WICHITA, Kan. – A total of $3.5 million in grant funds have been distributed to six organizations in the Wichita area to ensure residents of Sedgwick County impacted by groundwater contamination have access to free health testing, particularly those living in neighborhoods close to 29^th and Grove.

These grant funds were made available through a partnership consisting of state government, local government, private sector and philanthropic partners. The Kansas Health Foundation was selected by the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County to serve as the grant program administrator. The program was structured around two clear desires stated by residents of these neighborhoods:

• The need for free health screenings for Sedgwick County residents effected by groundwater contamination
• The need for communication efforts to inform residents about exposure, risks, and testing availability

“This moment has been decades in the making – a groundwater contamination that happened long before we served in these roles, yet significant enough for us to do something about it now,” said State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau. “There are countless individuals and organizations to thank, including the Governor, my House and Senate colleagues, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, city and county officials, local funders, public health experts, and most importantly our neighbors who remain steadfast in their commitment to serving our community,”

Organizations receiving grant funds are:

• HealthCore: $1,368,750**
• GraceMed: $603,750
• Hunter Health: $603,750
• Wichita Black Nurses Association: $603,750
• I Am Wichita: $285,000
• Wichita Medical Research and Education Foundation: $35,000

“Though it’s just the beginning, today marks a meaningful first step in doing right by our community,” said Kansas Health Foundation President and CEO Ed O’Malley. “There’s much work left to be done, but our hope is this news can begin to provide relief and repair to all who’ve been affected.”

BACKGROUND AND FUNDING

In fall of 2022, many residents of 29^th and Grove learned for the first time of a large chemical spill that contaminated groundwater beneath their homes. The exact cause and date of the spill are still unknown, but believed to have happened in the 1970s. The chemical is a carcinogen and health officials recommend residents seek health testing if they were exposed to the contamination. Over time, other groundwater contaminations have occurred across Sedgwick County, creating the need to ensure testing is available to all residents.

Following the release of a report on the 29^th and Grove groundwater contamination, 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. That local match was met in April of this year.

The $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

The Kansas Health Foundation administered a grant program, which opened on June 1, 2025, in coordination with the state, city, county and other local contributors.

KHF received no fees for administering the grant program, ensuring all funding was available for grants. KHF also contributed an additional $100,000 in funding beyond the grant program to further expand the group of partner organizations and ensure adequate communication to residents occurs. The additional partners include:

• Sistahs Can We Talk
• The Center

The grant program design and funding allocations were informed by an advisory group, comprised of city and county officials, healthcare experts, advocates, and community members. Advisory committee members include:

• State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau
• Sedgwick County Commissioner Ryan Baty
• Wichita City Councilman Brandon Johnson
• Adrienne McAlpine, President of the Power Neighborhood Association
• Michelle Redmond, Associate Professor of Population Health
• Aujanae Bennett, President of the Northeast Millair Neighborhood Association
• Lavonta Williams

“This grant program would not be possible if not for the bold collaboration between individuals with diverse backgrounds and organizations across a variety of sectors,” O’Malley said. “The Kansas Health Foundation commends each and every collaborator for their commitment to our community and neighbors who’ve been impacted.”

**The total funding for HealthCore reflects not only the funds for testing, but also reflects HealthCore serving as the grant recipient for a coordinated communication and messaging approach. In this case, PANO Marketing will serve as the coordinating marketing entity, and therefore a subgrantee of HealthCore.

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