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Maryland Center for Health Equity

The Maryland Center for Health Equity (M-CHE) is committed to improving the health of residents in the state of Maryland and across the nation. Headquartered in the Office of the Dean at the University of Maryland School of Public Health, M-CHE is a TIER 3: Campus-­wide Research Initiative Program charged with providing support for the development of broad, multidisciplinary research initiatives that will position the university to innovate, implement and evaluate strategies for the elimination of racial and ethnic health disparities. 

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Barbershops and salons 
 participate in M-CHE's 
 Health Advocates In 
 Reach and Research 
 (HAIR) program.

Help Make Our Vision a Reality

Donations to the Maryland Center for Health Equity support the development of broad, multidisciplinary research initiatives to address racial and ethnic health disparities, including the Health Advocates In-Reach and Research (HAIR) campaign. 

Read the May 30, 2021 Washington Post story: Barbershop offers coronavirus shots, in addition to cuts and shaves. Some see it as a national model

 

 

UMD Today News

University of Maryland College Park seal on brick wall in snow

UMD Invests $5.25M to Sustain Essential Research, Support Early-Career Scholars

82 Projects Receive Research Resilience Initiatives Funding Through UMD, MPower
View Article UMD Invests $5.25M to Sustain Essential Research, Support Early-Career Scholars
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Students’ Mars Rover Makeover Looks to Make Finals in International Challenge

At 10th Anniversary, Reenergized UMD Loop Team Debuts New Tech in Device
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Testudo and people in UMD gear cheer while raising signs that read, "Give It Forward", "I support UMD!" and "#GivingDayUMD"

The Matchmakers of Giving Day

A Record $1.8M in Matching Gifts From Supporters Amplify Impact of Annual Philanthropic Marathon
View Article The Matchmakers of Giving Day

Connect with us

The Latest News from the Maryland Center for Health Equity

Close up shot showing an African American man's hands holding a cell phone.
ProChange, Maryland Center for Health Equity Awarded $1M CDC Contract to Reduce Health Disparities in Diabetes Prevention
View Article ProChange, Maryland Center for Health Equity Awarded $1M CDC Contract to Reduce Health Disparities in Diabetes Prevention
President Biden Delivers Remarks on the COVID-19 Response and the Vaccination Program
UMD Part of New National Initiative that Taps Barbers and Stylists to Help Address Vaccine Hesitancy
View Article UMD Part of New National Initiative that Taps Barbers and Stylists to Help Address Vaccine Hesitancy
CommuniVax logo
UMD Joins CommuniVax Rapid Research Coalition to Engage Communities in an Equitable COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign
View Article UMD Joins CommuniVax Rapid Research Coalition to Engage Communities in an Equitable COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

Contact Us!

Maryland Center for Health Equity
SPH Building, 4200 Valley Drive, Suite 3302
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742-2611

Phone: (301) 405-8859
Fax: (301) 405-2542

Directions and parking information about Directions and parking information

Featured Projects

Summer Intern Students visit Black Barber shop as part of the Health Advocates In-Reach and Research (HAIR)

The Health Advocates In-Reach and Research Campaign (HAIR)

The primary aim of HAIR is to create an infrastructure to engage barbershops and beauty salons in Prince George’s County as culturally relevant portals for health education and delivery of public health and medical services in the community.

A Black woman holding a COVID-19 air filter in front of a hair salon

Wellness Warriors

The HAIR Program has expanded to a national program through our Wellness Warriors. These shop owners are bringing health interventions to their local community to promote health.

The Cutting Edge: All things health and wellness COVID-19 and Beyond

The Cutting Edge

Are you looking for real talk on current issues with Black experts? Look no further than The Cutting Edge Podcast, All Things Health and Wellness: COVID-19 and Beyond, hosted by Mayor Omar Neal and Dr. Stephen B. Thomas.

The Barbershop Storybook Project

The Barbershop Storybook Project

The Barbershop Storybook Project series seeks to translate public health research into relatable storylines and champion principles of human-centered design

Black female nurse standing up and giving COVID vaccine in the arm of a young Black man who is seated and wearing construction worker clothing.

COVID-19 Vaccines- Webinar Series

The Center for Health Equity has held several informative and informal webinars to address questions and concerns about the COVID-19 vaccines with community members and medical and public health experts.

Mission of Mercy, dentist cleaning teeth at the University of Maryland

Mid-Maryland Mission of Mercy and Health Equity Festival: Free Adult Dental Clinic

MID-MD MOM is a free adult dental clinic with wraparound healthcare services, the next event will be held in 2022.

Maryland Statehouse Aerial photo

Health in All Policies Workgroup

Shots at the Shop: from Vaccine Hesitancy to Vaccine Confidence

Shots at the Shop

Shots at the Shop is a White House-backed effort from the University of Maryland’s Maryland Center for Health Equity, the Black Coalition Against COVID and the beauty and personal care brand SheaMoisture to recruit 1,000 Black-owned barbershop and hair salons nationwide to promote informed decision-making as a means to increase COVID-19 vaccinations.