KFMC Health Improvement Partners

11/12/2025

Over 34 percent of Kansans are overweight — a statistic that carries real health consequences and higher health care costs in communities. See where your county ranks. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=2268&localeTypeId=2&periodId=245

11/05/2025

Some Kansas communities have a high diabetes hospital admission rate. Diabetes affects nearly every system in the body and is a leading cause of kidney disease, blindness, amputations and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Knowing your community’s diabetes rates helps drive prevention, early detection, and better support for those at risk. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=6793&localeTypeId=2&periodId=6197

11/04/2025

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

KFMC Health Improvement Partners is proud to share that our President and CEO, Sarah Irsik-Good, has been elected to serve on the Civitas Networks for Health® 2026 Board of Directors.

Civitas Networks for Health unites more than 160 member organizations across the country that are working to improve health through data sharing, collaboration, and innovation. As part of this national network, Sarah will help guide efforts to strengthen the collective voice of local implementers and advance Civitas’ mission to improve health for all.

Please join us in congratulating Sarah on this well-deserved recognition and leadership role!

Read the full announcement from Civitas Networks for Health below:

Civitas Networks for Health® is proud to introduce our 2026 Board of Directors, composed of dedicated leaders—both newly elected and returning—who will guide our national network and advance our shared mission to improve health across the country.
Newly elected and re-elected members:
• Jaime Bland, CEO, CyncHealth (re-elected)
• Ben Tyrrell, CEO, Big Sky Care Connect
• Kyle Russell, CEO, Virginia Health Information
• Sarah Irsik-Good, President and CEO, KFMC Health Improvement Partners
• Van Le, Program Manager, Louisiana Public Health Institute (PelEx) (non-voting, Emerging Leaders Council member)

Returning members include Marc Bennett, Dan Porreca, Craig Behm, Gabrielle Rude, Melissa Kotrys, Carmen Hughes, and Kristin Paulson.

10/29/2025

🌟 Local Hero Spotlight! 🌟

We’re proud to share that KFMC’s very own Brenda Rhoads-Groves has been recognized by WIBW’s Salute Our Heroes for her incredible compassion and service to the Topeka community. 💙

Her mission to help others find dignity, hope, and a place to call home is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.

👏 Join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor and watch her inspiring story!

Salute Our Heroes: Topeka woman finds home in service at SENT Topeka DETAILS>>>https://www.wibw.com/2025/10/28/salute-our-heroes-topeka-woman-finds-home-service-sent-topeka/

10/25/2025

Pneumococcal pneumonia is the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death and illness in the United States--it kills about 1 out of every 20 people who develop the disease. The pneumococcal vaccine is very effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. See vaccinations rates in your county. https://www.kansashealthmatters.org/indicators/index/view?indicatorId=12877&localeId=19

10/24/2025

We’re very proud to announce the City of Lawrence Homeless Response Team as the winner of our third annual Health Equity Innovation Award! The award was announced October 23 at the Kansas Health Impact Conference in Manhattan, KS.

HRT stands apart in its work to serve unsheltered individuals—the community’s most marginalized population—who face disproportionate rates of chronic illness, behavioral health crises, substance use disorders, and premature death. In one year, HRT reduced unsheltered homelessness by 66%, expanded access to overdose prevention, and closed critical gaps for those least likely to receive care. The HRT model—integrating health, housing, and harm reduction in a single mobile unit—can be adapted in any community, ensuring long-term impact and feasibility even with limited funding. Moreover, the team actively promotes dignity, choice, and respect in every interaction, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Congratulations to the City of Lawrence HRT and all our outstanding nominees. The work you do makes us all very proud!

City of Lawrence, Kansas - Municipal Government

10/22/2025

We’re so excited to be hosting our conference in Manhattan this year! We hope to see you all tomorrow morning!

A BIG Little Apple welcome to attendees of 2025 Kansas Health Impact Conference. We hope you have a great event and enjoy your time in Manhattan! KFMC Health Improvement Partners

10/22/2025

Congratulations to Upside, the seventh and final nominee for our third annual Health Equity Innovation Award!

Upside helps Medicaid members who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness secure safe, stable housing. Within 24 hours of referral, care guides assess members’ needs and develop culturally affirming, language-appropriate housing strategies — coordinating every step from placement to move-in. By leveraging a Kansas-specific housing network, real-time vacancy tracking, and partnerships with care coordinators, community organizations, and local housing authorities, Upside has supported more than 200 Kansans, with 100% of survey respondents reporting improved overall well-being.

Our incredible award nominees truly exemplify what it means to drive health equity, bringing forward creative, sustainable, and community-driven innovations that reduce disparities and improve lives. Now that we’ve showcased all seven, we can’t wait to announce the Health Equity Innovation Award winner October 23 at the Kansas Health Impact Conference in Manhattan, KS. Check back to find out!

10/22/2025

Join us in honoring TECHS EMS, as the sixth of seven nominees for our annual Health Equity Innovation Award!

Through the TECHS EMS Patient Advocacy Outreach Program, EMS advocates follow up with high-risk patients to connect them with primary care, behavioral health, and social services. By providing in-home wellness checks and follow-up visits, the program removes barriers of distance and transportation while fostering trust through culturally respectful communication and local partnerships. Already, TECHS EMS has achieved a 10% reduction in repeat 911 calls from frequent users, improving health outcomes, easing strain on hospitals, and preserving emergency response capacity for true crises.

We’ll announce our award winner on October 23 at the Kansas Health Impact Conference. Watch this space for the spotlight on our final nominee!

10/21/2025

Congratulations to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital & Seneca Family Practice, the fourth of seven nominees for our annual Health Equity Innovation Award!

Nemaha Valley Community Hospital is making care more accessible for its growing Spanish-speaking population. The hospital translated its website, patient documents, and financial assistance forms into Spanish, and worked with its EHR vendor to complete missing portal functions. Since these changes, requests for Spanish translation average more than 30 per week, and Hispanic primary care visits have more than doubled in two years. With sustainable translation practices and community collaboration, Nemaha Valley is removing barriers, building trust, and expanding access for underserved families.

Keep following us as we share more about each of our award nominees! We’ll announce the winner October 23 at the Kansas Health Impact Conference in Manhattan, KS.

10/20/2025

We’re proud to showcase RISE Cowley, the fifth of seven nominees for our annual Health Equity Innovation Award!

In hosting 30-plus “A Closer Look at Cowley Kids” Data Walks, RISE Cowley elevated awareness of child poverty and health, leading to the Cowley ACTs initiative on childcare, housing, health, and rural resources. Through efforts like the Grow Club at Winfield Correctional Facility—which produces thousands of pounds of produce annually for hunger relief—RISE Cowley expands access while fostering dignity and skill-building. The coalition also sustains the Local Health Equity Action Team, ensuring culturally competent solutions such as interpreter access, transportation to care, and inclusive park improvements.

We’ll announce our award winner October 23 at the Kansas Health Impact Conference in Manhattan, KS. Until then, keep an eye on us here to learn more!

10/20/2025

KFMC is proud to recognize Vital Health Links as Silver Sponsor of the 2025 Kansas Health Impact Conference! Their sponsorship helps make this event possible — bringing together healthcare leaders, community advocates, and innovators from across Kansas to collaborate, close equity gaps, and create lasting impact.

Thank you, Vital Health Links, for your commitment to advancing health and wellness statewide!