College of Health and Human Services Announces New Center for Healthy Communities

SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) recently announced the creation of the Center for Healthy Communities. 

The center benefits the local community through workforce development grants, professional continuing education opportunities, and partner engagement areas via community service grants and community-based learning.

“I am proud to announce this new resource and look forward to increasing CHHS faculty and staff collaborations to support our community,” said Dr. Kelly Fiala, CHHS dean.

The center will work with current CHHS initiatives, such as the School of Social Work’s Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care (BHIPP) Program and the School of Nursing’s Faculty Academy and Mentorship Initiative of Maryland, and help other areas launch similar programs. 

“The Center for Healthy Communities will not only connect SU with important resources, but will foster collaboration with our surrounding partners in public health,” said Teresa Simmons, the center’s director. 

Upcoming projects include assisting university and community partners with newly available COVID-19 resources and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants, among others. 

“Often, funding and other academic and professional resources are available, but unless you are familiar with grant writing and the process, it can be hard to secure them,” said Simmons. “Our goal is to have a centralized process so when opportunities arise that align with CHHS initiatives and our partners, we can all work together to position ourselves competitively among other applicants.” 

This fall, a committee of CHHS faculty and other health representatives will create a strategic plan for the center and other goals moving forward.

For more information email HealthyCommunities@salisbury.edu or visit the SU website.