Building Safer Communities: Kentucky Injury-Free Academy Opens Applications

The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC), part of the University of Kentucky College of Public Health, has opened applications for the Kentucky Injury-Free Academy (KIFA)—a new initiative designed to help Kentucky organizations develop sustainable, community-driven violence prevention strategies that incorporate shared risk and protective factors.  

“This is an exciting opportunity for Kentucky organizations to strengthen their violence prevention efforts with support from subject matter experts and hands-on training,” said Catherine Hines, KIFA Program Manager. “By equipping teams with practical skills and connecting them with new partners, we hope to see meaningful, long-term change in communities across the state.” 

To support potential applicants, KIPRC is hosting virtual office hours to share details about the academy, answer questions, and offer guidance on the application process. 

KIFA’s online office hours will be  April 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and April 3 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.  

The KIFA office hours are a chance for anyone interested in the program to: 

• Learn more about KIFA’s structure, goals, and expectations; 

• Get application support and ask questions about the form and process; and 

• Explore ways to get involved, including applying as a team or becoming a subject matter expert. 

KIFA is open to any Kentucky organization working in violence and/or injury prevention. KIPRC encourages applications from teams of 3-5 members, with each member representing a different partnering organization, ideally. The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.  

KIPRC understands that spring can be a busy time for many organizations. Teams needing extra time to complete their application are encouraged to reach out in advance to discuss their needs.  

What to Expect from the Academy 

Once accepted, teams will take part in a hands-on, immersive experience focused on developing data-driven, community-based violence prevention strategies through the Shared Risk and Protective Factors (SRPF) approach. The SRPF approach recognizes that factors that increase the risk of violence and those that protect people from violence are interconnected and require a multi-sector, multi-level approach to address them. 

Participants will benefit from: 

• Training: Teams will attend three interactive sessions focused on core violence prevention strategies, featuring real-world case studies, hands-on exercises, and collaborative problem-solving. 

• Coaching and support: Teams will receive guidance from subject matter experts and team coaches to help develop and implement tailored prevention projects. 

• Practical skills: Teams will learn how to: 

• Apply evidence-based strategies to reduce violence, 

• Strengthen partnerships within their community for effective collaboration, and 

• Create sustainable initiatives that promote safety and resilience. 

Through KIFA, teams will create community-specific initiatives designed to prevent violence. Example projects include: 

• School-based violence prevention programs teaching conflict resolution, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed care, 

• Neighborhood safety audits to identify environmental factors contributing to violence (e.g., poor lighting, abandoned buildings) and advocate for improvements, and 

• Partnerships with behavioral health services to address the intersection of trauma, substance use, and violence. 

Long-Term Impact and Goals 

KIFA aims to create lasting, positive change in violence prevention across Kentucky. By building multi-sector collaboration, the program will strengthen partnerships among public health agencies, schools, law enforcement, and community organizations, promoting long-term coordination and shared solutions. Additionally, KIFA strives to build local capacity by giving teams the skills, tools, and mentorship needed to develop sustainable, community-driven violence prevention strategies that make a meaningful impact.   

“For all teams attending KIFA, we want to see sustainable, community-driven violence prevention initiatives that align with the Shared Risk and Protective Factors approach,” Hines said. “By fostering collaboration across sectors and equipping teams with practical tools, we hope to see long-term improvements in violence prevention strategies throughout Kentucky.” 

To learn more about the application process and get personalized guidance, sign up for the office hours.  

For more details, visit the KIFA webpage or contact Catherine Hines at 859-257-5809 or catherine.hines@uky.edu.