March 2, 2022
Overview
The Institute of Public Health (IPH) was initiated by The American College of Greece in 2016, building on a collaboration that began in 2010 between the Harvard University School of Public Health and the Hellenic Cancer Society. Through a U.S.-modeled comprehensive strategy, the IPH has engaged thousands of people annually with important research, information and practical guidance about smoking cessation and other pressing public health issues.
Since its inception, the IPH at The American College of Greece has focused on combatting Greece’s high rate of smoking and related health costs through the SMOKEFREEGREECE Initiative targeting primarily youth. Funded by the George Behrakis Family Foundation, the initiative contributed to Greece leading the European Union in smoking reduction and lowered Greece’s projected 10-year healthcare costs by $1.3B. As this successful campaign winds down, ACG remains committed to continuing to address smoking cessation and to expanding the IPH’s work to address additional public health issues, such as childhood obesity and mental health.
ACG leadership is currently assessing how to best leverage the institution’s academic strengths, public-private partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities for Greece’s maximum public health benefit, including introducing new initiatives, projects and related academic and community outreach programs.
Mission
To contribute to reducing exposure to risk factors for infectious and non-communicable diseases and enhance the role of preventive medicine. A special focus on educational activities and campaigns tailored for the new generation will ultimately lead to improved public health quality.
Vision
To become the exemplar catalyst for public health innovation and advancement in Greece by bringing together education, preventive medical science and public policies.