The Science and Art of Health Promotion

The Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion was established in 2011 to study and combat America’s deadliest killer: Our lifestyles.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that smoking, lack of exercise, and diet are the three leading causes of death and disability in the United States (CDC 2012).

Since its founding, the Center has launched projects across campus and in the larger Syracuse community to combat these killers and to build models that communities around the globe can replicate.

To learn more about what the Center does and why, Newhouse doctoral student and journalist Greg Munno sat down with Center Director Dr. Tom Dennison for a question and answer session.

Munno’s first question: What is public health promotion?

Dennison: The World Health Organization defines Public Health as “all organized measures (whether public or private) to prevent disease, promote health, and prolong life among the population as a whole.” At the Lerner Center, we’re focused on the “promote” part of that equation. We conduct and encourage research and initiatives that focus on communicating best health practices to policy makers, organizations and, especially, individuals, whom we want to empower and encourage to make healthy choices.

Sid Lerner Wins Arents Award

In 2013, Sid Lerner won the George Arents Award, Syracuse University's highest alumni honor, presented annually to alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their chosen fields. Watch the video to find out why!