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 is based in Wichita, but statewide in its focus. With a mission to improve the health of all Kansans, KHF envisions a culture in which every Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work and play. During the past 35 years, KHF has provided more than $600 million in grants to improve health in Kansas communities.
Learn more about the latest Foundation news, grant opportunities, stories and health articles by signing up for KHF’s e-newsletters. Join today!