WSU partnership will expand COVID vaccinations in underrepresented communities
Oct. 3, 2021
By Strategic Communications
Community Engagement Institute
The goal of the institute is to promote best practices in organizations and communities
interested in improving people’s lives, as well as fostering connections with community
partners looking to create positive change.
Wichita State is partnering with Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health
and Environment in an initiative to increase COVID-19 vaccinations to underrepresented
communities across Kansas.
Last week, the governor announced that WSU’s Community Engagement Institute (CEI)
will work together on the Increase the Reach initiative, which provides an additional
opportunity for community-based organizations to receive funding to continue their
vital work in promoting health equity through vaccinations. The program specifically
aims to reach socially vulnerable populations and those experiencing low vaccination
rates, including racial and ethnic minority populations and rural communities.
“Events over the last few years have brought health disparities into a sharper focus,” said
Dr. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, in a
press release from the governor’s office. “These grants will support the work of community-based
organizations in ensuring equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Wichita State’s CEI will act as the grant administrator for Increase the Reach, helping
to promote the available funds to eligible organizations.
“WSU will be collecting applications and connecting with additional partners to help
review and approve projects,” said AAron Davis, director of the CEI’s Center for Public
Health Initiatives. “We will also be helping organizations in developing and delivering
the project and activities that are fundable in this grant. We will be responsible
for regular reporting to KDHE and the governor’s office.”
Grants are awarded to applicants with documented success in reaching vulnerable populations,
with grants expected to range from $50,000 to $250,000. Eligible organizations include
but are not limited to Federally Qualified Health Centers, safety net clinics, state-funded
community clinics, community-based organizations, and other nonprofits.
Davis said that the CEI’s role in the Increase the Reach initiative supports Wichita
State’s priorities and promotes Kansas’ growth and economic prosperity.
“The purpose of this grant is to help address health inequities that exist in the
state as they relate to vaccine-preventable diseases,” Davis said. “Good health is
a key factor for our society. If we want WSU to play a role in helping to drive education
and economic prosperity in the state, it is important that we support efforts such
as this to help every Kansan achieve their highest levels of health.”
First-round applications should be submitted for consideration by 5 p.m. central time
on Oct. 15, 2021. Additional application rounds will run thereafter.
