Browne

Mario C. Browne, MPH, CHES

Project Director / Community Health Coordinator
Center for Minority Health
University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public Health

How would you describe public health?

Public health strives to prevent disease and disability and to keep people healthy and safe.

What is the Center for Minority Health?

The Center for Minority Health is housed in the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and it seeks to understand the issues of disparities in ethnic minority communities. For instance, we try to find out why minorities are more likely than non-minorities to die from diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. We then try to promote solutions by using the existing networks and resources within the community to close the gaps.

What you do as a public health professional at the Center for Minority Health?

I am basically a “gap stander.” I stand in the gap between the research world and the community. I attempt to translate research information into action that will help people live healthier, happier lives. I do this by community organizing, educating, acting as a liaison between groups, and implementing programs that will encourage people to make informed decisions about their health.

What can an everyday person do to promote public health?

Be Aware: The key is being educated about public health. When you read the paper, open it to the health section and read that as well.
Family Health: Start with promoting health and awareness within your own family.
Engage in civic life: Act on things that affect your health and your community’s health, and make public health an issue.