Message from the CEO
Thank you again to all who helped make the Greater Topeka Partnership Business Unwind event a success (additional details further in this newsletter). After the program, at least half a dozen people approached me to inquire about potential projects, ask us to speak at their events, or be thought partners with them on critical work, including strategic planning, insurance coverage policy and disease screening and prevention. Well done!
Looking ahead, as we begin to focus on our own strategic planning, thank you in advance for your time and ideas as we further our mission into 2024.
Summer team members showcase their work and say farewell
On Aug. 9, Alex Ferguson shared her work experiences with staff over the lunch hour. She presented on several projects, including survey analysis and research on the digital divide.
She will be returning to school at the University of Missouri, Columbia, to finish her master's degree in statistics.
Jasmin Kamruddin is also on her way back to school, Tufts University School of Medicine, after interning virtually from Wichita, where she focused on population and public health, along with the importance of building partnerships to improve health outcomes.
We wish Alex and Jasmin well as they return to school.
Professional Development
Your Leadership Edge Course - Step 1
The Kansas Leadership Center believes leadership is an activity that can be done by anyone, anytime. Get on the path to seeing leadership differently by enrolling in KLC’s foundational program, Your Leadership Edge.
Get acquainted with KLC’s principles, competencies and definition of leadership in this two-day program. Practice this new framework alongside participants representing a broad spectrum of sectors. Identify key areas where you need to stretch, grow and experiment (i.e., your leadership edge) to help you get unstuck on some of your toughest challenges. And do this work with the help of a supportive and challenging KLC teaching team.
After discussing with your supervisor, click on the link below to enroll. Most are taking the course virtually (payment is made at the time of enrollment, along with the purchase of a book, paid for by KHI). Upcoming dates for courses are:
Nov. 8-9, 15-16 - virtual evening program
Dec. 13-14 - virtual
Online programs will be delivered via Zoom. Registration closes two weeks prior to each program or once maximum capacity is reached.
For more information about this program contact Nancy Ruf or KLC Programs.
Lead for Change Course - Step 2
After completing Your Leadership Edge, continue your learning with Step 2 on the path. Lead for Change is a 3-day, deep dive into the KLC framework for individuals mobilizing others to deal with tough problems and change processes, regardless of your position. Dig in to applying these ideas throughout your system. Additional details about this course will be available soon.
National Network of Public Health Institutes - Training Opportunities
Via the All-Staff meeting, Aug. 2, NNPHI's Eirin Fitzgerald announced that the organization offers training for its members via phlearningnavigator.org. This is a fantastic opportunity for professional growth.
KHI Announces Role as an NNPHI Innovation Hub Partner
KHI is proud to announce our role as a regional Hub and Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) partner. As one of nine Regional Innovation Hubs under the National Network of Public Health Institutes Hub Model, KHI, in collaboration with other partners, will provide technical assistance serving PHIG recipients in Region 7, which includes Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. Read more about this news.
Congratulations Samiyah
Samiyah Para-Cremer Moore, M.Sc., has been promoted to senior analyst. In her new role, she will build KHI’s work around food security and its relationship to other factors that influence health. Samiyah also will work with colleagues to build KHI’s capacity by developing innovative methodology, processes and tools.
Congrats to Samiyah, and thank you for your dedication to excellence.
All-Staff BBQ - July 5
All-Staff Kabob Cookout - Aug. 2
Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century - Catch Up on the Latest Posts
Blog Series - #3: Building a Sense of Urgency for Public Health Transformation
Prior posts in the Transforming Public Health blog series have underscored the need for change and strategic routes for public health transformation. Considering that change is critical, and yet most change initiatives fall short or fail outright, how can public health professionals guide successful strategic change initiatives? In this post, we will delve into the change management model shared by John Kotter, Ph.D., specifically his insights on fostering a sense of urgency, to understand how to cultivate a climate ripe for change. Future entries will explore additional facets of Kotter’s model for change.
Blog Series - #2: Crafting a Winning Strategy for Public Health
What would it mean for public health to adopt a more strategic approach? Understanding the true essence of being strategic goes beyond running effective programs or having a strategic plan. In this blog post, we will explore different perspectives on what constitutes a winning strategy, how to create one and its implications for public health.
Greater Topeka Partnership Business Unwind - July 25
The Greater Topeka Partnership Business Unwind event was a big success, with more than 80 in attendance. KHI staff greeted guests and invited them to participate in a scavenger hunt, where they learned about Dr. Samuel Crumbine and his autobiography Frontier Doctor, the building's construction and original purpose, and the date of KHI's ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the organization's renovated home. Participants were told to look for QR codes scattered throughout the building, which contained the answers to the scavenger hunt's questions. Door prizes were given to the first few hunters who finished. Luis' Place served delectable appetizers and desserts. We are grateful for the support given by KHI and GTP staff for the fun-filled evening.
KHI Board Retreat - July 26-28
The annual KHI board retreat was held at the Flint Oak Hunting Lodge, in Fall River, Kansas. Three presentations were given on authentic community engagement with Kansas' Latino population. The three-day event gave everyone the chance to connect with one another, exchange knowledge and establish professional contacts. Participants engaged in a heated game of corn hole, with Theresa and Matt taking home the honorary coffee cup as the winners.
Current and former board members, KHI staff and invited guests during a break from work.
Following the board retreat, board members and KHI staff enjoyed a few games of cornhole.
Cornhole champions, Theresa Freed and board member Matt Perrier, show off their first place "trophy."
Thank you Nancy, Ithar, Lyndsey and Michele for Volunteering for Meals on Wheels in July
KHI volunteers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels on the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Pick-up begins at 10:45 a.m., at 1112 S.W. Sixth Ave. Go to the back of the building to pick up the coolers. The number of recipients varies, but the bulk of deliveries are made in under an hour.
Did You Know: For each hour of personal time you spend on community volunteer service, KHI will allocate, on an hour-for-hour basis, up to a maximum of eight hours per six-month period to community volunteer service. Use of volunteer time must be approved by your supervisor in advance in the same way that other leave requests are processed.
Open Positions
KHI is actively recruiting for the following positions through a variety of channels. If you know someone who qualifies for one or more of these positions, send them to our website to learn more.
Quantitative Research Analyst - Candidates for the Quantitative Research Analyst position should have a master’s degree in health services research, public health, statistics, biostatistics, economics, social science, or a relevant discipline, although comparable experience will be considered. Candidates should demonstrate experience in applied research and be familiar with a variety of research methods. Proficient skill in SAS or a comparable statistical programming language is required, and experience with data visualization is desirable. To apply, please submit a letter of application with curriculum vitae, names of three references and samples of written work.
Quantitative Research Assistant - Candidates for the Quantitative Research Assistant position should have a bachelor’s degree in health, public health, social sciences or a relevant discipline, although comparable experience will be considered. Candidates should demonstrate experience in acquiring data from public sources, organizing and preparing data for analysis and illustrating data with graphics. Proficient skill in Microsoft Excel is required. Experience with data analytics, data visualization and using statistical programming language, such as SAS and R, is desirable. Being detail-oriented with the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented applied research setting is essential.
KHI in the News
Governing USA - As America Becomes More Diverse, Topeka Rides the Wave of Change
By Carol Smith - July 31, 2023
By 2066, the Kansas Health Institute says, the Hispanic population in Kansas will increase nearly 300 percent and account for 36 percent of its population. Topeka saw an increase of 24 percent over the past 10 years; today, 34 percent of its public school students are Hispanic.
Kansas Public Radio USA - Premiums Increase for ACA Insurance Plans
Local News - July 19, 2023
The state also saw a record number of people enroll in marketplace plans, especially in rural areas. Linda Shepperd at the Kansas Health Institute says that’s partially thanks to bigger pandemic-relief tax credits that made plans affordable for more people. “We had a pretty high number of folks in the rural parts of the state who were not insured," she said. "And so I think that was just an area that was kind of ripe for growth.”
By Sarah Motter - July 11, 2023
TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The Kansas Health Institute has been chosen to play a role in aiding regional recipients of a $3.84 billion federal grant for public health professionals.
The Kansas Health Institute has announced that it has been named a regional Hub and Public Health Infrastructure Grant partner. As one of nine hubs under the National Network of Public Health Institutes Hub Model, it will provide technical assistance to serve grant recipients in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska.
Officials noted that NNPHI works alongside the Association of State and Territorial Health officials and the Public Health Accreditation Board to lead technical aid for the 107 recipients. The program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of a $3.84 billion Public Health Infrastructure Grant program.
KHI said the funds are meant to help public health departments across the U.S. strengthen their workforce and infrastructure. The program also gives awards to state, local and territorial health departments to provide services needed to bolster public health agencies and departments nationwide. Many of these recipients have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
13 WIBW - A Friend AsKS youth suicide prevention app offers resource in Spanish By Melissa Brunner - July 6, 2023 The need for such resources has never been more evident, as both youth and young adult completed suicide numbers in Kansas continue to be at an all-time high.
Suicide was the second leading cause of death for Kansas early adolescents age 10-14 and youths age 15-24 in 2016-2020. Source - Kansas Health Institute
What's Happening in the Learning Center
September
Sept. 6 - All-Staff Meeting - 9 - 10:30 a.m., SPW
Sept. 7 - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 1 year impacts - Hybrid - 1 - 2:30 p.m. - SPE
Sept. 8 - 988 Coordinating Council - 9 a.m.-noon, SPW
Sept. 13 - Kansas Maternal and Child Health Council - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. - CSP, Ad Astra, Free State and Hayden
Sept. 15 - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center Leadership Cabinet - 10-11 a.m. - SPW
Sept. 18 - Kansas Health Matters - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - Hayden
Sept. 19 - 988 Coordinating Council (Hybrid)- 9 - noon - Hayden
Sept. 29 - Oral Health Kansas Board Meeting - 10 am - 2 pm
SPW - St. Peter West
SPE - St. Peter East
CSP - Combined St. Peter West and East
2023 Kansas Poverty Conference, Kansas Association of Community Action Programs (KACP) - July 18 - 19
Samiyah presented Holistic Care Coordination to the KACP 2023 conference. Holistic care coordination (HCC), also known as care navigation or case management, refers to planned and coordinated healthcare that meets the needs and preferences of the patient across multiple providers and community organizations. When care is coordinated well, the patient, doctors, nurses, other healthcare providers, family and other caregivers all know the process, next steps in the care plan and their roles on the care team.
KHI Family Outing: Chicken N' Pickle - Sept. 16, 4 to 7 PM
After lots of discussion about our 2023 KHI Family Outing venue, we have decided on Chicken N’ Pickle! As previously mentioned, we are moving the event typically held in August back to mid-September, to hopefully accommodate better weather. We hope you are able to attend!
Granddaughters Celebrate August Birthdays
Lyndsey’s granddaughters celebrated their August birthdays together with family and friends (Nyla, 4 and Journi, 2). The girls had a blast and really racked in the presents (and candy, as you can see)!
Cynthia Snyder
What has been your favorite project? Kansas Behavioral Health System and Medicaid Expansion
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far? The importance of collaboration and teamwork
What do you do when you are not working? Hiking, cooking, avoiding yard work
Where’s your favorite place in the world? Road trip to somewhere new
If you could have any superpower what would it be? I already have several. I’m not sure what the next one will be?
What is one food that you cannot resist? Spectacular street tacos
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado Sauce
Ingredients
1 package (14-1/2 ounces) protein-enriched rotini (about 3-1/2 cups uncooked)
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
1 cup fresh spinach
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
2 garlic cloves, halved
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup assorted cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup pine nuts
Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest
Directions
1. Cook rotini according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, place avocados, spinach, basil, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream.
2. Drain rotini; transfer to a large bowl. Add avocado mixture and tomatoes; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts, and add toppings as desired.
Recipe by Taste of Home
988 Youth Suicide Prevention Art Contest 2023
Submissions must be from Kansas residents in grades 6-12.
All entries should be original creations and should not contain anything that is copywritten.
Video/audio recordings should be no longer than 2 minutes. Eligible electronic formats: MP3 & MP4
Messages should reflect themes of hope, help, strength and resilience. We understand that life is not always perfect and that struggles are inevitable. We also understand that art is a way to express your experiences and emotions. Our hope is that you create and share art that feels true to your experience without graphic or gory depictions of suicide.
Summer time is here and we'd love to include your summer travels, adventure images or celebrations in the staff newsletter.
Remember you can also send us photos of special events, new restaurants you've discovered, interesting podcasts, new recipes you've tried, or even fantastic movies you've seen. Send your information to bhersh@khi.org.
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