About the Research on Equity, Advocacy, and Communication in Health (REACH) Lab
The REACH Lab at Utah State University is a transdisciplinary research collective housed within the Department of Communication & Media. We are dedicated to advancing health equity and community well-being through innovative scholarship, advocacy, and strategic communication.
Our research explores how intersecting identities—such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status—shape health outcomes and access to care. We focus on dismantling systemic barriers rooted in stigma, policy, and health inequities, with the goal of translating research into meaningful change.
What We Do:
Conduct original research across disciplines such as communication studies, social work, sociology, public health, and education. Our work addresses topics related to stigma, substance use, family communication, environmental risks, and student belonging in higher education in a post DEI-landscape.
Develop tools and interventions to support families, educators, and health practitioners.
Publish peer-reviewed articles, research briefs, and policy-relevant insights to inform public discourse and institutional practices.
Engage with communities and stakeholders to co-create solutions that promote equity and resilience.
Our Commitment
We believe that research should be accessible, actionable, and inclusive. The REACH Lab centers voices from the margins and challenges systems that perpetuate inequity. Our publications reflect this mission, offering evidence-based insights for scholars, practitioners, and advocates alike.