Mary Jo Coast, RN, MPHN, Ph.D.

Mary Jo Coast’s passion and expertise is population health. She views social determinants of health as the cornerstone of public health and a healthy life. Mary Jo believes that nurses are well positioned and educated to make a critical and positive difference in the lives of others and in creating a healthy environment for all. She believes that health care is a human right and must be available to all and that culture, diversity, and cultural humility are also critical in providing sensitive, holistic, and effective care in partnership with communities and families. Mary Jo has worked with the homeless community to create a mutual understanding and empowerment to increase the level of health for this population. In addition, she has worked with many clinics and shelters to increase access to care coordinated with the Loretto Heights School of Nursing. She is grateful for having the privilege of serving on the board of the Denver city initiative called Project Homeless Connect (a project of Denver's Road Home) for 12 years to assist individuals and families to access health care and help bring RHCHP and Regis students a rewarding service experience. Her background includes women's care, labor and delivery, and public/community health and she has been a registered nurse for over 45 years and loved every minute of it.