July 15, 2025
Community Health Corner
In America’s Health Rankings report for 2024, Kansas is ranked number 28 of the 50 states in overall health of its residents. We need to raise that ranking which was once in the top 10! K-State Extension is working with others to improve everyone’s health, and we want all to join the effort. From urban, metro, suburban, rural and frontier locations, Extension works in partnership with communities to deliver meaningful and relevant programs and initiatives to keep health closer to home. The following resources help us improve well-being, achieve Healthy People 2030 objectives and follow recommendations included in the National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being.
Measles Cases Highest in 30 years: U.S. measles cases this week hit their highest number since 1992: As of July 8, 1,283 cases have been reported, according to the International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC), which maintains a measles tracking dashboard. The current outbreak surpasses a previous high of 1,724 cases in 2019. Ongoing transmission threatens the U.S.’s elimination status. There have also been three confirmed deaths so far (two in March and one in April), according to the Center for Outbreak Response Innovation (CORI), which helps state and local health departments prepare for and respond to measles outbreaks. For updates on measles in Kansas, check-out the KDHE Measles Data Dashboard here.
Kansas Ranks 14th According to the 2025 Kansas Kids Count Data: KIDS COUNT provides an annual snapshot of how Kansas children are doing when compared to their peers on the national, state and county levels. A joint effort from Kansas Action for Children and The Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT is a crucial resource for Kansas legislators and community leaders interested in data-driven solutions that will make Kansas a place where every child has the opportunity to grow up healthy and thrive. A pdf summary fact sheet of the 2025 Kansas Kids Count is available here and the book along with demographic/data maps is available here.
Applying Science of Aging: From Longevity to Vitality: In response to whether the US is ready for a rapidly aging society, NASEM (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine) are conducting a three-part webinar series beginning on August 12; 1pm-2:30pm CT. Registration for the first webinar is open and available here. The webinar presenters contribute insights from the social and behavioral sciences to support healthier, more connected lives as we age. Sponsored by the Hauser Policy Impact Fund, these webinars work to connect social science analysis and synthesis to help guide evidence-based policy decisions. According to NASEM, “Drawing on past work, including Reducing the Impact of Dementia in America, Addressing the Impact of COVID-19 on Social Isolation and Loneliness, and How People Learn II, this webinar will connect science with practical, actionable insights for communities and governments.”
For more information, check at the Kansas health data dashboards and resources at Kansas Health Matters or contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu