January 16, 2024
The Community Health Corner
The National Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-being recommends using community development strategies and health literacy programs to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. The following resources help us improve well-being for all, and achieve Healthy Kansas 2030 and Healthy People 2030 objectives.
Adolescent Health and Well-Being: Take Action for Adolescents is a free resource from the HHS Office of Population Affairs for adults to work collaboratively for change that benefits young people. Take Action details initial action steps that can be customized to help achieve each eight goals. The Take Action Toolkit includes example of federal programs and free resources that support adolescent health and well-being.
Maternal Mental Health Dark Zones: The US Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health has released a new report maternal mental health based on county data. The 11-page report illustrates where, in the U.S., mothers are at the greatest risk for suffering from maternal mental health disorders and where the greatest need for providers are. An estimated 62 million birthing-age, American women, or 96% of the potential perinatal population live in maternal mental health professional shortage areas. 13,885 providers are needed across the United States to fill these shortage gaps.
2023 Kids Count Data Sheets Available: Each year, Kansas Action for Children (KAC) publishes KIDS COUNT data for the state. Downloadable state data and fact sheets for each Kansas county are available here. For nearly 20 years, KIDS COUNT has been a crucial resource for Kansas legislators and community leaders interested in data-driven solutions that will make Kansas the best place to live, work and raise a family. Join the KAC network for legislative updates, new resources and opportunities to network with colleagues working for family, child and community betterment.
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu