Elevate Lab Joins YSPH

The Elevate Policy Lab has joined the Yale School of Public Health’s Office of Public Health Practice, bringing expertise in addressing mental health as a strategy for improving the social and economic mobility of families living in poverty.

In its new home at YSPH, the lab will bring perspectives and expertise to public health practice in New Haven, particularly the recently launched Maternal and Child Health Promotion Track at YSPH for M.P.H. students. Elevate had previously been based at the Yale School of Medicine.

“Elevate’s mission is completely aligned with the goals of YSPH’s new track,” said Elevate Executive Director Hilary Hahn, Ed.M., M.P.H. “Our new home within the OPHP could not be a more perfect fit.”

Elevate will also work to expand the Mental Health Outreach for Mothers Partnership that was founded in 2011 in New Haven. MOMS is an evidence-based program that seeks to reduce depressive symptoms for overburdened and under-resourced mothers and female caregivers. The lab is expanding MOMS to new sites across the United States, with current partnerships in Vermont, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Additionally, Elevate is working to tackle health, economic and environmental challenges facing vulnerable populations to address the root causes of health disparities and improve outcomes. Working with Connecticut state Rep. Caroline Simmons, Elevate is seeking to advance this approach at the local, state and federal levels.

“Our team is thrilled to welcome Elevate to YSPH and excited to partner, specifically by sharing our experiences working with communities and community health workers to ensure equitable partnerships and crafting robust maternal and child health practice experiences for our students,” said Susan Nappi, M.P.H. ’01, OPHP’s executive director.

Estimated number of American adults experiencing mental illness: 46 Million.