"My research focuses on the service needs of new mothers of color and their children who are unable to access prenatal health care agencies. By assisting health care professionals in rendering culturally sensitive services, we can improve health outcomes for mothers of color and their children."
Education
- PhD, University at Albany (1996)
- MSSA, Case Western Reserve University (1985)
- BA, Sociology, Ithaca College (1983)
Professional/Research Interests
Health disparities; health access; health care outcomes
Biography
Robert H. Keefe joined the UB School of Social Work faculty as an associate professor in 2005 from Syracuse University. Passionate about public health social work, community health, and health and disability, Keefe possesses several years of post-MSW health and mental health care practice experience as a medical and psychiatric social worker in facilities in Ohio and New Hampshire and as a case manager/clinical care reviewer in New York. He is also a member of the American Public Health Association, Society for Social Work and Research, National Association of Social Workers and Council on Social Work Education.
In addition to teaching several courses centering on mental health, health and interventions, Keefe is also the faculty liaison and academic advisor for the MSW/MPH dual degree program. With his current project, “Postpartum Depression among New Mothers of Color,” funded by the Fahs-Beck Foundation of the New York Community Trust, Keefe endeavors to build comprehension of and improve health care delivery for mothers of color. His significant contributions to the field have earned him high honors; in addition to being selected as the Public Health Social Worker of the Year by the American Public Health Association in 2011, he was also named a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine in 2013.
Keefe received his PhD from the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare subsequent to earning an MSSA from Case Western Reserve University and a BA in sociology from Ithaca College.