New fund supports rapid public health response

Resources to swiftly address emerging needs of students, faculty and staff in an ever-changing public health environment are now available thanks to College of Public Health alumni support.

The Rapid Response Fund at the College of Public Health was made possible by Mike Smeltzer ’70, a retired public health professional who spent the majority of his career at Columbus Public Health.

“In light of federal funding reductions and policy restrictions for academic institutions and restrictive federal policies it is imperative that public health colleges and students have flexibility in pursuing their academic and research goals,” Smeltzer said.

Funds from the Rapid Response Fund, which started with a $100,000 gift from Smeltzer, will be distributed at the discretion of Dean Paula Song.

“This gift is a critical starting point to address an important need the college sees time and time again,” Song said. “We hope his generosity will inspire others in our community to join in to support our students and researchers in challenging times.”

If you are interested in joining this cause, please consider a gift today.