Fort Hays State University has been awarded a $74,446 CIVIC Innovation Planning Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a project titled “Advancing Health Equity in Western Kansas Rural Communities Affected by Gender-Based Violence: A Survivor-Centered Advocacy Approach.” Starting in October 2024, this six-month research initiative will lay the groundwork for a one-year implementation grant designed to address service gaps in underrepresented communities.

The project team, including Ziwei Qi (Criminal Justice), Rachel Dolechek (Applied Business Studies), Naishuo Sun (Social Work), and Docking Institute experts, will collaborate with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services in Hays and Colby. They aim to expand partnerships with on-campus programs, educational institutions, and community health organizations to improve health equity for survivors of gender-based violence. The focus will be on overcoming systemic barriers and resource shortages, enhancing local support networks, and promoting trauma-informed care to aid healing and recovery.

“It’s important to note that in rural Western Kansas, there are many community members, organizations, and criminal legal sectors providing essential services to those in need,” Qi said. “Some of these services effectively address individuals’ immediate needs. However, we must also focus on long-term sustainable ways of supporting victims by addressing structural and systemic challenges.”

A public summary of this project has been published by the NSF and can be obtained by request by contacting Sara Kiesler at skiesler@nsf.gov.