (n.d.). In New York Times Book Review.

Publication year

1998

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Letter : A way to cut out crime

Weitzman, B. C., & Silver, D. R. (n.d.). In New York Times.

Publication year

1997

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One method for assessing HIV/AIDS peer-education programs

Haignere, C. S., Freudenberg, N., Silver, D. R., Maslanka, H., & Kelley, J. T. (n.d.).

Publication year

1997

Journal title

Journal of Adolescent Health

Volume

21

Issue

2

Page(s)

76-79

10.1016/S1054-139X(97)00005-0

Abstract

Abstract

This study offers a new evaluation methodology for peer-education programs. Peer educators' knowledge, self-esteem, peer pressure, and the number of friends, neighbors, and relatives given HIV/AIDS information were compared before and after training using self-administered questionnaires. Significant changes were observed in knowledge, peer pressure, self-efficacy, numbers of people given condoms, number of formal and informal HIV/AIDS presentations, and numbers of HIV/AIDS discussions with friends and neighbors.

How black and Latino community organizations respond to the AIDS epidemic : a case study in one New York City neighborhood.

Silver, D. R., Freudenberg, N., Lee, J., & Silver, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

1989

Journal title

AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education

Volume

1

Issue

1

Page(s)

12-21

Abstract

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