Nestled amidst the vast landscapes of rural Montana, the Center for Population Health Research (CPHR) stands as a beacon of innovation in the realm of public health. Montana is one of the most rural states in the country, and rural populations suffer disproportionately from several adverse health outcomes and risk factors. The Center for Population Health Research (CPHR) fosters multidisciplinary research success to inform, develop and test strategies for improving health across the lifespan.

At its core, CPHR is a hub of collaboration, bringing together brilliant minds from diverse disciplines such as epidemiology, mathematical sciences, exposure science, health economics, and social and behavioral sciences. This interdisciplinary approach fosters a vibrant community of investigators, united by a shared mission to tackle the pressing health challenges facing rural populations.

The journey to recognition was one marked by dedication and perseverance. Officially approved at the March 8, 2019 Montana Board of Regents Meeting, CPHR's Level II Center status signaled a triumph in its tireless efforts to elevate public health research. Endorsed unanimously by the Academic, Research, and Student Affairs Committee, this milestone was the culmination of a year-long process, involving meticulous review by the Chief Academic Officers of the Montana University System and community colleges.

But CPHR's ambitions extend far beyond local recognition. With sights set on national impact, the Center has pursued prestigious designations, including an application to the National Institutes of Health for the establishment of a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence. This initiative aims to support emerging investigators as they delve into critical areas such as risk factors and intervention strategies, particularly focusing on improving the health of children in rural communities.

Fueling this ambitious agenda are CPHR's invaluable research support cores. The Data and Modeling Core provides researchers with access to cutting-edge resources, including sensitive electronic health records data and advanced biostatistical and geospatial modeling tools. Complementing this, the Intervention Support Core equips investigators with essential survey and qualitative methods support, ensuring that interventions are not only evidence-based but also tailored to the unique needs of rural stakeholders.

The Center for Population Health Research (CPHR) is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health Award Number P20GM130418.