Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Neeraj Wadhwa (EMPH ’19) Publishes Research on Adolescent Fentanyl Harm Reduction

We are excited to highlight Executive Master of Public Health (EMPH) alumnus Neeraj Wadhwa, DrPH, MPH, MBA (EMPH Class of 2019), who recently published a scientific article in the prestigious journal Health Promotion Practice. His study, titled “Fentanyl Overdose Harm Reduction Intervention: A Pretest-Posttest Study Among High School Students in Southern California,” addresses the urgent public health crisis of adolescent opioid overdoses and explores practical, school-based interventions designed to protect young people in our local communities.

The published study offers a high-level evaluation of an innovative harm reduction educational program developed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Through targeted educational videos, the research evaluated how high school students responded to instruction on the dangers of fentanyl, recognizing the signs of an overdose, and utilizing life-saving harm reduction tools like naloxone and fentanyl testing strips. The study demonstrated that brief, accessible educational programming in high schools can effectively boost student knowledge, foster safer attitudes, and equip young people with critical skills to help prevent overdose deaths.

Dr. Wadhwa’s research reflects a deep, ongoing commitment to advancing public health education both locally and regionally. Since September 2019, he has served as a Health Educator at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, driving vital community health initiatives across the area. Expanding his impact within the field, Dr. Wadhwa is also the current President-elect of the Southern California Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), an organization that provides leadership, advocacy, and professional development to health education and health promotion professionals.

Building upon his 2019 EMPH degree, Dr. Wadhwa earned his Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Health Education from Loma Linda University in June 2025. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and a Bachelor of Business Administration from California State University, Fresno. By blending strategic leadership with rigorous health promotion science, Dr. Wadhwa continues to serve as an exemplary leader in public health. Please join us in celebrating Dr. Wadhwa on his impressive publication and his ongoing contributions to community health.

Read Dr. Wadhwa’s article here.