Christina D. Bethell

Christina D. Bethell is a Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Medicine, with a primary appointment in the Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health. She is the founding Director of the Child and Adolescent Health Measurement Initiative (CAHMI) and the National Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health, federally supported initiatives advancing child and family health through data and policy innovation.

• PhD in Public Policy, University of Chicago (1996)
• MBA and MPH, University of California, Berkeley (1990)

Dr. Bethell's research focuses on child and adolescent health, positive health development, trauma-informed care, and health systems transformation. Her work emphasizes family-centered approaches, flourishing, and resilience as protective factors against adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). She integrates neuroscience, mindfulness, and population health to inform policy and practice, advocating for healing-centered, equitable health systems.

Her recent publications highlight trends in measuring child well-being, expanding definitions of children with special health care needs, and promoting relational health through primary care. These works span epidemiology, policy, and clinical practice, with a strong emphasis on data-driven systems change and equity.

• Richard D. Krugman Award, National Foundation to End Child Abuse and Neglect (2022)
• John MacQueen Award, Association of Maternal and Child Health (2017)
• National Outstanding Leadership Award, Coalition for Excellence in MCH Epidemiology (2012)
• Stull Award, UC Berkeley (1991)
• Irving B. Harris Public Policy Fellowship (1992–1996)

Dr. Bethell has led major federally funded projects, including the National Data Resource Center and the Maternal and Child Health Measurement Research Network. She mentors national efforts to engage families in quality improvement and has developed tools for patient-centered measurement and transformational partnerships in pediatric care. Her work supports workforce development and evidence-based advocacy for whole-person, whole-family health models.

She leads the CAHMI and is deeply involved in national initiatives promoting trauma-responsive policies, relationship-centered care, and integrated health systems. Her projects emphasize community engagement, data transparency, and innovation in well-child care and health equity.