February 6, 2024
Congratulations to Grand Challenge for Health Cohort 4 Members!
Submitted by Elaine Johannes and Stephanie Guiterrez
Eleven Extension/university professionals have been selected to comprise the 4th Grand Challenge for Health (GCfH) cohort that launched this month. The cohort members will complete the University of Minnesota’s Systems Approaches to Healthy Communities (SAHC) online course that equips learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to execute community level health initiatives. The five-module SAHC course focuses on policy, systems, and environmental change strategies that are supported by timely, small group coaching sessions facilitated by Priscilla Brenes, Christina Holmes, Elizabeth Kiss, and Erin Martinez.
When the 8 week course is completed, the cohort members are eligible for a microcredential badge, and are invited to apply their knowledge and skills to community level efforts with the support of funding to implement innovative projects in their communities. Lisa Ross and Elaine Johannes launched the GCfH initiative in 2022 to equip Extension professionals to lead Grand Challenge for Health projects. Since that time, waves of cohort members have launched community initiatives to address structural access barriers, childcare, civic health, youth involvement in nutritional school meals, health literacy among migrant workers, and establish resource and referral hubs.
Congratulations to members of GCfH cohort 4!
Crystal Bashford, Morton County; Clara Misenhelter, Southwind District; Jennifer Gleason, 21 Central District; Jackie Gamez, Chisholm Trail District; Adrian Self, National Ag Biosecurity Center; Karen Shepard, Twin Creeks District; Deb Andres, Geary County; Michelle Broxterman, Wildcat District; Sharon Erickson-Fryback, Gray County; Kaitlyn Peine, Douglas County; and Jessica Kootz, Midway District.
Cohort 5 will begin January 2025. Contact Stephanie Gutierrez if you and a local collaborator are interested in being included: smgutier@k-state.edu