In March 2025, the University of Washington (UW) Population Health Initiative awarded six Tier 2 pilot grants to interdisciplinary research teams. These grants aim to assist UW researchers in gathering preliminary data and proof-of-concept necessary to secure further funding for scaling their projects. The funded initiatives span various critical topics such as injury prevention, economic support for victims of domestic violence, and addressing feeding challenges faced by autistic children.
The projects, which involve collaboration among researchers from seven different UW schools and colleges along with community-based partners, have now reached their midpoint. They are reporting significant progress in multiple areas.
Optimizing Collaborative Care Delivery
One notable project focuses on enhancing the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM), an integrated approach for addressing mental health within general healthcare settings. Led by investigators Anna Ratzliff and Elizabeth Austin, the team has developed a CoCM Checklist aimed at evaluating health equity in CoCM delivery.
Following approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) on March 31, 2025, the research team established a recruitment strategy to connect with over 133 clinics. Their multi-step recruitment approach included mailing flyers, sending follow-up emails, and making phone calls. To date, they have successfully recruited 14 clinics, representing 56 percent of their target.
Addressing Fire Risks for the Unhoused
Another project, led by Barclay Stewart and Megan Moore, aims to pilot the EQUIP Toolkit with individuals experiencing homelessness in high-risk fire areas of Seattle. The project has made substantial strides by partnering with four outreach specialists responsible for distributing prevention education and fire extinguishing equipment.
The outreach has already initiated the distribution of EQUIP materials, with surveys and interviews conducted to assess the program’s effectiveness. Data collection is set to continue through April, providing essential insights into the toolkit’s reach and impact.
First Bite Program for Autistic Children
The First Bite program, spearheaded by Brittany St John and her colleagues, aims to support caregivers dealing with feeding challenges in autistic children. This initiative has successfully engaged 12 participants in a 10-week educational program.
The program materials, which include an eight-module caregiver workbook, have been distributed, and the first session commenced on October 6, 2025. Although two caregivers withdrew due to scheduling conflicts, the remaining participants have shown strong engagement, with a 93 percent attendance rate reported.
Evaluating Paid Leave Programs for Domestic Violence
Another vital initiative involves investigating the effectiveness of paid leave programs for survivors of domestic violence. Led by Avanti Adhia, this project aims to analyze state “safe leave” policies across the United States. The research team has completed a policy landscape analysis, examining the features and variations of safe leave programs in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
By leveraging data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the team is also exploring the relationship between state paid leave programs and domestic violence during pregnancy. Qualitative interviews are underway to gain deeper insights into the implementation of these policies.
Innovations in Medical Imaging for Stroke Diagnosis
An ambitious project led by Mehmet Kurt and collaborators is focused on developing equitable artificial intelligence methods for stroke diagnosis. This initiative, supported by the UW Office of Global Affairs, aims to enhance medical imaging for underrepresented populations and resource-constrained environments.
The team has made significant advancements in ischemic stroke and brain tumor imaging research. Their methods have shown improved performance in lesion segmentation, and they have published findings that highlight the potential for equitable healthcare solutions.
Enhancing Mental Health Care Accessibility
Lastly, a pilot study led by Lesley Steinman seeks to improve access to mental health care for Somali clients through community-based organizations. The research team has trained providers in an adapted Problem Management Plus model and is preparing for client recruitment to begin in December 2025.
These diverse projects illustrate the breadth of research being conducted under the UW Population Health Initiative. Each initiative is making strides toward addressing significant health challenges and enhancing the well-being of various communities. More information about the pilot grant program and upcoming deadlines can be found on the UW funding page.
