LGBTQ+ HEALTH

Associate Professor Spring Cooper and colleagues examined the heightened risk of negative sexual health outcomes among LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness in a new study published in the journal Social Work in Public Health.

Understanding the sexual agency and risk behaviors of this population is key to developing interventions that support their autonomy and help prevent HIV/STIs, sexual violence, and unintended pregnancies.

ADOLESCENT HEALTH

Senior Associate Dean Terry McGovern serves as a Commissioner of the second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing. This initiative proposes an expanded conceptual framework for actions, defines an expanded set of indicators to ensure accountable action, and presents substantial original research that supports a wide range of specific cross-sectoral actions.

OP-ED

In a powerful piece for The Nation, Ira Memaj, current doctoral student at CUNY SPH, exposes the widespread human rights abuses faced by pregnant people in U.S. prisons. Through the story of Pamela Winn, Memaj highlights the physical and emotional toll of shackling, medical neglect, and solitary confinement, calling attention to the urgent need for systemic reform.

ADVOCACY IN ALBANY

The CUNY SPH Government Affairs Office has been hard at work making sure our school—and the impactful work of the SRJ Hub—is on the radar of elected officials at every level.

Since January, Danielle Greene, Executive Director of State and Local Public Health Initiatives, has made multiple trips to Albany to meet with Governor Kathy Hochul, executive chamber staff, and state legislators. She’s been a strong advocate for reproductive freedom, highlighting the intersectional approach of reproductive justice and showcasing the research and policy leadership coming out of CUNY SPH.

After months of meetings, emails, and follow-ups, we’re thrilled to share that the SRJ Hub has once again secured funding in New York State’s FY 2026 budget, officially enacted on May 8, 2025!

GBV ACTIVISM

In November last year, the SRJ Hub launched the newest iteration of the civil society-led Global 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Under the stewardship of the SRJ Hub, the campaign has transitioned into a year-round initiative, reflecting the 365-days-a-year efforts of feminist activists to shift norms, secure accountability, and transform power structures that oppress women, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Visit the campaign website and follow along on social media to learn more about bodily autonomy and download the activist toolkit. 

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INTERVIEW

How can a public health education grounded in sexual and reproductive justice shape your career? CUNY SPH doctoral student Silpa Srinivasalu shares how her SRJ coursework has deepened her perspective and informed her work in the field.