Promoting the Public Good: Policy in the Public Square and the Church

There is a wide range of possible avenues for using policy-related research to improve the public good, and there is a need for new, vigorous involvement in such research that contributes to society as a whole: the majority as well as the marginalized, the academic as well as the general public, and the religious as well as the secular. This volume honors the policy-related research contributions of one individual who has dedicated his career to such research: Duane Calvin McBride, PhD. The policy-related studies presented in this volume were each submitted by individuals who were strongly influenced by Dr McBride as colleague, professor, and/or mentor, and focus on areas in which Dr McBride has made lasting policy-related contributions:1 public health service provision;2 organizational behavior and change;3 substance-use epidemiology;4 high-risk behaviors and marginalized populations; and5 policy evaluation.The research presented is intended not only to provide new and important insights into the social issues addressed, but also to challenge readers to consider how they themselves can become involved in policy-related research that aims to improve the health of their communities and the larger public."Dr McBride's mantra, 'If it is not in print, it does not exist', echoes in my mind with each chapter in this outstanding body of work. Inspiring excellence, the authors adeptly demonstrate Dr McBride's far-reaching influence from policy formation and evaluation to organizational change and addressing health risk behaviors. The volume is a must-read for scholars, research mentors, and anyone interested in how research changes lives for the better."René Drumm, PhD, MSW, Associate Dean, College of Health; Professor, School of Social Work, The University of Southern Mississippi"This book is a must-read for anyone interested in translating research into positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. From public health and behavioral change, to substance use or other high-risk behaviors among youth and vulnerable populations, this volume brings critical implications for policy change, advocacy, clinical practice, and ministry."Katia Reinert, PhD, Associate Director, Health Ministries, General Conference of Seventh-dayAdventists"This festschrift is important because of the deserved honor it brings to Dr Duane McBride and because of its valuable content. Dr McBride takes an uncompromising look at challenging church and social issues through the eyes of data. This book celebrates the integrity of his life work by doing what he has done: looking at evidence and speaking to important issues critical to our futures."Andrea Luxton, PhD, President, Andrews University