The Center for the Advancement of Health Equity campaign art

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

Dr. Carrie Wendel-Hummell

Direct Support Workforce Development

Direct Support Workers (DSWs), such as personal care attendants, home care aides, and direct support professionals, provide essential personal care, homemaking, and community engagement supports that help keep older adults and individuals with disabilities in their own homes. Dr. Carrie Wendel-Hummell is collaborating with the Life Span Institute, KU Medical Center, and community-based partners to develop trainings and design a career ladder for this workforce, through projects funded by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS).

Health Access and Equity for Rural and Agricultural Populations

Cheryl Holmes is engaged in various projects focusing on health access and equity for populations living in rural areas and/or working in agriculture. These research, evaluation, and technical assistance efforts involve systems, community organizations, providers, and individuals at the local and national levels. Projects cover rural topics broadly as well as considerations for specific populations including farmworkers and refugees. Funding has been provided in part through various PCORI Engagement awards.
IHSP

Integrated Health Scholars Program

The Integrated Health Scholars Program (IHSP) at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare is a behavioral health workforce education and training program aimed at increasing the number 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.
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.

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Community 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.

2024 Suzanne & Harry Statland Research Staff Award

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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CAHE affiliates

Interested in being a CAHE affiliate member?
As a CAHE affiliate, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with scholars focused on health equity and advance your research. Expectations include attending a semi-annual meeting and contributing to opportunities for collaboration and outreach.
Please complete our brief application

Connect with CAHE