Hassenfeld Institute

A bill signed by Gov. Dan McKee to ban cell phones in schools will start in August 2026. Dr. Caroline Kistin from Brown University’s Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute has researched the topic of school cell phone bans. Kistin joined 12 News at 4 Friday to discuss what her research has shown and the legislation lawmakers approved last session.

To promote partnership between local community members, organizations and researchers at Brown, the School of Public Health has established new research awards, with inaugural funding for projects impacting Rhode Island’s children and older adults.

In celebration of Brown SPH’s 10th Anniversary, we’re featuring an alum on the 10th of each month who is advancing public health in Rhode Island.

The Global Consortium for Depression advocates for a systemic approach to preventing depression and suicidal behavior in teens and adolescents.

Elizabeth Burke Bryant, a champion for children’s health in Rhode Island and beyond, will be professor of the practice of health services, policy and practice.

The Elizabeth Burke Bryant Hero Award recognizes individuals who have had a profound influence on the well-being of children and families in Rhode Island.

The Hassenfeld Institute brings together Brown faculty across medicine and public health

From reading, to healthy eating, to athletics, children in Central Falls, Rhode Island are benefiting from collaborative community projects funded by the Hassenfeld Institute.

Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute webinar series helps guide parents and caregivers through the pandemic.

The Catalyst Grant Program supports work that builds outward from existing strengths to deepen and broaden the School’s research program around the four themes identified in the Strategic Plan: Mental Health, Resilience and Mindfulness; Environmental Health and Climate Change; Vulnerable Life Stages: Children and Older Adults; and Addiction. We are proud to fund the following projects:

It’s about making a difference in the lives of countless children around the world. It’s also about making a difference in the lives of those who live right here in Rhode Island.

Transforming the health of children and families by targeting autism, asthma, obesity, and other urgent health challenges.

Brown’s Swearer Center and the Hassenfeld Institute Forge a New Partnership.

Alan Hassenfeld’s $12.5 million gift launched the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute in 2015.

With a gift of $12.5 million from the family of retired Hasbro Chairman and CEO Alan Hassenfeld, Brown will establish the Hassenfeld Child Health Innovation Institute to accelerate progress on the urgent health needs of the smallest state’s smallest residents.