Welcome to the Pioneers in Health podcast. In this podcast, we share inspiring stories of pioneering leaders from our nation and from your backyard who are working to improve health. In episode 39, we interview Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Janet Stanek is the Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health …
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Learn more about things happening at the Health Fund, and in our areas of focus
Podcast episode 39: Janet Stanek
New webinar: Learn about Kansas’ child care subsidy system
What changes could improve the state’s child care subsidy system? Join our webinar at noon Jan. 8 to hear what Kansas families and providers had to say. Access to affordable, high-quality child care is essential to the well-being of Kansas families, the strength of our workforce, and the long-term economic prosperity of our state. Reliable …
Podcast episode 38: Mark Fleury
Welcome to the Pioneers in Health podcast. In this podcast, we share inspiring stories of pioneering leaders from our nation and from your backyard who are working to improve health. In episode 38, we interview Mark Fleury, principal of policy development-emerging science at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. He specializes in research, drug …
Advent series: Helping the hungry
Advent resources support special focus on helping the hungry. As people of faith, our hearts and our values call us to feed the hungry. Our commitment to justice, mercy and love in action drives us to come together toward a future where families and children no longer fear whether they’ll eat tomorrow. This Advent season, …
Podcast episode 37: Jodi Schmidt
Welcome to the Pioneers in Health podcast. In this podcast, we share inspiring stories of pioneering leaders from our nation and from your backyard who are working to improve health. In episode 37, we interview Jodi Schmidt, executive director of the Care Collective at the University of Kansas Health System. The Care Collaborative is a …
Health foundations join forces to donate to Kansas foodbanks
Health philanthropies join forces to support local, state food efforts NOVEMBER 14, 2025 – Four Kansas health philanthropies joined forces to support local and statewide efforts to help fight hunger. The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, Kansas Health Foundation, Sunflower Foundation and REACH Healthcare Foundation are together contributing more than $381,000 to support Kansas food …
Podcast episode 36: Dr. Scurlock
Welcome to the Pioneers in Health podcast. In this podcast, we share inspiring stories of pioneering leaders from our nation and from your backyard who are working to improve health. In episode 36, we interview Corey Scurlock, MD, MBA, founder and CEO of the leading telehealth company Equum Medical. Equum Medical helps health systems in …
New grant available for Healthy Congregations churches
Help address hunger in your congregation and community. United Methodist churches have long served as community anchors, responding to urgent needs with compassion, creativity and conviction. In this moment when food banks are struggling and federal SNAP cuts are leaving more families without food, churches are uniquely positioned to lead with care and purpose. Feeding …
Podcast episode 35: Ryan Lester
Welcome to the Pioneers in Health podcast. In this podcast, we share inspiring stories of pioneering leaders from our nation and from your backyard who are working to improve health. In episode 35, we interview Ryan Lester, MPH, who serves as Vice President, Education, Health of the Public and Science at the American Academy of …
Health Fund to serve on statewide alliance to help rural hospitals and providers
HUTCHINSON, KS — The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or HR1, instituted significant funding and coverage cuts to Medicaid, which will further threaten the viability of rural hospitals. Governor Kelly recently announced an alliance of organizations to help navigate how to best support Kansas rural health care and how to allocate funds …