Dare to Boost Health

Edith Parker

Edith Parker, M.P.H., Dr.P.H.


Appointment(s):

Professor and Head, Department of Community and Behavioral Health
Secondary Appointment, University of Iowa Public Policy Center
Director, Prevention Research Center for Rural Health

College(s): Public Health

In her 2016 UI College of Public Health Distinguished Faculty Lecture, Edith Parker pointed out that only 20 percent of health outcomes are due to clinical medical care. The other 70 percent are due to health behaviors and social factors. Under Parker’s leadership, researchers at the UI College of Public Health are applying evidence-based health behavior interventions in Ottumwa, Iowa  to improve overall community health including local physical activity leaders, walking groups, and Zumba classes. This community-university partnership was established in 2012 and is built around a Community-Based Participatory Research approach that engages Ottumwa residents in the design, implementation and evaluation of the program.

Banner location: not on display—Old Capitol Town Center, 201 S. Clinton St.