August 26, 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
Climate and Community Health Factsheet: The Public Health Institute’s (PHI) Build Healthy Places Network examines the connection between climate and health. PHI has released a factsheet about Climate and Community Health which is available here. Intensifying extreme weather events are contributing to communities to organize for better preparation and response. The new factsheet from PHI’s Build Healthy Places Network examines the connection between climate and health, and explores how community infrastructure investments ensure that all communities have a fair chance to thrive. Data about Kansas’ climate variability and trends are available through the KDHE Environmental Tracking Data Explorer dashboard. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation also shares five lessons on community-driven climate action here.
New High Blood Pressure Management Guideline for Adults: Earlier this month, the new 2025 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults was released. On August 28 (12pm-1:30pm CDT), the American Heart Association’s Target: BP leadership will host a webinar featuring highlights about the 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline.
The webinar will cover:
• Blood pressure thresholds for diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure
• Cardiovascular and cognitive risks of uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Calculation of cardiovascular disease risk as part of diagnostic and treatment approach
Register here for the webinar on August 28 from 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT. The American Heart Association has also provided a Top 10 Tips pertaining to the new guideline. Extension agents wanting to inform their communities about high blood pressure and take steps to help individuals learn self-monitoring blood pressure techniques and healthy living strategies can join K-State Extension’s HAPp (hypertension awareness and prevention program) initiative. Contact Stephanie Gutierrez for more information.
Elevate Kansas is Hosting Five Regional Community Development Forums: Elevate Kansas, a statewide effort to unite Kansas community health coalitions, share resources, and strengthen the impact of coalitions, is hosting five regional forums, September – October, for coalitions and community members. At each session, Kathy Sexton from the Public Policy and Management Center at Wichita State University, will discuss financial resource development for coalitions with a panel of state and regional funders. Structured discussion and co-learning will also be highlighted at the forums. Find the location nearest you and register here: Community Development Forums – Elevate Kansas.
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