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WICHITA, Kan. – Kansas has plummeted from 8th (1991) to 28th (2024) in national health rankings. The Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) has released its Economic Case for Health report, revealing that this decline is not just a medical crisis—it is a direct threat to the state’s workforce productivity and fiscal stability.
“For far too long, we’ve treated health and the economy as two separate goals,” said Ed O’Malley, KHF President and CEO. “This report connects them. We know that to have a prosperous Kansas, we must have a healthy Kansas.”
The report highlights that health is a foundational pillar of economic strength. Data confirms that countries, states, and local communities that are healthier outperform others in terms of GDP and attracting investment.
“Health is often seen as the realm of doctors and hospitals. The prevailing mindset has been that health is a cost—a bill that must be paid,” said O’Malley. “But what if health created wealth? How might that change the way leaders across Kansas view our health investments?”
The reality is stark: Kansas had the steepest decline in America’s Health Rankings of any state. According to experts, policy decisions in Kansas have fallen out of alignment with what supports health, driving this decline.
Key Insights from the Report:
- Macro Growth: Healthier states attract more investment and see higher per-capita income.
- Workforce: Healthier workers mean higher productivity and lower business costs.
- Public Finance: Prevention (nutrition, chronic disease) protects public budgets and increases tax revenue.
- Families: Good health is the foundation for household wealth and upward mobility.
The report is based on a rigorous review of the latest economic and health data. For those who want to examine the methodology, specific studies, or the Kansas-specific context in greater detail, here are the links to the executive summary and the full report.
“If Kansas wants to lead the nation in health again, it will require leaders who can communicate this broader value,” said O’Malley. “By reframing how we talk about health, Kansas can chart a path back to being one of the healthiest—and most economically vibrant—states in the country.”