APPOINTED

An eminent leader in public health and philanthropy, Dr. Kanem has devoted her career to improving the health and lives of women and children. Over a career spanning four decades, she has leveraged her expertise to advance the reproductive health of women and girls, and uphold the human rights and dignity of all.

RESEARCH

Making medication abortion (MAB) easier to access on college campuses is key to supporting students’ health, well-being, and reproductive autonomy. Many students—especially those from low-income families, immigrant backgrounds, and communities of color—face significant barriers to abortion care. To help close these gaps, researchers in the SRJ Hub, in partnership with youth advocates, state agencies, college stakeholders, and implementation experts, developed Expanding Medication Abortion on College Campuses, a practical guide to help advocates advance MAB access at colleges across the country.

EDITORIAL

In an editorial in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH), Associate Professor Spring Cooper and fellow university department chairs warn that sweeping federal grant terminations are jeopardizing core public health principles, undermining health equity, research, and academic freedom in social and behavioral sciences. The authors make recommendations for how departments and schools can stand up to the government’s attack on public health.

Beginning January 2026, students will be able to pursue a new MPH degree in Sexual and Reproductive Justice and Health at CUNY SPH. Inspired by the vision and work of the SRJ Hub, this first-of-its-kind program at a school of public health reflects our commitment to advancing equity and justice in public health. The degree will prepare future leaders to re-imagine sexual and reproductive health through a justice-centered, interdisciplinary lens. We couldn’t be prouder to see the SRJ Hub’s mission taking shape in the curriculum and can’t wait to welcome the first cohort of students into this exciting new chapter.

Why pursue an MPH in Sexual and Reproductive Justice and Health? CUNY SPH student Elizabeth Kane shares why a SRJH curriculum and degree are not just important—but essential. From addressing health inequities to advancing gender, sexual, and reproductive rights, hear how this program can empower future leaders to create meaningful change in communities that need it most. 

Next month, the #365toEndGBV campaign will launch its updated toolbox for activists to use during this year's Global #16DaysofActivism to end gender-based violence, taking place from November 25 - December 10.

The toolkit will have images from Colombian, Tunisian, and Zoque-Tsotsil artists, along with new messages on how bodily autonomy relates to Indigenous, environmental, digital, and gender diverse spaces and activism.

Visit the #365toEndGBV website to download the toolbox starting November 15.

CUNY SPH and the SRJ Hub are seeking an accomplished scholar and leader to serve as the inaugural Byllye Avery Professor of Sexual and Reproductive Justice. This endowed professorship honors the legacy of activist Byllye Avery and will advance research, teaching, and advocacy that center equity, community, and justice.

HPAM RESEARCH HEADLINE SERIES

Nov 6  |  12pm - 1pm  |  Virtual  |  RSVP

The CUNY SPH Department of Health Policy and Management invites you to the next HPAM Research Headline Series presentation featuring CUNY SPH Assistant Professor Dr. Karmen Williams.

Mobile health apps often collect sensitive user information, creating risks when data are misused or insecurely stored. This study evaluated four popular apps—two U.S.-based and two EU-based—using the THESIS tool, analyzing privacy policies and legal contexts. 

Registration is required for this event. If you have any questions, please contact alicia.smith@sph.cuny.edu.

NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MEDICINE

Nov 6  |  4pm - 5pm  |  Virtual  |  RSVP

The New York Academy of Medicine is proud to partner with The Women in Medicine Legacy Foundation to present the Alma Dea Morani Renaissance Woman Award to Joycelyn Elders, MD, a pioneering physician and advocate for public health and equity.

Dr. Elders was appointed in 1993 as the 15th Surgeon General of the United States, the first African American and only the second woman to hold that office, Dr. Elders brought unprecedented visibility to issues ranging from adolescent health and reproductive rights to substance use prevention and health education.

The event is free; advance registration is required.

SRJ VOICES

Everything is tied to reproductive justice - our education system, mental health access, immigration policy, criminal justice system. 

In our last #SRJvoices session, New York State Assemblymember and SRJ Hub champion Jessica González-Rojas sat down with Terry McGovern, Senior Associate Dean at #CUNYSPH, to discuss the state of reproductive justice in NY and shared how she advocates to uphold our rights and ensure justice.

View the full discussion here.