December 23, 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, timely relevant programs and initiatives for health and well-being. The following resources help us improve well-being and achieve national Healthy People 2030 objectives.
National Children’s Health Data Updated: HRSA Maternal and Child Health has released results of the 2024 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH). The NSCH is the largest, most comprehensive national, state-level dataset on the health and well-being of Amercia’s children, their families and their communities. The Healthy Behaviors among School-aged Children Data Brief presents findings on healthy behaviors among school-aged children (6-17 years) and their relationship to chronic conditions and obesity. Learn more here.
Rural Minds Resources: Founded in 2021, Rural Minds is a national private organization the seeks to improve mental health in rural America. Following a family member’s death by suicide the Rural Minds organization set about to develop and provide information and support services in response to the needs of rural Americans. Rural Minds, which does not specifically endorse any organizations, provides information and resources serving rural communities. Lists of crisis resources are available here, and resources for managing during times of isolation and loneliness are here.
Digital Wellness Educator Certificate Program: The KUMC Telehealth Rocks program is offering the Digital Wellness Educator Certificate Program. Individuals working in school-based settings, community health workers (CHWs), behavioral health providers, telehealth coordinators, and staff in organizations serving families with members who at-risk for mental, emotional and physical crisis can receive training to integrate digital wellness principles into their daily work. Applicants for the training are invited to share how the training can be applied to their programming through parent education, in classrooms, during CHW visits, and/or adjusting organizational policies around technology use. Information and applications for the 11 week program are available here.
For more information, check out 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