August 5, 2025
Community Health Corner
Submitted by Stephanie Gutierrez
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.
Webinar: Age-Friendly Care in Rural Areas
The Iowa College of Nursing's Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence is hosting a webinar on August 7th, entitled Age-Friendly Care in Rural Areas: Implementing the 4Ms in Public Health. Webinar speakers will discuss the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) initiative that invites public health systems to consider the AFHS 4Ms Framework: What Matters, Medication management, Mentation practices, and ensuring safe Mobility.
Podcast: The Intersection of Disability and Aging Policy
In the latest episode of Age-Friendly Public Health: The Podcast, host Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health is joined by Alison Barkoff, Associate Professor of Health, Law, and Policy at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, to discuss how disability and aging policy intersect and can support one another.
National Breastfeeding Month
August is National Breastfeeding Month—a time to recognize and support the vital role breastfeeding plays in promoting the health and well-being of babies and parents alike. This annual observance raises awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding, encourages family and community support, and highlights the importance of equitable access to lactation care and resources. There are many ways to get involved. To learn more and explore tools, events, and resources, visit the U.S. Breastfeeding Committee at www.usbreastfeeding.org.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; or Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu.