Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention & Wellness
Advancing climate adaptation and disease prevention strategies through
Research, Education, & Collaboration
Located within the Milken Institute School of Public Health (GWSPH) at the George Washington University (GW), the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness (RGC) is dedicated to fostering healthier communities by addressing the critical intersections of chronic and infectious disease prevention, public health, and climate change with an emphasis on marginalized populations. Over the past decade, the RGC has advanced this mission through research, community-driven initiatives, policy analysis, and advocacy that address health promotion and climate change mitigation.
The RGC envisions a future where communities—especially those most at risk—do more than react and survive climate-related health hazards, they adapt and thrive.
The Redstone Global Center for Prevention & Wellness announces the 2026 Pilot Award recipients, recognizing exceptional proposals for projects in Brazil, Mali, Pakistan, and Washington, D.C.
OPINION article: U.S. climate change policy must include vector-borne disease prevention by Sarah Dumas, Katherine O'Brien, Maya Rao, and Timothy Holtz. Front. Public Health, 06 May 2026 | Sec. Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention | Volume 14 - 2026
Congratulations to the 2026 PhD graduates of the Milken Institute School of Public Health!
RGC‑affiliated students and postdoctoral researchers presented eight posters at the GWSPH Research Day on April 15, addressing critical issues in climate and health, food systems, infectious diseases, and community health.
A spring luncheon during National Public Health Week brought together PhD students supported by the Center to reconnect, share milestones, and celebrate progress across the cohort.
Our Focus
RESEARCH
Advance public health research on adaptation and disease prevention to lessen the impacts of climate-related hazards on health in at-risk communities, especially those facing displacement risks and health equity challenges, both locally and globally.
EDUCATION
Support the development of the next generation of leaders in climate adaptation and global health through education, scholarships, and information sharing.
COLLABORATION
Cultivate collaborations across academic, scientific, policy, and local communities to transform knowledge into innovative, evidence-based, and effective public health adaptation and prevention strategies for communities at risk of climate impacts on health and displacement.
Redstone Upcoming Events
Evidence and Advocacy to Address Extreme Heat in the U.S. and Hong Kong
with Drs. David Bishai and Sarah Dumas
October 7, 2026 | 9 am ET/6 am PT/9 pm HKT(UTC+8)
Research in Progress Event
The RGC invites you to its inaugural Research in Progress event showcasing innovative pilot projects advancing climate adaptation and disease prevention research. Attendees will hear from the Center’s 2025 and 2026 pilot grant awardees as they share preliminary findings and ongoing work addressing critical challenges such as water security, mental health impacts of climate disasters, nutrition security during extreme heat, climate-sensitive infectious diseases, and community-based adaptation strategies for extreme heat.
📅 Thursday October 22
⏱️ 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
📍GWSPH 7th Floor Case Study Room
Registration coming soon
New release: Research Partnership Framework
The RGC aims to work with communities to generate and deliver proven solutions that prevent disease and empower communities to adapt to a changing climate. The Research Partnership Framework was developed to communicate our community-engaged research approach, principles, and research cycle to our partnering communities and stakeholders.
Interested in a partnership?
Email us at redstonectr
gwu [dot] edu (redstonectr[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Explore Redstone Features
Forced displacement of large populations around the globe has triggered rising concern about the consequences for human health, according to a working paper published on September 25, 2025. The authors conclude that the health impacts of forced and environmentally induced displacement are a humanitarian priority, and the US must continue providing global health assistance to avert deaths and promote safety and security in the United States and abroad.
In the Driving Change White Paper, the RGC examines the direct harms of vehicle traffic on public health in the District of Columbia and how road pricing strategies can be utilized to help reduce chronic disease inequities, support a robust public transportation system, and advance the District's carbon neutrality goals
The RGC is proud to support the work of Redstone Fellow Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, Sc.D., M.P.A. and her research to help shift family drinking habits away from sugary drinks in the Washington metropolitan area.