Laquonda Finney Awarded Research Grant from the South Central Area Health Education Center

Congratulations to Laquonda Finney on receiving the $500 research grant from The South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and her invitation to join the South Central AHEC Scholars' Program.

This recognition highlights her exceptional commitment to addressing critical public health challenges in underserved communities. As a student in the inaugural cohort at the UT San Antonio School of Public Health, Finney participated in an applied practice experience and initiated a research project with The Institute for Public Health and Education Research (TIPHER) focusing on depression treatment accessibility. Through this work, she has demonstrated remarkable dedication to addressing public health challenges that directly impact her community.

Finney's research project with TIPHER exemplifies the kind of community-engaged scholarship that can create meaningful change. Her comprehensive approach, utilizing both epidemiological methods and qualitative research guided by the socio-ecological model, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the complex factors that influence mental health treatment access. By collaborating directly with local behavioral health agencies and community stakeholders to ensure cultural relevance and responsiveness, she is ensuring that her research will have real-world impact for the residents of Comal County.

This award not only recognizes Finney's academic excellence but also her dedication to improving health outcomes in communities that need it most. Her work addresses a critical gap in mental health services while building meaningful partnerships between academic institutions and local communities.