About the Prevention Research Center of Michigan

The Prevention Research Center of Michigan (PRC/MI), based at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, was established in 1998.  Its mission is to create and foster knowledge resulting in more effective public health programs and policies.  The Center conducts community-based prevention research to improve health and prevent disease, especially focused on populations with a disproportionate share of poor health outcomes.

Guiding Principles

The PRC/MI is based on strong and committed partnerships among community-based organizations, health departments, health advocacy groups, health service providers, and academic institutions.  These collaborations are guided by RESPECTFUL© research principles.

What We Do

Research

  • The PRC/MI collaborates on research with health departments, health service organizations, foundations and community-based organizations.
  • PRC/MI research focuses on adolescent health, maternal-child health, men's health, chronic disease prevention, social determinants of health, and violence prevention.
  • The PRC/MI has received approximately $30,000,000 in total research funding from federal, state and local sources.
  • PRC/MI research projects involve investigators from the schools of public health, social work, medicine, and nursing, as well as the departments of communications, psychology and the UM-Flint school of health professions and studies.

Training and Technical Assistance

  • The PRC/MI provides training and internships for post-doctoral scholars, doctoral students, master's students, and undergraduates. Many trainees go on to careers in public health practice and academic settings.
  • The PRC/MI provides training and technical assistance for state and community organizations in research methods and evaluation, and in applying public health science to policy and program development.
  • We help our partner organizations obtain direct funds to support their work by assisting them with grant proposals and evaluation plans.
Communication and Dissemination
  • PRC/MI faculty and staff author many peer-reviewed articles, books and book chapters. They give numerous presentations at professional conferences and meetings.  Notably, PRC/MI community partners are co-authors on many publications and presentations.
  • The Center produces technical reports for health departments, foundations and community organizations.
  • The PRC/MI engages and informs the public about the results of its research through print and electronic health communication materials, special events, and presentations to community organizations.