Lauren Dayton

Dr. Lauren Dayton is an Associate Research Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health focused on trauma and harm prevention interventions. She holds a PhD and MSPH from Johns Hopkins and conducts community-engaged research on substance use, mental health, and social justice.

Her research examines structural determinants of health disparities, particularly among marginalized youth and families affected by trauma. Current projects address overdose prevention, community-based harm reduction strategies, and mental health impacts of COVID-19.

Publications demonstrate methodological expertise in quantitative and qualitative approaches to understanding health behaviors during crises. Recent work examines racial disparities in overdose prevention services and measurement of pandemic-related anxiety.

Awards include recognition for Baltimore COVID-19 response leadership and Delta Omega honors. She collaborates with community organizations on interventions addressing substance use and violence prevention.