Jason Purnell

Jason Purnell is an Associate Professor at the Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, with a focus on socioeconomic and sociocultural factors influencing health behaviors and outcomes. He directs Health Equity Works, a community-engaged initiative translating research into collaborative action to address health disparities in St. Louis, emphasizing school health, economic opportunity, early childhood, neighborhoods, and housing.

• Education: PhD from Ohio State University.
• Affiliations: Faculty Affiliate at the Prevention Research Center and Center for Public Health Systems Science, Faculty Scholar at the Institute for Public Health, and Faculty Director for Thriving Communities at the Center for Social Development.

His research explores the intersection of social determinants and health equity, with a particular emphasis on policy implications and community-driven systems change. Recent work includes developing the Healthy Schools Toolkit and the report Segregation in St. Louis: Dismantling the Divide, which provides policy recommendations for inclusive housing.

Scientific contributions span housing policy, child development accounts, and racial disparities in health outcomes. His 15 most recent publications highlight trends in health equity, urban policy, education, and community engagement, with a focus on translating evidence into actionable strategies.

A licensed psychologist in Missouri, Purnell previously served as Director of Community Engagement at United Way of Greater St. Louis. He actively contributes to St. Louis through board roles at St. Louis University High School and the American Youth Foundation.