Community health workers help bridge the gap between their communities and health care and social services. They provide culturally responsive care, improve access to services and address social drivers of health — including food insecurity, housing instability and transportation barriers. They extend the reach of health care teams by offering follow-up, education and support beyond …
News
Learn more about things happening at the Health Fund, and in our areas of focus
New report: Sustaining CHWs in Kansas
2026 Healthy Congregations Retreat
Registration is now open for our annual retreat April 16-17 in Salina, Kansas! Come experience the Gift of Community at this year’s annual retreat. This two-day event is designed to leave you feeling inspired and connected to others who are passionate about the health of their congregations and communities. It will be held at the …
Health Fund president receives national honor
Health Fund President and CEO David Jordan received the Rural Health Advocate of the Year award by the National Rural Health Association Feb. 10 during the NRHA’s Rural Health Policy Institute. He received the award as recognition for his extraordinary dedication to the health of rural Americans. In presenting the award, NRHA leadership said David …
Podcast episode 43: Beth Ludlum
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 43, we interview Rev. Dr. Beth Ludlum. Beth serves as vice president for strategic initiatives and executive director of The Hub for (Re)Imagining …
Podcast episode 42: Kari Bruffett
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 42, we interview Kari Bruffett, president and CEO of Kansas Health Institute. Kari, who grew up in western Kansas, began her career as …
Podcast episode 41: Chase Blasi
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 41, we interview Chase Blasi, Kansas senator and Senate majority leader. He is a fifth-generation Kansan who grew up in West Sedgwick County …
Health Fund president named to national health board
Health Fund President and CEO David Jordan was elected to the national Grantmakers in Health Board of Directors this month. Grantmakers in Health is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to helping foundations and corporate giving programs improve the health of all people. Its mission is to foster communication and collaboration among grantmakers and others, and to help strengthen the grantmaking community’s …
Child care subsidy program report, recommendations released
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 child care allows parents to work, pursue education, and provide stability at home. For employers, it means a dependable workforce and stronger productivity. And for children, high-quality …
Podcast episode 39: Janet Stanek
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 …
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 …