MISSION
To work in partnership with community stakeholders to create and evaluate health-improving interventions that reduce drug-related harm, eliminate infectious disease, and advance health equity.

As part of our mission, we work hard to disseminate educational materials and study findings to community organizations serving our priority populations.

VISION
​Our vision is to promote health equity and amplify the voices of the most marginalized communities in Philadelphia through community-engaged interventions that translate academic research into action.
In our work, this is done through:
  • Training public health students to meet community members where they are at, outside of the classroom.
  • Respecting the right to self-determination of drug users, sex workers, and other stigmatized populations.
  • Promoting harm-reducing behaviors, empowerment, and agency.
  • Working to dismantle the root causes of health disparities, such as systems of oppression and fear-based systems of thought and action.  
  • Engaging in research that treats vulnerable members of society with dignity and without stigma or judgment.
  • Disseminating research findings to community members, stakeholders, and those who have the power to implement evidence-based policies, programs, and practices.

VALUES
  • Inclusion of diverse experiences and perspectives
  • Adherence to tenets of harm reduction philosophy
  • Sustained community engagement
  • Acknowledging academic privilege and embracing community knowledge 
  • Utilizing research to promote social justice
  • Team work

Are you a professional or student who aligns with these values? Check out our career opportunities - we'd love you to be a part of our team. We welcome candidates who have lived experience. ​