Micaela Mercado
Biography
Research Focus
Dr. Mercado's research examines systemic approaches that reduce health disparities and address social determinants of health among underserved populations.
About Dr. Micaela Mercado
Dr. Mercado worked as the Director of Research at Zone 126, in Astoria, Queens, where she led the organization’s implementation of a cross-system data initiative replicating the work promoted by the Harlem Children’s Zone, a transformative, collective impact model. In 2013, she joined New York University as a Research Associate in the area of translational research and implementation science. Dr. Mercado was appointed Assistant Commissioner at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, where she oversaw several city-wide initiatives that focused on reducing mental health disparities. Following her work at DOHMH, she joined Coordinated Behavioral Care, an independent practice association, leading research efforts to test innovative programming and approaches for improving clinical outcomes among underserved populations.
Education
Dr. Mercado received her M.S.W from Washington University in St. Louis, and graduated with her doctoral degree in Social Work from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Research Interests
Dr. Micaela Mercado examines the role structural stigma towards mental health perpetuates health disparities among underserved communities of color, specifically Latinx adults. Her work also involves using implementation science frameworks to examine the adoption or adaptation of - evidence-based practices, best practices, approaches, or strategies - that reduce health disparities and address social determinants of health.