Montclair announces Academic Health Department Partnership with MSU

Published on March 07, 2025

_{Mayor Baskerville delivers remarks at event announcing the partnership at Montclair State University
(Photo Credit: Ian Peters for Montclair State University)}

Montclair Township announces Academic Health Department Partnership with Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ, March 7, 2025 -- Montclair Township is proud to announce a new partnership between its Department of Health & Human Services and Montclair State University’s Department of Public Health. This collaboration, known as an Academic Health Department (AHD), establishes a formal affiliation between a government health department and an academic institution training public health professionals. This collaboration underscores a commitment to strengthening public health services in Montclair while advancing education and innovation within the field.

Montclair Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville said: “I’m thrilled to announce this partnership with Montclair State University, which demonstrates our shared commitment to building a public health system that is not only effective but also equitable and accessible to everyone in Montclair. This collaboration paves the way for meaningful cooperation between our respective institutions, allowing us to leverage our shared expertise to enhance the well-being of our residents. With over 40 years of experience in the medical field as a family doctor and pediatrician, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our township provides high-quality public health services.”

Amy S. Monaco, MPH, Health Officer and Director of Montclair Health & Human Services, said: “Academic Health Department partnerships have proven to be a successful framework that enhances the effectiveness of all organizations involved. Our Health & Human Services Department delivers a wide range of services to our community, and this collaboration will enable us to expand that reach beyond our current capacity. I’m excited to work with the faculty and students through this partnership to develop innovative, community-centered health solutions.”

MSU President Jonathan Koppell, said: “This partnership represents a significant step forward in advancing public health education and community health initiatives,” said Koppell. “By aligning the strengths of our faculty and students with the real-world challenges faced by the Township’s Health Department, we can foster a more resilient, well-equipped public health workforce.”

The partnership will foster collaboration in several key areas, including:

• Involving students in township initiatives to gain hands-on experience in implementing public health services.
• Joint research projects between the Township and MSU.
• Co-organized seminars and academic programs.
• The exchange of research and educational materials.

Click here to see the announcement from Montclair State University. 

_{President of Montclair State University, Jonathan Koppell
(Photo Credit: Ian Peters for Montclair State University)}

_{(Photo Credit: Ian Peters for Montclair State University)}