2023 Year in Review
What a difference a year can make.
In 2023, the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund awarded 117 grants, convened 14 public meetings, conducted three training series and secured $4 million in federal grant money for Kansas.
And that’s not all.
We continued to work closely with our existing partners and forged new relationships, as well, that will help us advance our goal of improving the health of all Kansans.
In our 2023 Year in Review report, which we just released, you can learn in greater detail about these efforts as we kicked off the first year of our new strategic plan.
2023 Highlights
ACCESS TO CARE
- Co-hosted a listening tour with Thrive Kansas to discuss the future of rural health care and Medicaid expansion.
- Provided testimony to the FCC on the importance of digital equity and telehealth.
- Supported the expansion of Medicaid coverage through advocacy and funding. We also partnered with Gov. Laura Kelly on her highly visible “Healthy Workers, Healthy Economy” campaign.
- Partnered with the Kansas Hospital Association to transition two traditional hospitals that were at risk of closure into Rural Emergency Hospitals.
THRIVING CHILDREN
- Worked with partners to improve early childhood policies and services. We also launched research on the child care assistance program and family economic security issues, including child care.
- Served on the Early Childhood Transition Task force. Health Fund President David Jordan was nominated by Governor Kelly to serve on this important task force to help recommend how the state can improve its early childhood services.
- Helped increase access to early childhood mental health services by funding Parent Child Interaction Therapy training in several areas across the state.
- Partnered with breastfeeding coalitions and health leaders to make significant gains in helping mothers initiate and maintain breastfeeding. Our funding also helped form coalitions led by women of color to support their communities in breastfeeding; it also increased access to lactation support services by helping certify more than 50 consultants and counselors.
- Funded efforts by the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition to advocate for state policies that support breastfeeding success.
ENGAGED CONGREGATIONS AND COMMUNITIES
- Launched Youth Mental Health First Aid training available to all Kansans at no cost.
- Helped address food insecurity in Salina by providing grant funding for a three-month Summer Food Service Program. Our funding helped to purchase necessary equipment, including shelving and freezers, and signage for an onsite grab-and-go distribution point.
- Reignited the annual Healthy Congregations Retreat for the first time since the pandemic in 2020.
Our impact in 2023 was significant, and our efforts continue. We look forward to furthering our mission in 2024 to help create a healthier Kansas.