Our Vision
The Center for the Advancement of Health Equity envisions health, behavioral health, and long-term care systems that effectively meet the needs of all people and the elimination of social inequities that adversely impact health and wellbeing.
Our Mission
Aligning with one of the Grand Challenges for Social Work, to “close the health gap,” the Center for the Advancement of Health Equity (CAHE) is a valued resource for community and academic partners interested in health equity research, training, and collaboration.
Our work seeks to improve the performance of and access to health, behavioral health, and long-term care systems that improve the health and quality of life of diverse populations across the lifespan.
As part of our commitment to promoting health equity and access, CAHE’s work includes a focus on social determinants of health (SDOH). CAHE also mentors and educates tomorrow’s practitioners and researchers in health and behavioral health care systems.
Community collaboration, interdisciplinary/interprofessional partnerships, and the centering of the experiences of historically marginalized populations are vital to our efforts, ensuring that our research and programs are responsive to real world needs.
CAHE Board Members
CAHE projects
Direct Support Workforce Development
Health Access and Equity for Rural and Agricultural Populations
Integrated Health Scholars Program
More about Integrated Health Scholars Program
This program's purpose is to increase the supply of social work professionals prepared to provide high-quality integrated behavioral health services in rural and other high-need communities in Kansas and western Missouri.
LEARN MORECommunity Collaboration
The center emphasizes the value of community collaboration at all stages of research, from working with community partners to identify research questions that are important to them and designing data collection measures that meet community member needs to disseminating research results in ways that are accessible and useful to our communities.
“Our community partners keep us informed about pressing issues in our communities and help amplify the reach and impact of our efforts,” Dr. Carrie Wendel-Hummell said.
Michelle Levy awarded 2024 Suzanne & Harry Statland Research Staff Award
In recognition of contributions to students and the teaching mission in the KU School of Social Welfare, Michelle Levy is honored with the Harry and Suzanne Statland Research Staff Award for the 2023-2024 academic year. For 25 years, Levy has positively impacted the social work knowledge base and directly supported value-added educational opportunities for nearly 700 MSW and BSW students.
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