The Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention & Wellness
advancing evidence-based policy at the intersection of
Health, Chronic Disease, & Climate Change
Located within the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University, the Redstone Center recognizes that chronic disease, health inequities, and climate change are all interconnected and share common drivers. To address these interlinked public health threats, the Redstone Center works within the University and with community partners to support research, share expertise, and advance evidence-based policy solutions.
Due to its location in the nation’s capital, the Redstone Center is uniquely positioned to influence local, national, and global policy, fostering innovation in the District of Columbia that can be replicated in other places.
Our Current Focus Areas
Sustainable food systems provide food and nutrition security while also limiting negative impacts on the environment. A sustainable food system that provides access to nutritious food for all is essential to ending chronic health disparities and addressing the food system's contributions to climate change.
Healthy communities are supported through design and investments in the built environment that improves physical and mental health by decreasing car dependence, promoting physical activity, improving air quality, increasing social connection, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change has a profound impact on human health, yet the healthcare sector accounts for 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. We focus on strategies to reduce the healthcare sector’s contributions to climate change and promote the connection between climate and health.
Redstone Feature
Food Procurement in the District of Columbia: A Weak Link in the Value Chain
The District of Columbia spends millions per year on food procurement, feeding tens of thousands of children, seniors, and vulnerable residents each day. While the District has recognized that this spending is an opportunity to use public tax dollars to advance equity, health, and sustainability, it has struggled to shift its purchasing behaviors to fully realize these goals. Redstone's new report examines current procurement policies and practices to identify barriers to implementing better food procurement in the District.
Opportunities to Work with Redstone
Milken Institute MPH Students
We offer opportunities for students to conduct projects in the community related to our work. Please contact us if you are interested in working on our climate and health priorities for your Practicum or Culminating Experience or to be connected to community partners.
Community Partners
We accept requests from community organizations seeking research support, policy analysis, and legislative development on topics consistent with our mission. We are particularly interested in supporting local work with the potential for national and global applications.
For General Inquiries & Press Requests
Explore other Redstone Features
The District of Columbia is ranked as having the #1 park system in the country. The Redstone Center's NPS Report found that park management by the National Park Service has resulted in great inequities in amenities, maintenance, and park access across the nation’s capital.
In the Driving Change White Paper, the Redstone Center 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 Glasgow Food and Climate Declaration recognizes that cities are leading the way to drive food system change through cross-cutting policy approaches. This policy brief details the many opportunities for the District to meet or exceed its ambitious climate goals.