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 26, we interview Mike Matson. He is a lifelong Kansan whose career has touched various aspects of communications: radio and TV news, press …
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Learn more about things happening at the Health Fund, and in our areas of focus
Podcast episode 26: Mike Matson
Updated report shows how ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ will impact Kansas
CONTACTS: New report: Kansas to lose $3.77 billion in Medicaid funding under ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ thousands to lose access to health insurance HUTCHINSON, KS – New modeling shows 13,000 fewer Kansans would be able to enroll in Medicaid under the “One Big Beautiful Bill” recently passed by the U.S. House, and the state would …
Episode 25: Haley Kottler
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 25, we interview Haley Kottler, thriving and integrated voter engagement director at Kansas Appleseed. Haley engages Kansans in anti-hunger advocacy, building grassroots campaigns …
Health Fund says goodbye to longtime board members
The Health Fund staff and Board of Directors said goodbye to three longtime board members this month. Outgoing Board Chairperson Lori Hartnett, Treasurer Lynette Juresic and Director Monte Wentz all attended their last meeting in May. Each member contributed immensely to the organization during their years of service to the organization. All three joined the …
Podcast episode 24: Becca Graves
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 24, we interview Becca Graves, executive director at Perigee Fund. The Perigee Fund is a philanthropy that focuses on increasing support for families impacted …
Webinar: Access to Maternity Care in Kansas
The growing maternal-care desert in Kansas is causing more women in the state to drive long distances for care, with 59% not having any local access to inpatient maternity services. The KU School of Nursing recently released a report detailing the availability of maternity care across Kansas. The report, “Access to Maternity Care in Kansas,” …
Phillips County Health Systems receives 2024 Janet Sevier Gilbreath Award
HUTCHINSON, KS — The Health Fund honored Phillips County Health Systems with its 2024 Janet Sevier Gilbreath Special Project Recognition Award during a ceremony May 6 in Hutchinson, Kansas. This annual award celebrates a standout project that received grant support during that year from the Health Fund. Phillips County Health Systems (PCHS) was honored for …
Report details access to maternity care in Kansas
The Health Fund commissioned a report by KU School of Nursing, who worked in collaboration with the Kansas Center for Rural Health, to conduct research on access to maternity care in Kansas. The report was released May 8, 2025. This story below announcing the report originally appeared on KU Medical Center’s website. The Health Fund …
Podcast episode 23: Brenda Sharpe
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 23, we interview Brenda Sharpe, president and CEO, of REACH Healthcare Foundation. REACH is a charitable organization based in Overland Park, Kansas, that …
Healthy Congregations makes updates to program
Healthy Congregations teams can now earn additional grant dollars with our newly updated program! Teams also can focus their time and resources on fewer projects to have greater impact. We recently announced these changes at our annual Healthy Congregations retreat in April 2025. Check out this video from our Vice President of Programs Katie Schoenhoff …