Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Our Mission
The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, inclusive environment for our students, faculty, staff and other community members. We aim to continually improve as we pursue increased diversity and work to ensure equity and inclusion throughout all aspects of research, education and community relations.
In addition to departmental efforts, the Department supports Keck School of Medicine of USC and the University of Southern California at large in ongoing and new initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion, and meeting the needs of the USC community.
Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD
Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Ricky Bluthenthal, PhD
“We need to acknowledge that we’re all learning. I’m trying to get better every day and so is everyone else. The idea of calling each other in rather than calling each other out is a really productive paradigm to work from.“
Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Council
Established in 2020, the Race Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (REDI Council) in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences seeks to create and maintain a culture of learning and health promotion that empowers students, faculty, staff, and research participants of historically minoritized communities and uproots the manifestations of racism that appear in academia and health care.
Student programs
Summer programs and scholarships serve as pipelines for promising students interested in the population and public health sciences.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News
Staff Spotlight: Meet Yara Tapia, an Advocate for Efficient HIV Prevention Care Systems
Speaking to Yara Tapia, it is easy to hear her passion and extensive experience around sexual health advocacy. Tapia is a former HIV testing counsellor who advocates for equity in mental and sexual health. “I want to provide folks with the tools to understand HIV...
Department launches continuous learning initiative for antiracist curriculum change
The CLARCC Fellowship is currently seeking applications. All faculty and staff in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences who work with students, inside and outside the classroom, are encouraged to apply. To apply, please fill out this Google Form by...
The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences releases its first annual report
The Department of Population and Public Health Sciences has released its first annual report since being established as the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine at Keck School of Medicine of USC in 1977. The Department underwent its second name change in 2021...
