US$2.5m grant boosts Emory’s Nia Project

Emory’s Nia Project has received a US$2.5m grant to expand trauma-informed mental health care for women and widen access at Grady Health System.

Trauma-informed care recognises the impact of violence and trauma and adapts support to reduce harm and aid recovery. The funding will strengthen clinical programmes, support research and broaden access for women affected by violence, trauma or suicidal behaviour.

Launched in 2024, Action for Women’s Health is a US$250m global initiative funded by Pivotal, founded by Melinda French Gates. More than 4,000 organisations in 119 countries applied and 80 were selected.

“We are deeply honoured and grateful to receive this transformative support for the Nia Project,” said Nadine J. Kaslow, PhD, professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine and chief psychologist at Grady Health System. “This investment affirms our mission to empower women who have experienced trauma and to help them rebuild their lives with strength and purpose.”

“This generous contribution ignites a bold new chapter for the Nia Project,” said Dorian A. Lamis, PhD, co-director of the Nia Project and associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. “It allows us to expand access to comprehensive care and continue developing approaches that embolden women recover and thrive.”

“The Action for Women’s Health award empowers us to dream bigger, act bolder and build a future where every woman regardless of her circumstances can move forward with dignity, strength and hope,” said Sarah E. Dunn, PhD, co-director of the Nia Project and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine.

Founded in the early 1990s by Kaslow, the Nia Project provides culturally responsive therapy, crisis intervention and community-based programmes, integrating clinical care with research to advance gender-responsive mental health support.