November 9, 2021
The Community Health Corner
Submitted by Elaine Johannes and Stephanie Gutierrez
According to the CDC, community health uses science-based approaches for the greatest health benefit to the greatest number of people by addressing social, economic and structural drivers that impact health. Addressing policies, conditions and inequities that contribute to the poor health of Kansans is the most effective way to tackle big health issues. Being healthy is not just about individual choices, it’s also about the conditions that influence everyone’s health.
READ NOW: On Nov. 3, the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit education and advocacy group, released a report from a national tap water database compiling testing information for water utilities across the country. The information reported comes from state health agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. See the report here. Be aware that there are ads on this page. You can learn more about the state's water plan here.
SHARE NOW: KDHE Healthy Kansas 2030 leaders are requesting that partners, such as KSRE professionals, help distribute a state health assessment survey to LGBTQ+ community groups. Share this link or https://kdheks.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6x9onwEZTDubLyS to the survey that closes on Thursday, Nov. 11. More information about the health needs of LGBTQ+ communities across Kansas is needed for the planning of services.
CELEBRATE NOW: November 18 is National Rural Health Day. This year’s theme is “Celebrate the Power of Rural” to honor the community-minded spirit that prevails in rural America. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day (NRHD), and this year’s resources are available here.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu.