October 27, 2023
Extension agents awarded more than $100,000 in grant funding to improve the lives of Kansans
Two K-State Research and Extension specialists in the College of Health and Human Sciences have received $120,000 in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment's Community Clinical Linkages Program.
For the next five years, Elaine Johannes, specialist in the applied human sciences department, and Priscilla Brenes, specialist in the food, nutrition, dietetics and health department, will each serve as a principal investigator for two statewide health-focused programs.
A $14,000 grant, renewable for five years, has been provided as the specialists work to prevent diabetes among Kansans through the implementation of the National Diabetes Program. This grant will engage local Extension units and clinical partners in an online coaching and educational program. Their work will also prepare K-State Research and Extension for Medicare recognition as a Diabetes Prevention Program supplier. Brenes will serve as lead investigator on this program.
A second grant, which will provide $10,000 annually for the next five years, will support the statewide implementation of K-State Research and Extension's HAPp, the Hypertension Awareness and Prevention Program by local Extension units. Between 2022 and 2023, HAPp was successfully piloted in 11 local Extension units with support from the Kansas Business Group for Health, the American Heart Association and the Health and Human Services Office of Women's Health. Johannes will serve as the lead investigator of this program.
Both programs are part of nationwide initiatives funded by the National Diabetes Prevention Program and the National Cardiovascular Health Program.
K-State Research and Extension is a statewide network of educators sharing unbiased, research-based information and expertise on issues important to Kansas. It has established local, state, regional, national and international partnerships. It is dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong, healthy communities, families and youth through integrated research, analysis and education. With 131 years of research and 104 years of extension, K-State Research and Extension has been improving the quality of life and standard of living for Kansans for a century. K-State Research and Extension is a partnership between Kansas State University and the federal, state and county governments. Research completed is used by extension agents and others to help solve community issues.
This integrated system connects the university to every county through locally based educators who serve as sources of objective information.
The College of Health and Human Sciences inspires and prepares passionate and caring individuals for meaningful lives and careers that promote human well-being in the areas of business, design, education, human behavior and health sciences. Home to 17 undergraduate and 19 graduate degree programs housed in the departments of: applied human sciences; food, nutrition, dietetics and health; hospitality management; interior design and fashion studies; kinesiology; personal financial planning; and the K-State Center on Aging, the college provides students with the education and skills needed to make an impact in the lives of individuals, families and communities.