The Center for Public Health Practice and Research (CPHPR) works to improve the health status of rural and underserved communities by providing high-level technical assistance, education, public health research, and program/process evaluation services to public and rural health agencies, organizations, and various business models. In alignment with the College鈥檚 mission, the Center aims to be recognized as a leader in public health outreach, serving as a valuable resource to rural and underserved populations and the entities that serve them.
The CPHPR has served Georgia and the southeastern United States for over 25 years. Beginning in 2023, the Center expanded its service area to encompass the entire United States and its territories. Housed in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health , the Center is staffed by JPHCOPH faculty and collaborates with numerous colleges across Georgia Southern鈥檚 campuses.
The Center’s research is anchored by active community engagement at local, state, and national levels. In practice, the CPHPR fosters relationships between Georgia鈥檚 rural and public health systems and the faculty and staff of the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
A Leader in Transforming Health for Underserved Communities
At the Center for Public Health Practice and Research (CPHPR), we believe in the power of collective action to ignite positive change.
Beyond research, we are dedicated practice partners and change agents, committed to advancing health in rural and underserved communities with the tools and knowledge to improve public health and healthcare delivery and population health outcomes. Through active engagement, innovative research, education, and other services, we are building healthier futures for all.
Join us as we bridge the gap between knowledge and action, and become a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can promote health and improve health services and the quality of life for those living in rural and underserved communities locally, nationally and globally.
Research & Practice Briefs
Explore our research focused on improving healthcare in rural areas. Recent projects include an examination of performance improvement in rural hospitals, CEO turnover rates, the impact of the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit, and strategies for improving rural hospital profitability.
Services
The Center for Public Health Practice and Research offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to strengthen rural and public health infrastructure and improve community well-being. From in-depth assessments and operational consulting to data analysis and accreditation readiness, we provide tailored solutions to empower organizations and communities to thrive.
National Public Health Accreditation
(Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB))
- Readiness and Preparedness Consulting and Evaluation
- Strategic Planning Workshops
- Workforce Development: Needs Assessments and Plan Workshops
- Quality Improvement Plan Workshops
Assessment and Evaluations
- Health System Planning and Evaluations
- Community Health Needs Assessments
- Health Impact Assessments
- Service Line Assessments & Evaluations
- Workforce Assessments & Evaluations
- Evaluation modeling & design
Operations Planning
- Financial & Operational consulting for health care organizations
- Board & Foundation Development
- Event Planning and Facilitation
- Health Policy Design and Evaluation
- Fundraising Plan Design
- Training and Education
Customized for defined target audience - Business Plan and Program Plan development
- Data Gathering and Analysis
Relating to health, financial, service delivery, policy, health policy, etc.
About CPHPR
Initially established as the Office of Rural Health, the CPHPR has experienced considerable transition in more than a quarter-century of service to the state of Georgia and the southeast United States. To more effectively reach rural and underserved communities, the Center resides in the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health.
The Center for Public Health Practice and Research engages in efforts to improve the health status of rural and underserved communities through provision of high-level technical assistance, education, public health research, and program/process evaluation services to public and rural health agencies, organizations and other business models. Consistent with the College鈥檚 mission, the Center seeks to be recognized as a leader in the area of outreach to the public health practice community by serving as a valuable resource to rural and underserved populations in the Southeast.
The philosophy of the Center is active community engagement at local, state and national levels. The Center will facilitate relationships with Georgia鈥檚 rural and public health systems and the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health faculty and students.
Contact Us
Center for Public Health Practice & Research
糖心Vlog
Hendricks Hall, Office 1027
PO Box: 7989-1
Statesboro, GA 30460
Phone: 912-478-2581
Charles Owens, MSA, Center Director
cowens@georgiasouthern.edu
229-322-8290
Angie Peden, MPH, Center Associate Director
apeden@georgiasouthern.edu
912-478-2581
Bettye A. Apenteng, PhD, Center Deputy Director for Research
bapenteng@georgiasouthern.edu
912-478-2416