March 26, 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.
Restoring Trust in Science: The American Public Health Association (APHA) reports that the number of vaccine exemptions – which allows parents to opt out of immunizing their children – has increased in 41 states. Connected to this trend is that measles was eradicated in the US in 2000 because of highly effective vaccination, but in 2019 the number of cases was over 1,200. Learn more about the measles outbreaks form the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials here, and how education is necessary to restore trust in science and vaccinations.
Regional Immunize Kansas Coalition Meetings: Register now to attend any of the IKC Regional Meetings (April 22-25th, 2024). At these meetings get to know IKC, learn about new educational resources and events, and share your voice in listening sessions about local successes and challenges related to immunization uptake and access. Meetings are held:
- April 22, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. (Garden City, KS)
- April 23, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Wichita, KS)
- April 24, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Pittsburg, KS)
- April 25, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. (Topeka, Kansas)
- April 25, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Kansas City, KS)
Invite community partners and stakeholders to register too!
Become a Stroke Smart Ambassador: Kansas Initiative for Stroke Survival (KISS) and Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) and have received a proclamation from the Kansas Governor regarding spreading stroke education throughout the state to improve stroke care and decrease deaths. CDC includes Kansas among the states that have high stroke risk. Be among the first in the state to have Stroke Smart Ambassadors. By April 15, submit the form at this link, then attend a one training session to learn about stroke risk factors, signs and symptoms, and what to do if these signs are noticed. Local Stroke Smart Ambassadors will then receive free awareness resources shipped to them. For more information, contact Lenzi Kaub DNP, Director, Clinical Program – Stroke, Ascension Via Christi St. Francis
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu