August 19, 2025
The 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.
Air Pollution and Your Health:
Air pollution is a major global health concern, contributing to over 6.5 million deaths each year. It comes from both human-made sources, such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and power plants, and natural sources like wildfires and volcanic eruptions. Exposure is linked to a range of health problems including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, neurological disorders, and negative birth outcomes. Children, older adults, and people in certain geographic or socioeconomic groups are often at greater risk. Learn more about the causes, health effects, and ways to reduce exposure.
New National Data Shows Trends in Mental Health and Substance Use:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released the results of the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The report highlights how people across the United States experienced mental health conditions, substance use, and sought treatment in 2024. This year’s release is significant as it marks the first time since 2020 that there are at least four years of comparable data, allowing for clearer trend reporting on key outcomes. Read the full SAMHSA 2024 NSDUH report.
Quitting Smoking Linked to Better Recovery from Other Addictions:
New research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that adults recovering from alcohol or other substance use disorders were more likely to achieve sustained remission if they also quit smoking. The analysis, based on data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, found that those who stopped smoking had 42% greater odds of recovery from their non-tobacco addictions. The findings highlight the potential benefits of including smoking cessation as part of substance use treatment plans. Read the full NIH release.
For more information contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu