July 29, 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.
Rural Housing and Extreme Heat: Extreme heat is not just an urban problem. Headwaters Economics and the Federation of American Scientists have collaborated on an analysis of the risk that extreme heat poses to rural communities. Using rural ZIP codes, the study explored what makes rural communities vulnerable, and identifies policy solutions that will protect people from rising temperatures and save lives. Compared to urban dwellers, rural Americans are twice as likely to have pre-existing health issues like diabetes that exacerbate the dangers of extreme heat, according to the Headwaters Economics report. The report includes an interactive map of the nation locating areas of extreme heat vulnerability.
CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource Guide: Kansas has a persistently high suicide rate of 20.5 suicide deaths (per 100,000), in 2022 compared to the nation (14.2 in 2022). Published in 2024,CDC’s Suicide Prevention Resource for Action (Prevention Resource) details the strategies with the best available evidence to reduce suicide. The Prevention Resource can help states and communities prioritize suicide prevention activities most likely to have an impact. The programs, practices, and policies in the Prevention Resource can be tailored to the needs of populations and communities. Access the guide here at the national Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
Six Ways to Respond to Tantrums: Researchers at Berkeley University’s Greater Good Science Center have studied the meltdowns that can be frequent occurrences when children (and their parents) are frustrated and stressed. The science behind tantrums has to do more with communication than behavior. Root causes and six positive, helpful ways to respond are included in the article here.
Million Moments for Maternal Mortality Prevention Conference: A Million Moments for Maternal Mortality Prevention – a conference focused on addressing maternal mortality at the intersection of physical and mental health, substance use, and intimate partner violence will be held August 7-8 in Kansas City. The University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) is sponsoring this in-person conference which brings together experts, advocates, and community voices to explore comprehensive strategies that promote maternal wellness and prevent avoidable outcomes. Agenda and registration details are here.
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