NPO Project Briefs

What public health law approaches help prevent obesity?

This project considers children who are overweight, the most common health problem facing American childeren. States, and to a lesser extent, local governments,  have passed a variety of laws aimed at reducing youths’ exposure to high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and encouraging physical activity. What measures work?

Funding Date: Tue, 12/01/2009

Researching Institution: Harvard University

Researcher: Michelle Mello, J.D., Ph.D.

What role do police play in management of violence and health?

This project explores the nexus between criminal justice and public health. Criminal justice professionals are increasingly concerned with developing ‘evidence-based’ policy, and making sure that their efforts are targeted and effective. This is the case with the Philadelphia Police Department, which is seeking to build evidence around the contribution of foot-beat policing to reductions in urban violence, including that associated with gang and drug-related activity. This project uses a randomized controlled design to asses the impact of the foot-beat enforcement strategy.

Researching Institution: Temple University

Researcher: Jerry Ratcliffe, Ph.D.