The Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota today announced the upcoming launch of the CIDRAP Information Hub (CIH), made possible by a sizable gift from the Bentson Foundation, to address recent public health information gaps created by restricted, reduced or redefined U.S. government programs.
Already a trusted source of public health information, the Bentson Foundation gift will exponentially accelerate and expand CIDRAP as a trusted platform where families, health professionals, organizations, and the public are able to stay informed of the latest infectious disease threats.
“The Information Hub will serve as an online, completely free-of-charge clearinghouse of reliable news, podcasts, commentaries, and authoritative updates on infectious diseases, outbreaks, vaccines, and other key public health information for the public, scientists and policymakers,” said Michael Osterholm, PhD, MPH, CIDRAP director, University of Minnesota Regents Professor and McKnight Presidential Endowed Chair in Public Health. “It will be like no other resource out there.”
“The Bentson Foundation has long supported the work of CIDRAP, believing that nonpartisan, research-based information regarding public health is a valuable asset to practitioners and the general public alike,” said Judi Dutcher, CEO of the Bentson Foundation. “We increased our financial support so people around the globe are guaranteed a reliable source of information that empowers them to make informed healthcare choices.”
CIH will provide visitors with reliable, scientifically based strategies for infectious diseases response, with a strong focus on advancing public health. Specifically, CIH will enhance and add substantial new content to CIDRAP’s deep well of information currently available on the CIDRAP website by including peer-reviewed updates, timely public health reports and analyses of relevant and reliable sources.
CIH will also expand CIDRAP’s outreach and social media presence across different platforms to increase visibility of public health topics for the public and the scientific community.
“We thank the Bentson Foundation for making this incredible effort possible. We look forward to leveraging the expertise of a range of public health experts to provide the world with a one-stop shop of infectious disease information and advice,” said Osterholm.
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About the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
Part of the University of Minnesota’s Research and Innovation Office, CIDRAP is a global leader in addressing public health preparedness and emerging infectious disease response. Founded in 2001, CIDRAP works to prevent illness and death from targeted infectious disease threats through research and the translation of scientific information into practical applications, policies and solutions.
About the Bentson Foundation
The Bentson Foundation is a 501(c)3 private family foundation founded in 1956. Areas of giving include higher education, public health and arts and humanities To learn more, visit https://bentsonfoundation.org
