New fund supports CPH reproductive health research

A new donor-supported fund at the College of Public Health aims to advance reproductive health and equity research and invest in the next generation of research leaders shaping the field.

The Keller Fund for Reproductive Health and Equity was established with a $100,000 gift led by donors Lis Keller and Rich Kalish, with support from other family members and CPH community members. It was named in memory of Marty and Geraldine Keller, who were both deeply passionate about health care access.

“The College of Public Health is committed to advancing reproductive health and equity through research that informs policy, supports communities and health professionals, and prepares the next generation of scholars to continue this critical work,” said Dean Paula Song. “This fund, and the generosity of Dr. Keller’s family, will help ensure we continue to lead the field in this area.”

At a time when reproductive health research has been politicized, it is heartening to receive support to continue the work for decades to come, said Professor Alison Norris, co-leader of the Ohio Policy Evaluation Network (OPEN). OPEN explores how laws and policies impact access to abortion and contraception in Ohio and neighboring states.

Consistent funding empowers researchers to plan for the future, be responsive to new opportunities, try something innovative or explore foundational work that has not been funded by an external grant. Importantly, Norris said, it sends a message.

“An endowment says, this isn’t a sort of whim or an attention today, it’s saying we really put value in the importance of this in an ongoing way,” she said.

The new funding will be used in the coming year to support students who work with OPEN, Norris said.

As chair of the Ohio State’s Department of Preventive Medicine, Marty Keller was adamant that the university needed a college of public health — a vision he saw to fruition in 2007. His research focused on fighting the spread of infectious disease.

“He would one year be in Africa and the next year be in southeastern Ohio. It didn’t matter where in the world it was, access to health care was what he cared about,” Lis Keller said of her father Marty.

Geraldine Keller was a researcher focused on communications during medical emergencies and helped implement the first 911 emergency call system.

If you are interested in supporting reproductive health research at Ohio State, please consider a gift today.