Newswise — With a $100,000 grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Dr. Rodney Lyn, assistant professor in Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, will study counties in the South that enjoy positive community health outcomes despite social and economic disadvantages that might typically be associated with negative health outcomes. The Foundation, the nation’s leading philanthropy on health and health care, has awarded Lyn, who is also interim associate dean for academic affairs, a 24-month grant through the New Connections program. Lyn is one of 10 grant recipients in the current cohort. The project aims to identify community-level factors that may contribute to these paradoxical outcomes reflected in the County Health Rankings, which annually ranks every county in every state in the nation and provides a snapshot of how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. New Connections is a national program designed to introduce new scholars to RWJF and expand the diversity of perspectives that inform the foundation’s programming. New Connections seeks talented early- to mid-career scholars who are historically underrepresented ethnic or racial minorities, first-generation college graduates, or individuals from low-income communities. Since 2005, New Connections has funded more than 100 researchers. “We are so excited to welcome Dr. Lyn into the eighth cohort of New Connections grantees,” said Catherine Malone, program associate at RWJF. “The program connects first time grantees to the Foundation, and the new perspectives they bring are essential to solving the critical, complex issues affecting our nation’s health.” “Dr. Lyn’s selection for this grant from more than 300 applicants is a testament to the high-quality research he is conducting and the potential it holds for advancing public health,” said Dr. Michael Eriksen, dean of the School of Public Health. “We are pleased to see him recognized through this support from RWJF.” “I am honored to have been selected by RWJF to receive this prestigious grant,” Lyn said. “This award provides me with an opportunity to carry out important research focused on illuminating contextual factors within communities that influence health outcomes, minority health and health disparities. I am hopeful that findings from this study will contribute to efforts focused on promoting health among vulnerable populations, particularly African-Americans. “This award will provide valuable mentoring, collaboration and support, and allow me to increase the impact of my work by connecting me to others working nationally on health disparities and public health. I look forward to working with the RWJF network of scholars, staff and policymakers over the next two years in building a national culture of health.” More information about New Connections is available at http://www.rwjf-newconnections.org. ### About the Georgia State University School of Public Health The School of Public Health at Georgia State University advances public health through education, research, and service—particularly in urban settings and for global populations. One of the largest accredited degree-granting programs in the Southeast, the school offers a PhD, MPH, joint JD/MPH with the Georgia State College of Law, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Health. With four divisions, five MPH concentrations, and three PhD specializations, the school is a destination of choice for international students—drawing approximately one in ten Fulbright scholars studying public health in the US. The school is home to three leading global public health journals and seven research centers and partnerships. The school’s renowned faculty focus on applied, evidence-based programs and research designed to make a difference in Atlanta and around the world. About the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation focuses on the pressing health and health care issues facing our country. As the nation’s largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to improving the health and health care of all Americans, RWJF works with a diverse group of organizations and individuals to identify solutions and achieve comprehensive, meaningful and timely change. For over 40 years, the Foundation has brought experience, commitment and a rigorous, balanced approach to the problems that affect the health and health care of those we serve. When it comes to helping Americans lead healthier lives and get the care they need, RWJF expects to make a difference in your lifetime.

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