Dr. Jack Turman

Professor, Indiana University, United States

Jack Turman, Jr., Ph.D. is a professor in the Dept. of Pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine. He has dedicated his 30 years in academia to growing education, research and outreach programs that optimize maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. He is the founder and director of the Grassroots MCH Initiative for Indiana. This Initiative works to build the capacity of individuals and organizations to bring about systems change to improve MCH outcomes for traditionally marginalized communities. One major component of the Initiative is Mothers on the Rise (MOR). MOR works to improve the conditions of mothers experiencing incarceration while they are in prison and during and after their transition to community. The work of MOR is grounded in listening to women and understanding their needs, priorities, assets, and aspirations. From this base, MOR works to build the capacity of the mothers and their children, as well as the systems that care for them. This work has grown to other nations to help improve the conditions of mothers experiencing incarceration and their families. Dr. Turman’s work has been recognized by state governments, the US Department of State, and the American Public Health Association for its grassroots approach to improving the conditions of women and children marginalized, and the social systems that surround them.