The CWU Public Health Program operates a Community Response Lab focused on emerging research and best practices in response to the needs of rural communities in the Pacific Northwest region. For more information or to connect with our faculty, please contact:

Dr. Amie Wojtyna, PhD, MSBS, MPH - Community Response Lab Director

Current Projects:
Keys to Prevention: Reducing Community Spread of COVID-19 in Vulnerable Communities
PI: Dr. Tishra Beeson, DrPH, MPH & Dr. Casey Mace Firebaugh, PhD, MPH
Funding Partner: American Lung Association COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Research Award

Study Information and Consent Form - English
Información del Estudio de Investigación y Formulario de Consentimiento - Español

The purpose of this study is to examine both population-level and individual risk factors and prevention behaviors related to community transmission of COVID-19 disease in Yakima County, Washington. The study will conduct phone interviews with over 3,200 Yakima County residents to learn more about their knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with COVID-19 prevention behaviors as well as key environmental vulnerabilities like air quality events that may both constrain individuals' ability to practice these prevention behaviors and increase the risk of poor respiratory outcomes. The study aims to examine the intersection of key sociodemographic, environmental, and geographic factors to provide evidence for community risk mitigation strategies and policy action that will best support communities who face a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 disease.

Summer Rural Health Fellowship Program

The Summer Rural Health Fellowship Program is a competitive award for MPH students to be placed in-residence with a community health partner in a rural setting for a 10-week applied learning experience. Fellows may assist with rapid needs assessment, data analysis and visualization, health communications and outreach, language assistance and other critical needs as they emerge. Students are paid a stipend award and receive mentoring from faculty, peers, and site supervisors. For application information or to request a Summer Rural Health Fellow at your organization, please contact Tishra Beeson, DrPH, MPH | tishra.beeson@cwu.edu