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About

Our Mission

The Implementation and Research Center for Healthy Communities (IRC) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy improves health and well-being through innovative health services research, robust curriculum development and evaluation, and application of implementation science principles to advance evidence-based practices in healthcare and community settings. We collaborate to identify public health priorities, implement community-centered solutions, and address structural barriers to drive sustainable, measurable change. Our work spans a broad range of community health challenges, ensuring that strategies are responsive, replicable, and practical. 

 

Our Vision

We envision resilient communities where individuals achieve health, well-being, recovery, and choice through meaningful collaboration between impacted populations, local citizens, community organizations, government agencies, and healthcare institutions. 

Our Values

1. Community Engagement

We collaborate as equal partners to co-create responsive, sustainable public health solutions that reflect lived experiences, local priorities, and community strengths.





 

2. Access and Representation

We advance access to services and resources by ensuring the voices and needs of all community members are heard, respected, and represented in our work.





 

3. Trust and Transparency

We build authentic, long-term relationships grounded in transparency, humility, and mutual respect. We hold ourselves accountable to the communities we serve and to the standards we set.



 

4. Capacity for Change

We equip individuals, organizations, and systems with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to build strength, adaptability, and resiliency to achieve sustainable progress in community health.



 

5. Scientific Rigor

We uphold the highest standards of scientific excellence and ethical conduct. Our work is data-driven, grounded in robust research methods, and informed by critical analysis to produce credible, replicable, and actionable evidence that drives effective community health practices.