This research area has traditionally focused on the role that local health departments (LHDs) play in counties and cities. But in recent years, decreases in funding for LHDs in California as a whole, but the San Joaquin Valley in particular, have reduced their ability to fulfill their traditional role. The coming changes brought on by the Affordable Care Act promise further changes to the way that health care is delivered in the Valley. As a result, my research looks at the functioning of the health system and ways to improve access and quality of care while reducing the cost. Central to all my current research is a commitment to working community partners (Community Engaged Scholarship) and focusing on developing interventions to improve the health of the people in the SJV.

Sample publication (click for full list)

Brown P, Gonzalez M, Sandhu Dhaul R. Cost of Chronic Disease in California: Estimates at the county level. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. 2014. In press.