We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between the ARISE team and two University of Kansas Medical School programs: Communities Organizing to Promote Equity (COPE) and Local Health Equity Action Teams (LHEATs).
ARISE is an NSF EPSCoR funded project in Kansas that aims to build adaptive and resilient infrastructures driven by social equity.
COPE aims to advance health equity by mobilizing partners and collaborators across Kansas. This program was born from the 2020 COVID pandemic that inflamed the health disparities across many communities in Kansas.
By coordinating their efforts, these programs will be able to maximize their resources and expand impact more broadly across the state.
“This collaboration marks a significant step in our shared mission to create a more equitable and resilient Kansas,” said Alej Martinez, Kansas NSF EPSCoR program coordinator for community engagement. He works closely with several ARISE investigators, including Professors Elaina Sutley (KU), Jomella Watson-Thompson (KU) and Jason Bergtold (KSU).
“We’re committed to conducting research that addresses the needs of Kansas communities,” said Martinez. “By working closely with LHEATs, we can ensure that our research findings are translated into actionable solutions. This collaborative approach will enable us to identify and address critical disaster preparedness and response gaps, ultimately leading to more resilient communities.”
Centering the voices of those most affected by disasters is crucial. These partnerships will ensure that community members have a seat at the table in shaping the future of disaster response and recovery.
“By joining forces, we aim to amplify the voices of community members, bridge the gap between research and action, empower community leaders, and optimize our efforts to maximize impact,” said Martinez.
LHEAT members play a vital role in the ARISE project’s community-driven approach. These trusted community leaders will support engagement in the five target counties for ARISE: Ford, Finney, Johnson, Seward, and Wyandotte.
“Together, we can focus on delivering the most impactful solutions to Kansas communities by streamlining our efforts and avoiding duplication,” said Martinez.
