Our Health Matters

25/07/2025

Dear Friends

Our Health Matters is celebrating 20 YEARS!!

Our purpose has always been and remains to “increase health literacy” meaning every article helps you obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services in order to make informed health decisions and take action. Over our 20-year existence we have presented life-saving health topics, provided insights on ways to begin your healthier lifestyle journey and shared many personal stories of perseverance.

A Commitment to Health Literacy

Since 2004, Our Health Matters™ has recognized an urgent need to close the information gap and address the cultural disconnect in healthcare. African American and Hispanic communities have long carried the greatest burden of chronic, preventable diseases and suffered the highest rates of death due to limited access and resources. In response, Our Health Matters™ was launched as a free, trusted source of health education and empowerment for ALL families in Kansas City.

Empowering Communities

For over 20 years, Our Health Matters™ has worked to increase health literacy throughout the region. Each issue delivers clear, practical information on key health topics like chronic disease prevention, mental health, preventive care, nutrition, and adopting a healthier lifestyle. The magazine connects individuals with quality, culturally responsive healthcare systems and resources to improve their lives.

Collaboration and Impact

Our Health Matters™ partners with a wide range of health providers, experts, academic institutions, nonprofits, and advocates dedicated to advancing health equity and shaping policy. Through these collaborations, the magazine offers trusted guidance and encouragement to readers, while sponsors and supporters gain a platform to reach racially diverse audiences.

Reaching Families, Building Healthier Communities

Over the years, Our Health Matters™ has distributed millions of print copies and attracted thousands of online readers. The publication continues to build healthier communities—one informed family at a time.

Attached are a few cover story highlights. View more online at kcourhealthmatters.com

Some Business and Civic recognitions include:

• 2021 Kansas City Medical Society FRIEND OF MEDICINE award
• 2017 Black Girls Rock Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

We want to hear from YOU our readers and supporters! Email stories about something you learned from us; what you like about Our Health Matters and any other well wishes to: info@kcourhealthmatters.com. We will publish as many as we have space in our upcoming 20th Anniversary edition.

For space reservations in our OCT-NOV 20th anniversary edition email Ruth Ramsey Publisher
info@kcourhealthmatters.com.

PLEASE SHARE

University Health KC KSHB Kevin Holmes FOX4 News Kansas City
HCA Midwest Health Mid-America Regional Council Encompass Health

22/07/2025

Dear Friends,

I'm happy to say I live in a community where people come together to uplift each other and do their part to celebrate the good that often times doesn't rise to the occasion of BREAKING NEWS on local TV stations. Saturday, July 19th was a different story. Local stations showed up to capture this positive event! No murder was being reported; there were no senseless acts of violence; no burglary, no fights...just a gathering of young people and older residents from across the city all heeding the call to support a community clean up project.

Our Health Matters teamed up Marvin Lyman and his daughter Madison Lyman to support Southpoint@63rd the development firm led by CJR Development Partners to highlight two summer events: ROOTED ON PROSPECT the July 19th "PICKING UP and POWERING FORWARD, a clean up along the Prospect corridor and a panel discussion PAST, PRESENT, POSSIBLE: PROSPECT IN CONVERSATION to be held on Saturday, July 26th. Details attached. The public is invited.

Special thanks to Washington Wheatley Neighborhood Association and Blue Hills Neighborhood Association

Sharing a few photos...

18/07/2025

OUR HEALTH MATTERS teams up with Southpointe@63rd

We’re happy to support the Rooted on Prospect FIRST of two SUMMER SERIES led by CJR Development Partners through Southpointe .

Join us for the Prospect United: Community Cleanup--the first of a series of activities.

Meet us Saturday, July 19th at 10AM Kansas City G.I.F.T. (5008 Prospect Ave).

VOLUNTEERS are welcome.

We will transport you to the starting point — 7444 Prospect Ave., proceed north and finish at G.I.F.T., around 12:30 PM.
Transportation provided to clean up site.

• Wear bright colors
• Dress for the weather
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• All cleanup materials will be provided
• Water and snacks provided

Thank you in advance for your support.

ALSO JOIN US FOR THE ROOTED on PROSPECT 2ND SERIES
JULY 26TH

PAST, PRESENT, POSSIBLE: PROSPECT IN CONVERSATION

FLIER ATTACHED. PLEASE SHARE.

This panel gathers community voices to reflect on Prospect’s past and present, and imagine its future—together.

Led by CJR Development through Southpointe in partnership with Our Health Matters.

Madison Lyman, Project Assistant, CJR Development Partners
Leading Community Engagement for Southpointe
madisonglyman@gmail.com | 816-647-1206

Kudos to Madison Lyman for her amazing coordination of these events.

Kansas City KCTV5 News Kansas City KSHB Kevin Holmes University Health KC Mayor Quinton Lucas

Ruth Ramsey, Publisher
Our Health Matters
KCOurHealthMatters.com
816-456-4189

28/06/2025

Thank you for mentoring our youth. There’s hope for the future.

24/06/2025

Keep doing your part.

27/02/2025

Thank you.

It’s still sometimes surreal for Darius Dickerson that he’s a cop, even after almost two years.

The Wyandotte County native never dreamed of it, gravitating to working in fields focused on kids. But paths and dreams, like careers, change. Today, Dickerson, a proud father, gets satisfaction in being himself in the service of others.

“I may not look like the prototypical officer because I have tattoos and long hair,” Dickerson said. “I think that makes it better. There are kids out in the community that look just like me. It’s important to set a good example.”

No longer a rookie, Dickerson has learned how to be a better officer - https://kcpolice.org/media/news-releases/growing-confidence-propels-kcpd-officer/

24/01/2025

Thank you for your service.

At 18, Katie Hubbell failed a typing test, stopping her from dispatching for another law enforcement agency.

Discouraged but not defeated, Hubbell practiced, and at age 20, she joined KCPD’s Communications Unit. Today, she is a dispatcher with 20 years of valuable experience, bringing calmness to emergencies.

Hubbell works directly with officers, dispatching them to calls for service and providing them with critical information.

“A lot of the officers tell me that they know when they hear me that they’re safe and that I’m going to make sure that they go home at the end of the night,” said Hubbell. “That is one of the most rewarding things. That makes me feel good about myself.”

Sometimes chaotic, sometimes stressful, always exciting, dispatching is a role Hubbell is proud to serve where “anything you could possibly imagine happens.” - https://kcpolice.org/media/news-releases/dispatcher-s-two-decades-of-experience-brings-calmness-to-emergencies/

14/12/2024

When I launched Our Health MattersTM 19 years ago, our tagline was “In Touch with Your Health.” Later we added “Your Guide to Healthy Living.” We have made it our mission to provide a free health magazine to inform and educate you about the importance of maintaining and managing your health, including how to communicate with your doctor and advocate for quality care.

In our DECEMBER edition we introduce you to individuals and families who share their thoughts about what “health is wealth” means to them. There are also articles that remind us that “food is medicine; “music is medicine” and “love is medicine”. Download your personal digital copy.

As we close out this year we leave you with a familiar message—take control of your health! We will continue to empower you with knowledge to recognize the signs and symptoms of chronic disease; help you identify quality healthcare providers; and connect you to hundreds of community resources. Life is a never-ending journey of possibilities.

Have safe and healthy holidays.

Stay tuned for announcements in 2025 about our 20th anniversary and our plans for the future.

Please LIKE and SHARE our PAGE.

@ KKCTV5 News Kansas CityKKMBC 9
RREACH Healthcare Foundation UUniversity Health KC

HHealth Forward FoundationGGood Health KC
TThe University of KansasEEwing Marion Kauffman FoundationMMid-America Regional CouncilTThe Kansas City Star

25/10/2024

Great. Thanks for all you do

25/10/2024

Our Health Matters takes pride in being “Your Guide to Healthy Living” in the greater Kansas City region. We educate, motivate and celebrate your journey to living a healthy life. You will find a variety of healthcare providers and resources to help you live a healthier life today and beyond.


City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department
REACH Healthcare Foundation
University Health KC
Rodgers Health
UMKC Women of Color Leadership Conference
KCTV5 News Kansas City
KSHB 41
CBS News
Kansas City Public Schools
The Kansas City Star
HealthCare.gov
Breast Cancer Awareness by GreaterGood

23/10/2024

If you live in Jackson County and are legally registered to vote you can VOTE EARLY at this location 4407 Blue Parkway Monday through Friday 8am to 5 pm. Let’s get this done. Our democracy depends on it.

11/10/2024

Why Are So Many Younger People (18-49)
Being Diagnosed with Cancer?

A growing number of young adults between the ages of 18 and 49 are being diagnosed with “early-onset” cancers, a troubling trend that can be attributed to a complex interplay of a variety of factors.

Societal trends and cultural shifts have influenced the prevalence of risk factors associated with cancer in younger adults. Changes in to***co use patterns, alcohol consumption habits, dietary preferences and exposure to ultraviolet radiation have all contributed to alterations in cancer risk profiles among individuals in this age group.

Understanding the root causes behind this increase requires an examination of the many influences that contribute to the development of cancer at a younger age.

OUR HEALTH MATTERS shares insights on cancer and how you and your family can take steps to proactively take control of your health.

Check out our current edition.


KCTV5 News Kansas City
University Health KC
The University of Kansas
HCA Midwest Health
Saint Luke's Health System
City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department
Health Forward Foundation
REACH Healthcare Foundation
Prostate Network
Amyloidosis Foundation
American Heart Association - Kansas
Mayor Quinton Lucas
Kansas City
Men's Health
Swope Health
Rodgers Health