February 24, 2026
Community Health Corner
America’s Health Ranking Kansas Summary Report for 2025, lists Kansas as number 27 of the 50 states in overall health of its residents. Let’s all work together to raise that ranking! K-State Extension is working with others to improve everyone’s health. 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.
Obesity will Surge: Researchers predict that the obesity rate among U.S. adults will rise to 47% of the population by 2035 which is up from nearly 43% in 2022. The 2026 JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) study explains that, driven by environmental and social factors, this surge will disproportionately affect the Midwest and South, where rates are already highest. Despite rising demand for weight-loss drugs, obesity is projected to increase across all age groups. However, experts say this trend can be reversed if people are educated about lifestyle changes and healthy food is made more accessible. Learn more about the work of Tufts University Food Is Medicine framework that could help address this surge.
Understanding Hepatitis B and Hepatitis B Vaccine: At the end of 2025, the nation’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to remove the recommendation for the Hepatitis B (Hep B) birth dose. While existing evidence shows benefits of the Hep B birth dose, the recommendation led to confusion among some parents, caregivers and providers. The Public Health Communications Collaborative has prepared updated, clear resources to help reduce confusion. The parent guide is available here. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains the recommended infant and child vaccination schedule and why children and teens to follow the schedule here.
Water and Nitrates: Recent research from Kansas State University shows that roughly half of the private wells sampled in south-central Kansas exceed EPA standards for nitrate. According to the US EPA, too much nitrate in your body makes it harder for red blood cells to carry oxygen. Vulnerable populations include infants under the age of 6 months, pregnant women or those with specific health concerns. Infants exposed to high amounts of nitrate may develop “blue baby syndrome.” Learn more about private well water quality and other reported environmental health risks at KDHE’s Tracking data and reporting dashboard.
Opportunities:
- 2026 Kansas Governor's Public Health Conference, March 30 - April 1, 2026 Hyatt Regency Wichita. Nearly 600 community health professionals, colleagues and allies are expected to attend. The conference agenda is here; and register here.
- Working Well Conference in Wichita: For over 20 years, the Health & Wellness Coalition of Wichita has organized the state’s worksite wellness conference to help employees and employers to understand the value of wellness to the economic prosperity of business. Plan to attend the Rooted in Strength on April 10 (8:00 am-4:00 pm) in Wichita’s Drury Hotel. Click here to learn more and register.
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