Health Forward Foundation

08/06/2025

It's National Health Center Week! This week, we're celebrating six decades of community health centers serving at the heart of our communities. These centers are the nation's largest primary care network, providing high-quality care to 1 in 10 Americans — no matter their income or insurance.

What started in 1965 as a small program to bring health care to areas with limited access has grown into a powerful network that serves nearly 34 million people today. These health centers are powered by a workforce of over 326,000 dedicated staff members.

This is why our purpose-driven strategic plan includes a focus on advocating for policies that support, respect, and protect these essential health centers. We're proud to support our seven health center partners in Kansas and Missouri:
HCC Network
Rodgers Health
Swope Health
KC CARE Health Center
Vibrant Health
Health Partnership Clinic
Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

National Association of Community Health Centers

08/05/2025

🗓️ Primary Elections in Kansas are TODAY 📢 Polls close at 7 PM🚨

Have you made a plan to vote? If not, now’s the time! And remember to check in with your friends and neighbors about their voting plans, too.

Civic engagement is a vital step towards influencing positive health outcomes. 🗳️🤝 Let's take action and advocate for policies that prioritize health and well-being, leading us all toward healthier lives.

08/04/2025

🗓️ Primary Elections in Kansas are tomorrow! 📢

Make a plan to vote. And make sure your friends and neighbors have a voting plan, too.

Civic engagement is a vital step towards influencing positive health outcomes. 🗳️🤝 Let's take action and advocate for policies that prioritize health and well-being, leading us all toward healthier lives.

07/29/2025

This past week, our People team had the honor of standing with SAVE, Inc. at the ribbon-cutting for Teresa's Place. Named in memory of a beloved Trans woman, Teresa's story highlights the critical need for dignity and belonging. This new facility is not just a building; it is a vital sanctuary providing housing for LGBTQIA+ youth in our region. SAVE, Inc.'s mission to empower individuals with comprehensive housing solutions resonates profoundly with us.

It’s a powerful example of addressing the social drivers of health, like stable housing. Investing in these kinds of equitable opportunities for all young people is not just a goal, it's a moral imperative, and it’s a core commitment of our purpose-driven plan.

07/28/2025

It’s great to see our partners using their platforms to bravely speak out on critical issues. Toniann Richard, CEO of HCC Network, exemplifies this, recently joining Terrence Meck, CEO of God's Love We Deliver, on MSNBC for a vital discussion.

They highlighted the damaging deep cuts to Medicaid and their devastating impact on essential food programs, preventive care, and the very existence of rural clinics. As Toniann aptly puts it, “We have to be able to take care of people.”

This powerful conversation reinforces why we are so proud to stand with partners like HCC Network, who are fiercely advocating for these essential services, driving forward the very intent of our purpose plan.

Many Americans are concerned about the cuts to Medicaid in President Trump’s spending bill. HCC Network CEO Toniann Richard and God’s Love We Deliver Preside...

07/28/2025

Today, we're welcoming Emma Shankland to the Health Forward community! She is joining our team as an impact strategist focusing on policy and advocacy. With a strong background in public health and public policy, Emma brings valuable expertise to our team. We can’t wait to see the incredible work we’ll accomplish together. Welcome to Health Forward, Emma!

07/25/2025

Health starts at home🏡 We recently brought together the 6 incredible organizations we're funding through our new homeownership initiative cohort. Homeownership is key to economic well-being, and we're proud to convene these leaders working to make it a reality for more families.



Community Housing of Wyandotte County, Inc. (CHWC), Community Services League, CHES, Inc. Credit & Homeownership Empowerment Services, Inc., El Centro Inc., Habitat for Humanity of Kansas City, Thrive Allen County

07/16/2025

🗳️ Hey Kansas! Your voice matters! Early voting for the upcoming Primary Election kicks off today!

When we vote, we're not just picking leaders—we're making decisions that impact our future health outcomes. Our democracy thrives when everyone participates.

07/12/2025

We're excited to bring a free screening of "My Mama Joe: Hope & Help" to you on Saturday, July 19, 4 - 6 pm at the Glenwood Arts Theater!

"My Mama Joe: Hope & Help” is a powerful documentary film showcasing the resilience and wisdom within families as they navigate aging and caregiving. It highlights the deep connections and unwavering love that empower families, especially within Black communities, to overcome systemic barriers to health. Mama Joe's remarkable story is a testament to the strength and enduring spirit of individuals and families, fostering understanding and inspiring action for stronger, more equitable communities.

We’re proud to sponsor this film and event. Get tickets here:

Free screening of a documentary film focused on caregiving and improving outcomes for elders with Alzheimer's and related dementias.

07/10/2025

We are deeply grieved that the budget reconciliation bill — referred to by its proponents as the “Big Beautiful Bill” — has now become law. This budget, narrowly adopted by Congress and signed by President Trump on Independence Day, ignores the very real struggles and hopes of most Americans. The simple hope we all share — to be healthy, to have our stomachs full, and to have our most basic needs met.

Read our full statement below ⏩

We are deeply grieved that the budget reconciliation bill — referred to by its proponents as the “Big Beautiful Bill” — has now become law. This budget, narrowly adopted by Congress and signed by President Trump on Independence Day, ignores the very real struggles and hopes of most Americans...

07/09/2025

🗓️ Voter registration deadlines are approaching for the 2025 Kansas Primary Election!

⏰ Civic engagement is a vital step toward influencing positive health outcomes. 🗳️🤝 Let's take action and advocate for policies that prioritize health and well-being, leading us all toward healthier lives.

🌻Kansas – Register by Tuesday, July, 15 ⏩ https://www.kdor.ks.gov/apps/voterreg

07/09/2025

Health Forward Foundation is excited to announce more than $6 million in investments in 50 nonprofit organizations leading the charge in civic engagement and advocacy coalition support. This latest round of funding is a vital part of our multi-focused strategy to achieve health equity and strengthen our democracy.

This isn't just another funding round — it's a reflection of our deepening investment in organizations that are advancing democracy and amplifying community voice. We truly believe, as McClain Bryant Macklin, Chief Policy and Impact Officer, said, that “Our investment is grounded in the belief that policy should be shaped by the people most affected."

We're committed to backing these efforts that build civic power, promote just policies, and support the long-term health of our communities. This funding is just one expression of our broader engagement and long-term commitment to advancing equity through policy and participation.

Learn more about how we're partnering to build healthier futures ⏩ https://healthforward.org/news/health-forward-expands-civic-engagement-and-advocacy-support-with-more-than-6-million-investment-across-51-organizations/