Leila Barraza

Leila Barraza is an Assistant Professor in the Community, Environment & Policy Department at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, and a Professor of Practice in Law at Arizona Law. She also serves as Director of the Arizona Area Health Education Centers (AzAHEC) program and a Senior Consultant with the Network for Public Health Law – Western Region Office. Her work bridges public health, law, and policy to improve population health outcomes.

• Education:
• J.D. with a Certificate in Law, Science, and Technology, Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, Arizona State University (2008)
• Master of Public Health, Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona (2004)
• B.A., University of Southern California, Los Angeles (2001)

Her research focuses on the impact of laws and regulations on population health, particularly in rural and tribal healthcare systems. She has collaborated with the Center for Rural Health to support hospitals, clinics, and emergency medical services in securing funding and meeting regulatory requirements. Professor Barraza teaches LAW 608A: Public Health Law & Ethics during the summer term.

Her publications appear in leading journals such as JAMA, American Journal of Public Health, and Journal for Law, Medicine, and Ethics.

She leads the AzAHEC program, which enhances healthcare education and access across Arizona, and advises on public health law through her consultancy role.