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Home School of Public Health News & Events Launch of Research Collaboration on District Connectors Program

University of Memphis School of Public Health and Shelby County Community Services Launch Research Collaboration on District Connectors Program

April 1, 2025 – The University of Memphis School of Public Health (SPH) has initiated a new research collaboration with the Shelby County Community Services team to support and evaluate the Shelby County District Connectors (SCDC) Program. On April 1, 2025, Sandy Bromley, Director of Shelby County Community Services, and Arriell Gipson Martin, Senior Program Manager, met with key SPH leadership and staff to explore collaborative efforts. Representing the School of Public Health were Dr. Maryam Karimi, Director of Research; Dr. Ashish Joshi, Dean and Distinguished University Professor; Jamecia Richardson, Coordinator of Experiential Learning and Career Services; and Steve Shular, Community Outreach Representative.

The meeting focused on aligning academic research expertise with community-driven initiatives. SPH will play a pivotal role in developing a comprehensive survey tool and conducting research to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the SCDC Program. This partnership marks a significant step in advancing data-informed public services across Shelby County.

The SCDC Program is designed to bridge the gap between local government services and underserved communities by employing District Connectors—community liaisons who ensure residents are informed and connected to available resources.

Shelby County Community Services team members Sandy Bromley, Community Services Director, and Arriell Gipson Martin, Senior Program Manager, met with SPH faculty, Dr. Maryam Karimi, Director of Research and Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and Distinguished University Professor as well as staff members Jamecia Richardson, Coordinator, Experiential Learning and Career Services and Steve Shular, SPH Community Outreach Representative

Photo: Shelby County Community Services team members Sandy Bromley, Community Services Director, and Arriell Gipson Martin, Senior Program Manager, met with SPH faculty, Dr. Maryam Karimi, Director of Research and Dr. Ashish Joshi, SPH Dean and Distinguished University Professor as well as staff members Jamecia Richardson, Coordinator, Experiential Learning and Career Services and Steve Shular, SPH Community Outreach Representative