September 16, 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
Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy
Last week, the Make America Healthy Again Commission released its Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy, outlining steps to address childhood chronic disease. The strategy highlights five areas of focus: strengthening science and research, executive actions, process reform and deregulation, public awareness and education, and private sector collaboration. The report includes 128 recommendations aimed at improving children’s health.
Potential Impact of Proposed CDC Budget Changes
A new report from George Washington University researchers examines how proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget changes could affect the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The analysis outlines potential reductions to several public health programs, including chronic disease prevention, global health, HIV/AIDS, environmental and occupational health, public health preparedness, and birth defects and developmental disabilities initiatives—areas that support both public health and local economies. Read the full report here.
Could the Future of Vaccines Be as Simple as Flossing?
Researchers at the NIH are exploring an innovative way to deliver vaccines—using dental floss. In early studies, floss coated with inactivated influenza virus successfully protected mice from infection and triggered strong immune responses throughout the body. The approach could someday offer a painless, needle-free alternative to traditional shots, making vaccines easier and more affordable to distribute worldwide. Learn more here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu