Social work scholar and researcher Mark Eddy (right) is the recipient of this year’s International Collaborative Prevention Award from the Society for Prevention Research. He is receiving the award along with his collaboratorCharles R. Martinez, clinical psychology professor and Center for Equity Promotion director at the University of Oregon.
Eddy is the research director for the School of Social Work-affiliated Partners for Our Children, which is dedicated to improving child welfare policies and practices in Washington state. This award is given annually to an individual or a team of researchers for their significant contribution to the field of prevention science in the area of international collaboration.
The two research scientists are being recognized for their cooperative work with GIZ, a German-based technical-assistance group, and professionals throughout Central America on the development of a youth violence prevention program called PREVENIR. Eddy and Martinez are responsible for the program’s school-based component called Miles de Manos, which is being implemented in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.
Eddy and Martinez have collaborated on prevention science research projects for almost two decades. In addition to this recent work, they have led a variety of projects, working with immigrants from Latin America to the Pacific Northwest, with a specific focus on the well-being children and families.
About the Society for Prevention Research—SPR is a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing scientific investigation on the etiology and prevention of social, physical and mental health and learning problems, and on the translation of that information to promote health and well being. SPR’s multi-disciplinary international membership includes scientists, practitioners, advocates, administrators and policy makers who value the conduct and dissemination of prevention science worldwide.