WICHITA, Kan. – Due to the efforts of a coalition featuring government, private sector and nonprofit partners, the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) is excited to announce a full $3.5 million has been secured for the Wichita community impacted by groundwater contamination, with a particular focus on the neighborhoods near 29^th and Grove. This total comes from a combination of funds from the State of Kansas, City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, philanthropies and businesses.

All of these funds will be used to ensure individuals impacted by groundwater contamination sites in Sedgwick County have access to health screening at local healthcare providers. Funds will be distributed through a grant program, expected to launch this summer, administered by KHF.

“While this situation has been complicated and at times tense, I believe we all need to applaud our local and state officials for their spirit of collaboration and for prioritizing the needs of residents in the 29th and Grove neighborhood,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF President and CEO. “Specifically, Governor Laura Kelly and her administration, Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau, Representatives K.C. Ohaebosim, Ford Carr, Susan Estes, Henry Helgerson, County Commissioner Ryan Baty, City Councilman Brandon Johnson, County Manager Tom Stolz, and City Manager Bob Layton, as well as the many others who have been instrumental in this collaboration.”

BACKGROUND AND FUNDING

In fall of 2022, residents living near 29^th and Grove learned for the first time of a large chemical spill that contaminated groundwater beneath their homes. The chemical is a carcinogen and health officials recommend residents seek health testing if they were exposed to the contamination.

Following the report, efforts began in the state legislature to provide funds for health testing. This led to an initial commitment of $1.5 million in state funds, with an additional $1 million from the state dependent on securing a $1 million local match.

“This effort reflects what’s possible when we come together across business, nonprofit, city, county and state lines for the health and safety of our community,” said Chairman Ryan Baty, Sedgwick County Commissioner for District 4. “Thanks to such a broad collaboration, and the leadership of the Kansas Health Foundation, we were able to raise critical funding to ensure impacted residents have access to the testing and support they deserve. This effort is an important step towards protecting public health and restoring trust in our systems.”

The total amount of $3.5 million in funding consists of contributions from each of the following:

• State of Kansas: $2,500,000
• Kansas Health Foundation: $500,000
• City of Wichita: $125,000
• Sedgwick County: $125,000
• Wichita Foundation: $100,000
• Fidelity Bank: $50,000
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas: $50,000
• Stand Together Foundation: $35,000
• Sunflower Foundation: $15,000

GRANT PROGRAM

KHF is administering the grant program in coordination with the state, city, county and other local contributors. Healthcare entities interested in providing services to those impacted will be able to apply for grants to cover testing costs, including staff time, equipment and process expenses.

By local health clinics receiving these funds, this will help all those who need testing have an affordable and convenient way to be tested. KHF is receiving no fees for administering the program, ensuring all $3.5 million will be available in grants.

The grant program will be informed by an advisory group, comprised of city and county officials, healthcare experts and community members.

“The integrity of this effort hinges on the meaningful involvement of impacted community members,” said Wichita City Council member Brandon Johnson. “Ensuring they receive regular updates and have the opportunity to provide valuable input on both the process and potential solutions. Recognizing this from the beginning, we have actively engaged with community health professionals and prioritized understanding the perspectives of those directly affected by the tragic spill.”

The grant program will be available starting June 1, 2025, with all information and application materials available that day at KHF’s website, www.kansashealth.org.

The full program timeline is laid out below:

• June 1, 2025: Grant program is live at kansashealth.org.
• July 15, 2025: Grant program closes; applications must be submitted.
• By August 31, 2025: Grant recipients are publicly announced.
• By October 30, 2025: All grant funds are dispersed.

“This grant program would not be possible if not for many different sectors working together to offer solutions and find ways to help those impacted by the groundwater contamination,” O’Malley said. “While this is just the beginning of ways to help those in the affected neighborhoods, it is a first step.”

To view additional quotes from funding partners, please click here.

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