MISSION
To promote health equity and amplify the voices of the most marginalized communities in Philadelphia and beyond through community-engaged interventions that translate research into action.

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. ​