May 14, 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.
What are PFAs and why they are dangerous: Join Dr. Chris Culbertson, Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Water Institute working group member, for his presentation on PFAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl Substances) Monday, June 3 @ 3:00-4:00pm for the KDHE Public Health Power Hour. Dr. Culbertson’s presentation will answer: What are PFA’s? What are the known/suspected risks to health? What is being done in Kansas to reduce/regulate PFAs in our water? What is being done in research to mitigate the PFAs issue? What role can local jurisdictions play? Register here for the June 3 (Monday) 3pm-4pm zoom webinar. Learn more about PFAs in Kansas water through the Kansas Environmental Data Tracking system.
High Blood Pressure Around the World: The World Health Organization attributes hypertension, or high blood pressure, as the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality. Over 85 national hypertension societies and leagues recognize that more than 50% of the hypertensive population worldwide are unaware of their condition. To address this problem May 17 of each year is set aside for World Hypertension Day (WHD). Find out more about the work of the World Hypertension League here. Here in the US, the National Institutes of Health has information about National High Blood Pressure Awareness month here.
Maternal and Child Health Program Community Engagement Sessions across Kansas: The Maternal and Child Health Program at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is holding community engagement sessions around the state as part of their five-year Title V Needs Assessment. KDHE staff, with help from KU’s Center for Public Partnerships and Research (KUCPPR), want to learn more about systems of care for women, infants, children, and adolescents in the state. Join the free, come-and-go event at the following locations (no need to pre-register):
- May 30th (11am-1pm): Salina (Salina Public Library-Prescott Meeting Room)
- May 31st (10am-12pm): Wichita (Advanced Learning Library-Children's Gallery)
- June 27th (11am-1pm): Kansas City, KS (KCK Library Main building- 2nd Floor Auditorium)
- June 28th (1pm-3pm): Pittsburg (Pittsburg Public Library-Large Meeting Room)
For more information, contact Elaine Johannes, ejohanne@ksu.edu; and Stephanie Gutierrez, smgutier@k-state.edu