Kansas State University

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.

Vaccination Information:

Vaccinate Your Family recently launched the new website viraltruths.org. This microsite is designed to help you stay informed and empowered in today’s fast-moving vaccine information landscape. Resources include real-time fact checks on trending vaccine claims, a weekly Vaccine Intelligence Report, and space to share your story about vaccine access challenges.

Supporting Young Minds:

Mental Health America published their 2025 Supporting Young Minds resources. Available materials include tools designed to help youth combat feelings of hopelessness and helplessness and build resilience and agency; equip adult allies to encourage advocacy and leadership, and create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Connected for Kids:

Connected for Kids is a new national effort to bring together cross-sector leaders in education, youth development, mental health, and pediatrics to co-create a roadmap for flourishing in the elementary years. They will host a launch webinar on November 13th to introduce the initiative and share how communities and national partners can get involved.

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.