WomenNC Research Project Update and Reflection - Amelia Steinbach

I have now been a scholar with WomenNC for about two months, and have enjoyed every minute. Over the last two months, I have been particularly grateful for my bond with the other scholars. That bond has made exceptional experiences, such as the UN Association Dinner at the NC State Faculty Club and our lunch at the North Carolina Executive Mansion last Thursday, that much more enjoyable. I am also very thankful for the support of the WomenNC network; I know that many of WomenNC’s affiliates are volunteers, and I greatly appreciate their dedication to the scholars’ research projects.

After discussions with several healthcare providers in the local Durham area, two major policy needs have presented themselves as a priority. The first policy issue is a dire need for affordable housing options in Durham. Many women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) are constrained by the fact that they do not have the financial resources to leave the abusive relationship and living situation. The second policy issue is the Ryan White grant funding that is allocated by both the federal government and the North Carolina general assembly to various entities across the state, including healthcare providers at Duke. While this funding is absolutely essential in terms of providing healthcare for HIV-positive individuals, there are still problems identified by those providers who work most closely with the grant funding and the patients whom it assists.

I am currently working through a literature review to identify the specific statistics relating to the issues of IPV and HIV/AIDS in Durham, as well as the state of affordable housing projects and work being done to address problems with Ryan White grant funding. In the coming weeks before the rough draft is due, I will be coordinating with my advisor, Felicia Browne, and completing my literature review and conversations with local leaders in order to write a sufficient rough draft for December 14th.