October 21, 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.
Teaching Prevention Meeting: April 19th - 21st in Savannah, GA
The Association for Prevention Teaching and Research (APTR) invites you to join Teaching Prevention 2026, the 83rd annual meeting bringing together educators, researchers, students, and community partners committed to advancing prevention and population health from April 19th - 21st in Savannah, GA. This year’s theme--Learning and Leading in a Changing World—recognizes the challenges and opportunities of educating health professionals in an era of rapid social, political, and technological change. The conference will spotlight teaching strategies, research, and collaborative approaches that prepare next generation of health professionals to advance prevention and population health.
CDC Releases Latest STI and Newborn Syphilis Data
The CDC’s latest report shows that while the overall number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. has declined for the third year in a row, cases of newborn syphilis continue to rise. Nearly 4,000 cases were reported in 2024, marking a 700% increase since 2015. Although infections like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and primary and secondary syphilis all showed notable declines, the persistence of congenital syphilis underscores ongoing gaps in access to testing, treatment, and prenatal care. Public health workers may face increased demands for community outreach, maternal health screening, and early intervention services to prevent further transmission. Learn more here.
The State of Obesity 2025: Better Policies for a Healthier America.
Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) recently released The State of Obesity 2025: Better Policies for a Healthier America. Newly released data found that nineteen states had adult obesity rates at or above 35 percent in 2024, down from 23 states the prior year. This is a first time decrease in the number of states at or above the 35 percent level for the dataset. Included in the report is a special feature on the emerging science and policy considerations concerning ultra-processed foods and their role in the obesity crisis. Click here for state-by-state fact sheets.
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.