Every Kansan deserves to be healthy. This simple phrase describes why we gather data, leverage partnerships, raise awareness of health needs, invest in programs to improve health and encourage community leadership to build stronger places where Kansans call home.

It requires us to be curious and inquisitive, thoroughly researching data to understand the complex needs of our communities. We have to be intentional and deliberate, considering appropriate and timely opportunities for change. By engaging partners, we create better, innovative solutions. We expand our community networks by offering leadership development and leveraging resources, helping us be more responsive to health problems in our state. Through strategic discipline, we can be more thoughtful, open and transparent about how our work contributes to change.

Simple and clear. It’s what we do, who we serve, and what outcomes we hope to achieve. We know by working with others, we can address critical health needs today and make positive change for generations to come.

But the Kansas we have known is changing. Our health problems today are much different and more complex than in the past. Data shows us that race, income, zip code and education level can all influence health outcomes. We link this information with our impact areas:

• Access to care (medical, dental and behavioral health)
• Healthy behaviors (access to healthy food, making physical activity a priority, reducing tobacco use)
• Civic and community engagement (increasing voter engagement and building stronger communities)
• Educational attainment (increasing literacy levels, graduation rates and workforce readiness)

We try to be most effective in reaching the greatest needs by making strategic choices, establishing priorities and allocating resources to achieve a desired result – to improve the health of all Kansans. In 2017, we invested in healthier people and stronger communities. But, our work continues so EVERY Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work and play.