8/21/24

By University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Fort Hays State University has been awarded a $74,446 CIVIC Innovation Planning Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, titled “Advancing Health Equity in Western Kansas Rural Communities Affected by Gender-Based Violence: A Survivor-Centered Advocacy Approach,” will fund a six-month research development project beginning October 2024. This project is a critical first step in preparing for a subsequent one-year implementation grant to address service gaps for underrepresented communities.

The interdisciplinary project team includes key faculty members Ziwei Qi from Criminal Justice, Rachel Dolechek from Applied Business Studies, Naishuo Sun from Social Work, and experts from the Docking Institute. They will collaborate with Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (Hays and Colby) to drive the project’s initial planning phase. During this stage, the team aims to expand partnerships with additional on-campus programs, academic departments, educational institutions, and community and public health organizations.

The primary objective of the project is to enhance health equity for survivors of gender-based violence in rural Western Kansas. The team plans to develop initiatives to create an equitable and healthy community for survivors by addressing the adaptive challenges and systemic barriers posed by resource scarcity. This effort will involve connecting community organizations and volunteers and preparing community leaders to bridge existing service gaps while fostering a survivor-centered advocacy approach. The initiatives will help community members better strategize resources, introducing new approaches to address individual needs, such as emergency housing, and systemic challenges, such as building a trauma-informed and supportive community to facilitate healing and recovery.

The project team has identified service gaps in rural communities, particularly in lack of transportation, affordable services, and care, which are crucial for the healing and recovery of victims of sexual violence.

“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.”

“I’d like us to explore how we, as a community, can tackle adaptive challenges by building stronger, connected communities.”

The NSF has recognized the importance of this work by publishing a public-facing summary of the project, which is available upon request.

To request a copy of the NSF summary, please contact Sara Kiesler, skiesler@nsf.gov

For more information or to request to collaborate, please contact Ziwei Qi at z_qi5@fhsu.edu

Additional news and information about Fort Hays State University is available at https://www.fhsu.edu/university-communications/