Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention & Wellness
advancing public health adaptation and disease prevention strategies through
Research, Education, & Collaboration
Located within the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University, 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, RGC has advanced this mission through policy analysis and advocacy, research, and community-driven initiatives that address health promotion and climate change mitigation.
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.
A Conversation with John Green: Advocacy for Global Health Equity
We had the honor of hosting award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author and advocate John Green for a powerful National Public Health Week conversation on global health and advocacy, presented in partnership with the Milken Institute SPH, GW Redstone Global Center and GW Public Health Student Association (PHSA).
Milken Institute SPH Installs Two Endowed Chairs
Dr. Timothy Holtz was formally installed as the Sumner M. Redstone Chair and Professor in the Department of Global Health alongside Professor Alison Barkoff on the evening of May 22, 2025.
Climate Change & Infectious Disease Threats Conference
Redstone Chair and Director, Dr. Timothy Holtz, attended the Climate Change & Infectious Disease Threats conference hosted by Keystone Symposia from June 23-26, 2025, at the Herrenhausen Palace in Hannover, Germany. The conference explored emerging research around how climate change is and will impact vector-, food-, and water-borne diseases and emerging zoonoses, from tropical to arctic regions around the globe.
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. 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. The findings and recommendations in the working paper reflect the consensus from a recent roundtable discussion at The George Washington University- Milken Institute School of Public Health co-hosted by the Redstone Global Center and CORE Group.
Our Current Focus
Climate change is a present and growing crisis, and its effects are not felt equally around the globe. Communities with reduced access to resources and diminished control over environmental and social conditions are often disproportionately impacted by climate-related health hazards and risks. Our new strategic plan focuses on rigorous research, accessible education, and meaningful, cross-sectoral collaboration to ensure that climate adaptation strategies are equitable, grounded in evidence and shaped by those most impacted.
Our Past 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.
Redstone Upcoming Events
DEPI Monthly Seminar
The Department of Epidemiology and the Redstone Global Center are excited to welcome Denis Nash, PhD, MPH, from CUNY to join this month’s DEPI seminar.
TOPIC: Estimating the Causal Effects of Extreme Weather Events and Other Large Scale Exposures on HIV Care Outcomes
📅 Friday, Oct 31
⏰ 12 pm – 1 pm ET
📍 5th Floor Conference Room
Lunch is on us, so sign up and let us know you're coming!
CBPHC in Times of Volatility and Change
The Redstone Global Center invites you to an APHA pre-conference workshop that we're co-hosting: CBPHC in Times of Volatility and Change
There’s still time to register and be part of the conversation:
📅 Saturday, Nov 1
⏰ 11 am – 5 pm ET
📍 Washington, DC | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 103B
This workshop is open to everyone! Register under Pre-Meeting Events and look out for 'CBPHC in Times of Volatility and Change'
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 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 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.
Read the Food Procurement Report
The District of Columbia spends millions per year on food procurement, feeding tens of thousands of children, seniors, and vulnerable residents each day. Redstone's new report examines current procurement policies and practices to identify barriers to implementing better food procurement in the District.
The Redstone Global Center 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.
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.