January 27, 2026
Community Health Corner
In America’s Health Ranking Kansas Summary 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.
Deportation Threatens Child Well-being: The deportation of a parent can be a very stressful and frightening event for a child of any age. According to the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), roughly one-in-twelve U.S. children risk losing a loved one to deportation, leading to long-term trauma. Infant and child mental health professionals associated with the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, have created resources to help adults support children who are afraid of a parent’s deportation. Available here in five languages, are free fact sheets to help address deportation’s traumatic effects for children.
Protect Against Lung Cancer: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. 1 in 15 homes across the United States has high levels of radon. Radon gas has no color, taste or smell, so the only way to detect radon in your home is to test for it.
The American Lung Association, KUMC Masonic Cancer Alliance and K-State’s Kansas Radon Program, encourage:
- Using trusted, reputable educational resources such as the Lung Association’s Radon Basics online learning course,
- Using affordable radon test kits like those from the Kansas Radon Program, and
- Informing neighbors, family, friends about radon risks and regulations.
Change to Federal Alcohol Consumption Recommendation: Alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer in the U.S., after tobacco and obesity. In early January the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) changed its recommendation for alcohol consumption for adults in the US. Previously, FDA recommended not more than two drinks or less per day for men, one drink or less for women; no alcohol for pregnant people and people with alcohol use disorder. This recommendation and the education for it have contributed to the decline of alcohol use among Americans. According to a recent Gallup Poll, 54 % of U.S. adults today say they drink, which is the lowest number in nearly 90 years. The new guidance encourages abstinence for some groups, and to “Consume less alcohol for better overall health.” Vague guidance and messaging can have determinantal effects for the prevention and early intervention of alcoholism and other alcohol-related diseases. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health recommends to drink less alcohol for better health. Learn more here.
Opportunities:
- Kansas Health Institute (KHI) has announced its lunch time Bring It! webinar series exploring health policy topics. For five weeks, one installment of the series is held every Tuesday starting on Feb. 10; 12pm-1pm. Read and register for all five sessions or specific topics here.
- Building emotional resilience in the face of disasters is the focus of the Climate Mental Health Network webinar on Feb 5; 7pm. Register here for the free, one hour webinar.
- The annual Healthy Congregations retreat, which is sponsored by the United Methodists Health Ministry Fund (UMHMF), will be held in Salina, April 16-17. New and current Healthy Congregation organizations are encouraged to attend. Learn more about Healthy Congregations movement and the retreat 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