WICHITA, KAN. – Drinking water is critical to prevent chronic disease, preserve and improve oral health, and for cognitive development in growing children. Yet, many communities struggle to provide their residents with clean, safe drinking water. And, it may not be easily accessible to Kansans where they live, work and play.
Through the Improving Public Health Through Access to and Consumption of Water initiative, the Kansas Health Foundation is funding five organizations across the state, selected during a competitive grant application process, to improve health outcomes by improving Kansans’ access to water. In total, more than $900,000 will be provided to these organizations.
“Water is essential to life and a healthy, prosperous Kansas,” said Jeff Willett, Kansas Health Foundation Vice President for Programs and Policy. “These grants will help organizations improve public health by making clean drinking water readily available to more Kansans.”
Water plays an important role in Kansas – whether it’s public health, public water infrastructure, agriculture, economic development, health disparities, or water quality. About 10 percent of the state’s water goes to municipal use. All Kansas public water systems, regardless of where they are or how many customers they serve, are required by law to provide safe and clean drinking water; however, it’s a growing challenge, especially in smaller communities.
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The Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) is a nonprofit organization based in Wichita but statewide in its focus. At KHF, all our work centers on our mission: to improve the health of all Kansans. As part of a new strategic framework, developed by our staff and board of directors, KHF also strives to accomplish three primary purposes: empower Kansas to lead the nation in health; eliminate the inequities that create health disparities; and, for KHF to become THE model for philanthropic impact.
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