Wellpoint and Kean University Unite to Tackle Black Maternal Health Disparities
UNION, N.J. â Wellpoint has established the Wellpoint Health Research Award Endowment at Kean University to support student research focused on Black maternal and infant health through the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research.
The award will empower Kean students to conduct research that expands knowledge and advocacy in a critical public health area while informing policy that affects communities within Keanâs footprint and beyond.
Dr. Patrick Fox, CEO of Wellpoint New Jersey, said the investment reflects the organizationâs commitment to improving health outcomes in urban communities through partnerships with institutions like Kean.
âAdvancing equitable healthcare requires collaboration and innovation,â Fox said. âThrough our partnership with Kean University, we are supporting student research that deepens understanding of maternal and infant health disparities and helps drive solutions that strengthen communities.â
The $50,000 endowment at the Kean University Foundation creates an annual award for a junior, senior or graduate student with a minimum 3.0 GPA majoring in biological sciences, statistical science, public health or sociology. Recipients will work with the Watson Institute team on project-based research that explores pressing public health challenges, including reproductive health and maternal and child health.
âWe are grateful for Wellpointâs investment in our students and in the important work taking place at the John S. Watson Institute,â said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D. âThis endowment will empower our students to pursue research that addresses health disparities, while advancing Keanâs mission of fostering meaningful public impact.â
The research supported by the award will contribute to the Watson Instituteâs ongoing work to analyze issues affecting urban communities and translate findings into policy insights. By engaging students directly in applied research, the initiative expands opportunities for experiential learning while helping address urgent public health challenges.
Dr. Michael James â98 of Wellpoint said the partnership highlights the growing reach of Keanâs academic and research initiatives. James serves on the Board of Directors at Wenzhou-Kean University, which is Keanâs campus in China.
âKean continues to expand its impact through innovative research and global collaboration,â James said. âSupporting students who are working on issues as important as maternal and infant health demonstrates how universities can help generate knowledge that benefits communities locally and far beyond campus.â
Joseph Youngblood II, Ph.D., chancellor for Kean Ocean and Kean Global, who oversees the Watson Institute, noted that the award will strengthen the instituteâs ability to involve students in research that informs public policy.
âThe Watson Institute plays a vital role in connecting research to real-world policy challenges,â Youngblood said. âThis award allows students to contribute directly to projects that examine health disparities and generate insights that can guide decision-makers and improve outcomes in communities.â
Wellpoint leaders visited Keanâs campus in early March to present the gift and celebrate the partnership.
ABOUT KEAN UNIVERSITY
Kean University, New Jerseyâs urban research university, is a national institution of higher education recognized for its diversity, innovation and the social mobility of its graduates. Designated an R2 research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, Kean ranks among the top eight percent of U.S. universities for research and doctorate production. Founded in 1855 as a teachers college, Kean has evolved into a thriving research university that supports students as they persist to graduation, give back to their communities and launch successful careers. Keanâs six colleges offer more than 50 undergraduate programs, seven doctoral degree programs and more than 70 options leading to masterâs degrees, professional diplomas or certifications, across a full range of academic subjects. With campuses in Union, Toms River and Manahawkin, New Jersey, and Wenzhou, China, as well as Kean Online, the University provides students of all backgrounds an affordable and accessible world-class education. Learn more at www.kean.edu.
ABOUT WELLPOINT
Wellpoint New Jersey is a Medicaid and Medicare Managed Care Organization (MCO) that has proudly served New Jerseyâs most vulnerable populations for 30 years. Our mission is to help people live healthier lives by addressing both medical needs and the social drivers of health that affect overall well-being. By partnering with local organizations, we aim to build stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities across the state. To learn more, visit www.choosewellpoint.com/nj
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