Multnomah County and OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Forge Groundbreaking Academic Partnership
Multnomah County, Ore. (June 25, 2025) — In a first-of-its-kind collaboration set to redefine public health education and practice in the region, Multnomah County today announced its formal affiliation as the first Academic Health Department with the Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University (OHSU-PSU) School of Public Health.
Academic Health Departments are formal partnerships between county health departments and academic institutions that strengthen the connection between education and practice in public health, similarly to teaching hospitals for doctors. By fostering collaboration, this new partnership ensures that future public health professionals are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and real world application to address the pressing public health needs of their communities.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing health equity and community well-being,” said OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Dean Paul Halverson. “It builds a powerful bridge between education and real-life experiences, offering students hands-on opportunities to engage in the ever changing landscape and challenges of public health while supporting the vital work of the Health Department.
“Together, we are fostering a stronger, more resilient public health system—one that reflects diversity, innovation, and creativity as we both strive to improve the quality of life for all.”