Public Health Values & Beliefs Research Group
Illuminating the upstream drivers of attitudes and behavior, VBRG supports more effective, evidence aligned public health action — here in Oregon and across the country.
About the Public Health Values & Beliefs Research Group
The Public Health Values and Beliefs Research Group (VBRG) is an applied research resource dedicated to understanding how people and communities think about public health — and helping leaders use those insights to build a more trusted, equitable, and effective public health system. Here in Oregon, VBRG also serves as a statewide resource, while our methods and expertise support partners nationally.
Housed within the OHSU–PSU School of Public Health, VBRG provides credible, nonpartisan insight into the values and beliefs that shape public attitudes about public health, including the social determinants of health. VBRG also provides insight into the values, beliefs, and communication needs of public health professionals, whose perspectives significantly influence program implementation, workforce communication, and public engagement.
Why Public Health Values & Beliefs Research Matters
Across the country — including here in Oregon — public health agencies face low awareness of services, widespread misinformation, and growing mistrust of institutions. Many communities, especially rural residents and communities of color, feel disconnected from public health planning and decision making.
The Values & Beliefs Research Group was created to address these gaps by providing credible, ongoing insight into public attitudes and helping leaders communicate in ways that resonate with diverse communities and public health audiences.
Public Health from Oregon Communities
Illustrating the kinds of perspectives VBRG uncovers through its research.
“There’s no place for people to go and cool down on a hot day.”
“Accessible, affordable exercise facilities, classes, and gym memberships would help me stay healthy.”
“More funding for housing and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.”
“Abuse of opioids and synthetic drugs has caused concerns about public health and safety.”
“Mental health infrastructure is the issue of our generation.”
“Our health systems are constantly treating people for issues that originate with poor diet and environmental toxicity.”
“Food and housing are really important right now — without these things we can’t survive.”
“Doctors don’t stay long in smaller towns, so there are a lot of people left hanging with no help.”
“Our food is poison.”
“Better response time and more assets and resources. People are really suffering out here.”
Pubic Health Values & Beliefs Research Group Leadership, Faculty, and Staff of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
Adam Davis provides overall leadership for VBRG, including strategic planning, research oversight, partnership development, and public engagement. With more than four decades of values and beliefs research at the national, state, and local levels, he ensures that VBRG’s work remains rigorous, nonpartisan, and responsive to evolving public health needs. He also serves as VBRG’s primary ambassador, strengthening relationships with policymakers, community partners, and regional and national stakeholders.
Dr. Winett provides scientific leadership for VBRG’s research portfolio, ensuring methodological excellence and the translation of findings into actionable insights. Her work focuses on how advocates, practitioners, scientists, legislators, and the media communicate — and thus frame — public health and health policy issues. She is nationally recognized for her contributions to public health communication and for advancing research on narrative, framing, and media.
Dean Halverson is a nationally recognized leader in public health practice and governmental public health modernization. Before joining the OHSU–PSU School of Public Health, he served as the founding director and state health officer of the Arkansas Department of Health and previously as a Senior Health Advisor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). His career spans leadership roles in governmental public health, academia, and health system administration, giving him a broad perspective on public health transformation.
As Dean, he ensures strategic alignment between VBRG and the School’s priorities, supporting statewide public health needs, long term sustainability, and visibility across Oregon’s and the nation’s public health and policy communities.
Expert Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee provides strategic guidance, helps shape research priorities, and ensures the Group remains grounded in the lived experiences of the communities we serve, including those in Oregon.
A Vision for a Healthier Oregon
The Values & Beliefs Research Group represents a forward looking investment in Oregon’s health. By aligning public health efforts with the values and priorities of the people of Oregon, the Group supports:
- More effective public health programs
- Stronger community relationships
- Increased trust in institutions
- Improved health outcomes statewide
Oregon’s public health system is strongest when it reflects the voices of the people it serves.
What’s Impacting Health in Oregon
Housing Instability
Oregon governor signs housing bills addressing affordability, urban growth boundaries – Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon’s Housing Crisis Burdens Nearly Half of the State’s Renters – Willamette Week
Food Insecurity
Access to Clean Water
EPA lifts emergency order, confirms safety of Warm Springs drinking water – The Madras Pioneer
Transportation Access
Sisters Transportation and Ride Share Create Free Rides For Elderly In Need Central Oregon – Central Oregon Daily
Behavioral/Mental Health
Oregon’s mental health workforce shortage is fueled by red tape; new bill aims to fix it – The Oregonian / OregonLive
Child Care Access
Environmental health
Klamath among counties seeking drought declaration from Gov. Tina Kotek – Herald and News Klamath Falls
Preserving pollinators is good for health — and income – OPB Statewide
Substance Use and Addiction
Economic Stability
Violence/Safety/Guns
Maternal & Prenatal Health
Access to Health Care
Oregon gets $200M to improve rural health care access – KEZI 9 Eugene
Digital Access/Broadband
Oregon should move forward with expanded telehealth – Rogue Valley Times
Neighborhood & Built Environment
How your neighborhood affects your health – ASU News
Be Part of Oregon’s Public Health Voice
Support the Oregon Public Health Values & Beliefs Research Group by subscribing to our annual survey and helping amplify what Oregonians value about public health. Your participation and donations sustain independent research that informs policy and practice statewide.
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