Childhood vaccination is a sensitive topic. Whether you’re discussing wellness vaccines or COVID-19 vaccines, it’s important to meet people with empathy and active listening. This webinar on navigating vaccine hesitancy with families was recorded on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Speakers included Dr. Gretchen Homan, president-elect for the Kansas Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics …
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Learn more about things happening at the Health Fund, and in our areas of focus
Webinar: Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy with Families
New certification program promises better health care experiences for Kansans
Most Americans struggle to navigate health care. They worry about how expensive the health care system is and how hard it is to understand. We often wish someone could walk us through insurance applications or help us understand doctor’s orders. The challenges can be amplified for uninsured patients and patients whose primary language isn’t English. …
Black maternal health crisis conversation
Among industrialized countries, the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate. In Kansas, the maternal mortality rate is 14.8—meaning 14.8 women die for every 100,000 live births. Black women are more likely to die than white or Hispanic women. Dr. Sharla Smith of the Kansas Birth Equity Network joined Health Fund CEO David Jordan …
Postpartum coverage extension is great news for Kansas families
Through its new budget, Kansas is taking an important step in improving maternal and infant health outcomes. Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed the new budget bill which contains funding for extending postpartum KanCare (Medicaid) coverage from 60 days to 12 months. More than 30% of Kansas births are covered by KanCare. Extending postpartum coverage will …
Wrapped in God’s Embrace: Maternal Health, Flourishing, and Building Communities of Care
The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund (Health Fund) is pleased to release a maternal health sermon guide. The Health Fund is committed to supporting the health and wholeness of all Kansans, including mothers. Maternal health intersects with two of our priority focus areas: Access to Care and Early Childhood Development. Maternal and child health are …
2022 High 5 for Mom & Baby Premier recognition
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers and demonstrates hospitals’ commitment to improving infant and maternal health. The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, through its High 5 for Mom & Baby program, is committed to promoting breastfeeding best practices and to supporting hospitals’ efforts to ensure their staff are …
2022 High 5 for Mom & Baby recognition
Breastfeeding plays a crucial role in the overall health of babies and mothers and demonstrates hospitals’ commitment to improving infant and maternal health. The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, through its High 5 for Mom & Baby program, is committed to promoting breastfeeding best practices and to supporting hospitals’ efforts to ensure their staff are …
Kansas tax policy and federal funding recommendations
Fiscal policy changes can begin to make Kansas more racially equitable: examining recommendations from the governor’s commission This commentary originally ran in the Kansas Reflector on March 30, 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 …
Webinar: Community Health Workers – Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities
The American health care system is expensive and difficult for patients to navigate. Even insured patients worry about the costs of care. Most patients believe providers should consider if social determinants of health are impacting patients’ health, such as concerns regarding food, housing or transportation. Community health workers (CHWs) address patient health care struggles and …
Improving Racial Equity in Kansas
A Three-Part Series Examining the Commission on Racial Equity and Justice’s Final Recommendations Following months of discussions with community members and stakeholders, the Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice developed recommendations to address racial equity in Kansas by focusing on social determinants of health, particularly looking at factors that influence the economic, educational, and …