Health is a basic human right – affirming this is the vision of the Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health within the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Combining knowledge of the impact of law and global governance on public health at the local level with complex health systems analysis and implementation science, HDPFH prevents and addresses public health threats in low-income, unstable, and inequitable environments globally. The department strives to eliminate health disparities through scientific and service leadership and action, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights, forced migration, child and adolescent health, environmental justice, and complex health systems. Activities include expanding access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health services, to protecting and increasing avenues of care for those forced from their homes around the world, and ensuring health justice and improved health outcomes. Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health has a history of innovative and significant research and practice, and the power to inform policy for healthier communities around the world.