Welcome

Our team from UC Merced, UC Davis, and community partners is working to help improve public health decision making by offering training and support in applying health economics and behavioral economics to public health.

overview

The primary purpose of this project is to provide information that will help improve public health decision making. The project has involved developing training programs in:

In addition, we have developed more personalized training in Behavioral Economics or Health Economics that can assist public health agencies or departments who are interested in having us work with your team. 

Initial funding for the project is provided by the California Department of Public Health. Their Future of Public Health Three-Year Strategic Population Health Financing (referred to in prior iterations as Community Health Financing) and Investment Plan and Report is a strategic planning effort and report that includes how CDPH/Local Health Jurisdictions (LHJs) can adopt financing models to fund targeted prevention interventions especially for high risk and/or impoverished communities in California.

Upcoming Events

Training in behavioral Economics and health Economics

There are two separate courses – one in Behavioral Economics for Public Health and a second in Health Economics for Public Health. Each course has 4 modules that can be completed at your own pace. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will receive a certificate from the California Department of Public Health. For more information about Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

public health economics - Webinar Series

How to determine the Return on Investment from CalAim’s Enhanced Care Management (ECM)

We held our first webinar on Nov 1, 2024. The webinar focused on CalAiM, a multi year plan to improve California's Medi-Cal program by making it more equitable, coordinated, and person-centered. A key component is the Enhanced Care Management (ECM), a community-based care management for members with complex needs and Community Supports, an array of 14 services addressing needs like housing, meals, and personal care. The webinar provided an overview of CalAim, the aspects of the program that are related to health economics, the implications for health equity, and the potential role for public health agencies to participate in this endeavor. The speakers included Dr. Van Do Reynoso, the Chief Customer Experience Officer, Chief Health Equity Officer for CenCal HEALTH and the Blanca Zuniga, Associate Director, Care Management for CenCal HEALTH. Joining Dr. Do Reynoso and Ms. Zuniga were a group of health economists who are working in public health agencies from around the state.
Public Health Economics Webinar Series: Future events