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University of Arizona Health Sciences and Arizona Department of Health Services launch formal partnership to strengthen public health in Arizona

April 13, 2026
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Guided by leadership from the UA Zuckerman College of Public Health, the University of Arizona Health Sciences (UAHS) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a long-term partnership to advance education, research, workforce development, and public health practice across the state.

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Health Sciences (UAHS) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have finalized a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a long-term partnership to advance education, research, workforce development, and public health practice across the state.

Led by the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH), the agreement formalizes a collaborative framework that will support Arizona’s public health workforce, expand learning opportunities for students, and improve health outcomes for communities statewide.

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the systems that influence health and health equity across Arizona,” said Paloma Beamer, associate dean for community engagement in the Zuckerman College of Public Health, “By working together, ADHS and UA Health Sciences will expand the reach of evidence-based public health practice while training the next generation of health professionals.”

Under the new MOU, the two organizations will collaborate closely through a Coordinating Committee composed of leaders, faculty, staff, and students from both institutions. The committee will guide partnership activities, support workforce development initiatives, and foster communication to ensure programs remain responsive to emerging public health needs.

Key areas of collaboration include:

  • Public Health Workforce Development: 

    UAHS students—across disciplines such as public health, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, environmental health, mental health, and more—will have expanded opportunities for internships, practicums, and clinical placements within ADHS and its programs. ADHS staff may also serve as adjunct faculty or guest lecturers, strengthening professional training opportunities.

  • Research and Evaluation: 

    ADHS and UAHS will work together on research initiatives, grant applications, data analysis, and joint publications. Each project will follow established protocols and separate agreements, ensuring responsible data sharing and meaningful research that benefits Arizona communities.

  • Public Health Practice and Community Engagement: 

    The partnership creates new avenues for collaboration on community health initiatives, preparedness and response efforts, program evaluation, and technical assistance. UAHS and ADHS will jointly pursue opportunities to apply public health knowledge to real-world challenges throughout the state.

  • Information and Resource Sharing: 

    Both parties will identify and leverage shared resources—including facilities, data, and expertise—to enhance training, meetings, and public health activities across Arizona.

The MOU aligns with MEZCOPH’s long-standing commitment to community engagement and reinforces UAHS’s role as a statewide leader in health sciences education and research. It also strengthens ADHS’s capacity to cultivate a skilled workforce prepared to address Arizona’s most pressing public health issues.

“This collaboration enhances our ability to protect and improve the health of all Arizonans,” said Jennifer Barton, UA’s interim vice-provost for health programs, “By joining forces with Arizona Department of Health Services, we can better support the healthcare workforce, create new pathways for students, and extend the impact of public health programs statewide.”

The partnership is effective immediately, with planning for new initiatives already underway.