WICHITA, KAN. — With more than $1.4 million, KHF will support seven organizations within the behavioral health system to shift toward being tobacco-free as well as advocate for increased coverage and usage of tobacco-dependence treatment benefits.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable death and illness in Kansas, and research shows that smoking disproportionately affects individuals with a mental health diagnosis. KHF envisions a culture in which every Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work, and play, and the Foundation aims to reduce tobacco use among individuals with a serious mental illness.
“This population is significantly more likely to smoke, and this high rate of use contributes to the fact that individuals with a serious mental health condition are dying 25 years earlier than other Kansans,” said Jeff Willett, KHF Vice President for Programs and Policy.
Organizations that have received funding:
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. To achieve this, KHF focuses its work in four impact areas: access to affordable health care, healthy behaviors, civic and community engagement and educational attainment. During its history, KHF has provided more than $500 million in grants to Kansas communities and organizations, and looks forward to working toward its mission and vision for many years to come.
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