Improving student attendance through community health workers in schools
Official title: Health Equity and Rural Education (HERE!) Clinical Trial: A Healthcare-Community Partnership Leveraging School-Based Community Health Workers to Improve Student Attendance
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-10933561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how community health workers in schools can help kids in rural areas attend school more regularly by tackling health-related challenges that affect their education.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | September 22, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $149,088 |
| NIH project number | 5R56NR021161-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and families living in rural areas of Southeast Kansas who are facing challenges related to health and education.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in rural areas or those who are not experiencing issues related to school attendance or health disparities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how school-based community health workers can help improve student attendance in rural areas, particularly where health disparities are prevalent. By addressing social determinants of health, the project aims to support children and their families in overcoming barriers to education and health. The study will involve a cluster randomized crossover trial in Southeast Kansas, focusing on the impact of these community health workers on school attendance rates. This approach leverages the existing healthcare and educational infrastructure to create a supportive environment for children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved school attendance and better overall health outcomes for children in rural communities.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using community health workers to address health disparities, making this approach promising yet still innovative in the school setting.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nelson, Eve-Lynn — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Nelson, Eve-Lynn
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.