This guest blog post was authored by Sonder Crane, MD, IBCLC, Pediatrician, Chapter Breastfeeding Coordinator-Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. “I think it’s time for mommy milk!” said my 5-year-old to my 2-year-old as their 1-month-old baby brother began to fuss. “Mommy milk” has always been the term for breast milk in our …
News and Resources
Learn more about things happening at the Health Fund, and in our areas of focus
Musings on the importance of breastfeeding and a review of current recommendations
The state of breastfeeding in Kansas
This guest blog post was authored by Brenda Bandy, IBCLC, and Jennie Toland, BSN, RN, CLC, Co-Executive Directors of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. “[…] exclusive breastfeeding goes a long way toward canceling out the health difference between being born into poverty and being born into affluence…It is almost as if breastfeeding takes the infant out …
Disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline will reduce disparities for Kansans
This commentary originally ran in the Kansas Reflector on August 4, 2022. About the authors: Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka USD 501, and Dr. Shannon Portillo, associate dean and professor at the University of Kansas, served as co-chairs of the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice; David Jordan, president and CEO of the …
Kansas’ breastfeeding journey: reflections and the road ahead
By Katie Schoenhoff, Director of Programs Happy National Breastfeeding Month. As we celebrate National Breastfeeding Month, we are reminded of the gains achieved and the work ahead in helping ensure that breastfeeding’s numerous health benefits are available to all mothers and children. At the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, we have worked to support breastfeeding …
Using Proven Early Childhood Interventions to Combat ACEs
This piece originally appeared in the Kansas Child summer 2022 issue. David Jordan is president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund. It’s true what they say: children don’t come with an instruction manual. These days, many families are struggling to feel successful raising their children while also coping with the many demands …
God’s Temple: Health and Holiness in the Body of Christ
Our health is strongly influenced by a combination of biological, social, and environmental factors beyond our control: the conditions in our communities, the schools in our neighborhoods, the availability of healthy food and good jobs, and how close we are to hospitals and clinics. As we continue to explore what it means to be healthy, …
Good Neighbor Experiment
Applications due: The virtual cohort begins on August 20. The in-person Kansas City cohort begins on August 27. The deadline to RSVP is August 10. The Good Neighbor Experience (GNE) is a cohort-based learning process for congregations who wish to engage their community as neighbors. GNE is rooted in the practices of Asset-Based Community Development …
As for Me and My Body
Candice McField is the founder of Candice McField Fitness and As for Me and My Body. She is a certified health coach, fitness educator and serves on the Kansas Governor’s Council on Fitness. McField is passionate about teaching wellness solutions that help her clients strengthen their relationship with Christ and instruct clients on practical ways …
Right now is the right time to vaccinate your child against COVID-19
This opinion piece originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal on July 1, 2022. Gretchen Homan, M.D., is president of the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and former chair of the Immunize Kansas Coalition. David Jordan is president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund in Hutchinson. Pictured above is Elise, …
Bridging the digital divide can reduce gaps between Kansas communities
This commentary originally ran in the Kansas Reflector on June 23, 2022. About the authors: Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent of Topeka USD 501, and Dr. Shannon Portillo, associate dean and professor at the University of Kansas, served as co-chairs of the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice; David Jordan, president and CEO of the …