According to Roper, "The Institute was created to serve as a bridge between the highest-ranked publicly-funded school of public health in the country and the people the school was created to serve. Its goal is to improve the health of all North Carolinians by applying the latest public health knowledge to practice in a way that is responsive to the needs of the people."

The Institute's foundation cemented some already existing practice-oriented programs such as continuing education for those in local public health, occupational safety and health education and research, home visiting nursing, collaborations with the Area Health Education Centers, and Public Health Grand Rounds. In ten years it has grown to 20 programs, still North Carolina focused, but with more national and international partners and applications.

On this website and in our publications throughout 2009 we will highlight some of the events that shaped us, accomplishments that made a difference, people to remember, and our plans for the future.

The NC Institute for Public Health celebrates its 10th year.