Department of Behavioral, Social, & Health Education Sciences

“Access to mental health services for youth and families involved in the justice system is critically important. Up to 70% of justice-involved youth have a diagnosable mental health condition, yet fewer than 26% receive the care they need. Addressing this significant gap is at the core of my research mission, as it is essential for supporting the well being and success of young people." 

“In public health, there's an assumption that everybody who wants contraception can access contraception. But the reality is that any kind of social or structural determinant of health that influences people's ability to access abortion care is also going to affect their access to contraception. The demand for contraceptive care in the U.S. has always surpassed the supply. Those gaps shrank with the Affordable Care Act, but there are still people in the U.S. today who cannot access contraception or may not be able to access the method that they want.” 

“Atlanta is a place where there is a rich history of collective community action and response to some of the toughest and most devastating [health and social] circumstances—including to reproductive health, human rights, civil rights, and more. I have personally learned so much about how folks can continue to see the health and wellbeing they desire despite some of those restrictive policy circumstances. I think it’s a great place for students to understand how best we can navigate these types of circumstances and make an impact.”