Heath H. Hightower

Heath H. Hightower is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Saint Joseph, affiliated with the School of Interdisciplinary Health and Science. He holds a Ph.D. from Lesley University, an MSW from Boston University, and a B.A. from Seattle Pacific University. His research focuses on suicide prevention through a social justice lens, particularly addressing systemic barriers faced by Black communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and marginalized populations.

Education:

• Ph.D., Lesley University
• MSW, Boston University
• B.A., Seattle Pacific University

Research interests include reimagining mental health care through intersectional and anti-racist frameworks, clinician well-being during crises, and the ethical implications of suicide intervention models. His work often critiques systemic failures in healthcare and advocates for self-determined accompaniment approaches.

Publications highlight themes of racial justice in suicide prevention, queer/crip theory applications, and the dual pandemics' impact on Black female clinicians. While no awards are explicitly listed, his scholarship demonstrates significant contributions to critical social work practices.

Teaching and advising activities are central to his role at USJ, though specific grants or lab affiliations are not detailed in the provided text.