Deanna Barath

Deanna Barath is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Public Health Program at Florida State University, where she also serves as the Director of Community Outreach and Accreditation Coordinator for the Council on Education for Public Health. She earned her PhD in Health Policy and Management from the University of Maryland in 2022. Prior to her academic role, she worked at the Florida Department of Health as Statewide Health Programs Administrator, where she developed the Florida Healthy Babies initiative to reduce infant mortality racial disparities.

Dr. Barath's educational background includes:

• PhD in Health Policy and Management from the University of Maryland (2022)
• Master of Public Health from Florida State University
• Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Florida State University

Her research focuses on building a culture of health through evidence-based community interventions that improve health equity for underserved populations. Key areas include cross-sector partnerships, care coordination, and payment models, with practical applications demonstrated in initiatives like Florida Healthy Babies which targeted infant mortality reduction through evidence-based practices.

Dr. Barath emphasizes integrating health programs across agencies and stakeholders to address complex challenges affecting children and vulnerable communities. Her work leverages community engagement and data-driven approaches to create sustainable improvements in population health outcomes, particularly in health equity contexts.

Her eight publications (2018-2021) reveal consistent focus on health disparities, mental health, and policy interventions. Key themes include telehealth adoption in rural/urban settings, preventable hospitalizations among vulnerable groups (Alzheimer's, depression), and local health departments' role in community health outcomes. Her work consistently uses state-level data to develop practical, evidence-based solutions for health inequities.

Dr. Barath has received significant recognition including:

• Dean’s Graduate Scholar, UMD School of Public Health (2022)
• Health Policy Research Scholar, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (2017-2021)
• Graduate Student Achievement Award, APHA Health Administration Section (2019)
• Outstanding Abstract, APHA Health Administration Section (2019)
• Diversity Scholars Network, AcademyHealth (2018)

As mentor in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Health Policy Research Scholars program, she guides emerging public health leaders. Her grant leadership includes the Florida Healthy Babies initiative and strategic guidance for community health assessment processes. She has extensive experience in PHAB accreditation and state-level health program integration.

Dr. Barath directs community outreach efforts and CEPH accreditation coordination at FSU. She collaborates with local health departments, state agencies, and community stakeholders to integrate health programs targeting children's health and health equity. Her cross-sector partnerships focus on translating research into practical community health improvements.