Statement of David Jordan, president and CEO of the United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, on Governor Kelly’s veto of HB 2387: “Vetoing this legislation protects Kansas taxpayers and the health of Kansans. Enabling the non-partisan reprocurement process of the state’s $3.9 billion Medicaid managed care contracts to continue as planned ensures our program is able …
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Learn more about things happening at the Health Fund, and in our areas of focus
Statement on HB 2387 veto
Policy changes could address disparities for Kansas mothers and children
This commentary originally ran in the Kansas Reflector on May 9, 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 …
Russell Child Development Center team receives Project of the Year award
Russell Child Development Center staff pictured from L to R: Shara Sater, Data Manager; Erika Garcia, LMSW, Early Interventionist, Social Worker and ABC Coach; Francisca Jimenez, BSN, Growing Together Home Visitor; Dannah Schatz, ABC Coach and Triple P Coach; Deanna Berry, Former Executive Director; Katrina Lowry, Early Childhood Programs Director; and Rebecca Clancy, Executive Director. …
Best way to get back to normal? Be fully vaccinated as you engage with the people around you.
This opinion piece by Health Fund President David Jordan originally appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal on April 28, 2022. Right now, it feels like the COVID pandemic is over. We’re excited that things are getting back to normal. COVID infections, hospitalizations and deaths are way down. It’s safe enough in most communities to go maskless …
Webinar: Spring into Healthy Congregations
Spring is a time of renewal for our land, for our spirits, and for our Healthy Congregations program. This live webinar was recorded on Thursday, April 28. We discussed the 2022 Healthy Congregations renewal process, innovative ways to use your annual grant, and special grant opportunities that could increase your congregation’s health ministry. Speakers included: …
Webinar: Navigating Vaccine Hesitancy with Families
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 …
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 …