Heather M. Rice, PhD, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Heather M. Rice, PhD, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Assistant Professor, Clinician and Researcher
Cleveland State University College of Health (School of Nursing)
Heather M. Rice PhD, CPNP-PC, PMHS is a proud Cleveland native with a long-standing commitment to service. She is an Assistant Professor and Researcher from Cleveland State University College of Health (School of Nursing). She is also a board-certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner specializing in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Rice earned her PhD in nursing science from Case Western Reserve University (2017), her MSN from Case Western Reserve University (2012), a BSN from Lakeview College of Nursing (2009) and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wittenberg University (2007). Dr. Rice's program of research focuses on neighborhood conditions, maternal health, toxic stress, and infant mortality in the African American community.
Dr. Rice has received several prestigious awards recognizing her commitment to the community some of which include: Greater Cleveland Nurses Association Faces of Care, Certificate of Excellence in Promoting Diversity, Inclusion & Equity, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Nurse Corps Program, YWCA Distinguished Young Woman Award, CWRU Legacy Fellow, CWRU Civic Engagement Scholar and Jonas Nurse Leaders Scholar by the American Association of Colleges of Nurses. She has been named a Top 25 under 35 Mover and Shaker in Cleveland, was featured in the Women's Empowerment Campaign "Could be Bitter, but I'm Better" and was a finalist for Nurse of the Year in Psychiatry by the March of Dimes. The Cincinnati Herald recognized her commitment and dedication to the community by naming her a 2018 “Werking Woman”. She was also named one of “Ohio’s Great Nurses” by the Ohio Nurses Foundation (ONF) and Ohio Nurses Association (ONA).
Dr. Rice is a passionate advocate for birth equity, women and children’s health, reproductive justice, trauma prevention and mental wellness. As a Principal Investigator, she is committed to addressing health disparities and is working in partnership with the community organizations Birthing Beautiful Communities (BBC), Pregnant with Possibilities Resource Center (PPRC) and Village of Healing Center (VOH). Dr. Rice is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.