The mission of the Division of Prevention and Health Behavior is to promote good health and prevent diseases associated with unhealthy behaviors. It conducts research on health behaviors that contribute to major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes, and develops programs that encourage children and adults to make healthy lifestyle choices. Issues targeted for study and intervention include smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, obesity, and violence. The Division is also involved in initiatives for promoting healthy eating and physical activity and for improving the general health and well-being of people across the lifespan.

The Division of Prevention and Health Behavior encompasses The Institute for Prevention Research (IPR), which was established by the Medical Center in 1992 to study risk factors and to develop and test behavior-based strategies for health promotion and disease prevention, particularly in the area of substance abuse among adolescents. Learn more about the Institute for Prevention Research.

Contact information:

Gilbert J. Botvin, PhD, Division Chief
212-746-1270
gjbotvin@med.cornell.edu

M. Esther Romero, Assistant Research Coordinator
212-746-1275
meromero@med.cornell.edu

Mailing Address:
Weill Medical College - Department of Public Health
Division of Prevention and Health Behavior
411 East 69th Street, Room KB-203, Box 74
New York, NY 10021
(F) 212-746-8390