October events are reflected in the November newsletter.
October Highlights
October was another busy month for KHI, as we completed some important projects, including the strategic plan. Thanks to everyone for participating in the process. We look forward to implementing the plan as we kick off 2024.
Other highlights from staff in October, further below in this newsletter, include Halloween photos and staff adventures!
KHI selected to Support Age-friendly Public Health System
Trust for America’s Health, in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, has selected KHI as one of 10 public health institutes nationwide to participate in Phase III of the Age-Friendly Public Health System movement.
KHI will collaborate with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, and other stakeholders to support the development of healthy aging action plans based on the Age-Friendly Public Health System framework. The work will be completed by spring 2026.
Health On the Plains - Episode 2, Thriving in Rural Kansas with Lisse Regehr
On Episode 2, host Wyatt Beckman takes listeners to Allen County, Kansas, where he talks with Lisse Regehr, President and CEO of Thrive Allen County. She shares how her rural health advocacy organization is working relentlessly to make Allen County the healthiest rural community in the state — one that thrives physically, socially, emotionally and fiscally. Hear how Thrive Allen County is pursuing innovative ideas, intertwining economic development and health, building community capacity and bringing partners together to rally around a shared vision of health.
Episode 3 is also available.
Reimagining Public Health in Kansas: Reflections from a Collaborative Round Table Discussion - #4
Public health is at a pivotal juncture. As we grapple with the complexities and demands of the 21st century, there is an undeniable urgency for introspection, innovation and change. In support of this, KHI facilitated a collaborative round table discussion with nearly 100 public health professionals at the 2023 Kansas Public Health Association Annual Conference. These discussions focused on reimagining the Kansas public health system, focusing on the value proposition, innovating for the future, communicating with key stakeholders, and bolstering collaboration across the broader public health system. The information below represents common themes and poignant insights from the round table.
4th Quarter Board Meeting Friday, Oct. 27
The KHI Board meeting on Oct. 27 was attended by 18 staff and six board members. After a wonderful lunch provided by Luis, staff and board members divided into six groups to discuss KHI strategy areas. After the discussion and summaries from each group, the board members gathered in St. Peter West where they approved the 2024-26 strategic plan.
Board Members, from left: Christy Hopkins, Jean Clifford, Robert Garner,
David Graham, M.D., Kari Bruffett, and Matt Perrier. Tim Cruz participated remotely.
Thank you Wyatt, Nancy and JoDonna for Volunteering for Meals on Wheels in October
KHI volunteers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels on the third and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Pick up begins at 11 a.m., at 1112 SW 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.
KHI October Potluck - Taco Bar - Oct. 4
Convening
Mid-America America Alliance for African Studies Annual Conference, Oct. 20
The Mid America Alliance for African Studies (MAAAS) Annual Conference was held at the KHI Learning Center Oct. 19-20. It was a huge success! Thank you, Lyndsey, Barb, Nancy, and all those who contributed to making sure that the conference ran smoothly. Attendees felt welcome and they had wonderful things to say about our space and staff.
Highlights:
38 registered participants
Day 1: 21 in person, 11 online
Day 2: 20 in person, 14 online
Over 14 countries represented as part of the conference!
There were several community health workers as well as academic, government and organization representatives. Several contacts might be future KHI community-based champions and consultants as part of our strategic partnership development and authentic community engagement plans.
November Staff Spotlight - Tatiana Lin, Director of Business Strategy and Innovation
What has been your favorite project?
My favorite projects have been Health Impact Assessments. These assessments not only inform decision-making on specific real-life policies but also integrate health and equity considerations into areas traditionally outside the health sector. Some of the projects I've enjoyed most include casino development in southeast Kansas, the transit system in Wichita, and medical marijuana initiatives. What makes these projects particularly engaging is the diverse range of approaches they encompass, from environmental scans and policy analysis to data analysis, community engagement, and the formulation of effective recommendations.
What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
I believe in seizing opportunities, as they can lead to unforeseen and valuable outcomes. These opportunities might involve exploring unfamiliar topics, assuming new roles in projects, taking on leadership positions, or presenting innovative ideas—even if their acceptance is uncertain.
What do you do when you are not working?
I love watching my boys play soccer. I'm also passionate about nature, particularly activities like hiking, spending time on the water, or simply taking a stroll through a park. I embrace spontaneity and never shy away from seizing unexpected opportunities, be it a last-minute trip or an impromptu concert.
Where’s your favorite place in the world?
Italy holds a special place in my heart. I had the opportunity to spend two weeks there in 2017. The country offers an all-encompassing experience — delicious cuisine and wines, breathtaking architecture, a diverse landscape, cool fashion and sunshine. I'm particularly drawn to unique Airbnb accommodations like treehouses, boats, caves, churches, teepees, and tiny houses. In Italy, my favorite Airbnb stay was on a boat anchored in a scenic bay near Sorrento.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Beyond the dream of guessing Powerball numbers to win big, I'd love to have the superpower to help people more easily see and recognize alternative perspectives, and in turn, change their minds.
What is one food that you cannot resist?
I can never resist freshly baked croissants filled with smoked salmon and avocado. I could eat them at any time of the day. I found them especially delicious in Italy. Freshly squeezed juice and fresh fruit make great accompaniments.
Shawnee County Data Walk - Oct. 30
On Oct. 30, the United Way of Kaw Valley in collaboration with Communities Supporting Early Literacy community partners hosted a dynamic in-person event to reflect on these factors and drive meaningful conversation about health in Shawnee County. The Data Walk featured eight posters with local data about health regarding these factors and the importance of improving community health.
Improving these factors often requires a multifaceted approach that begins with mobilizing the community to act. During the Data Walk, participants met with other community leaders and offered new and challenging interpretations of the data. Attendees considered radical transformation that gets at the root of complex issues in Shawnee County. The group heard from organizers and supporters of the event, including Ed O’Malley, President and CEO of the Kansas Health Foundation, who facilitated the event.
Field Trip to Olathe Fire Station
On Oct. 20, Theresa represented KHI in her branded sweatshirt while volunteering at her son's school. Emerson, 6, and his kindergarten class took a field trip to an Olathe fire station.
End of Summer Trip to Rancho Mirage, California
Barb and her family traveled to California to visit her aunt (who is very ill) for her birthday. It was almost 112 degrees every day. As they drove from Arizona to California, Barb was astounded by the vast expanse of solar panels. It looked like large bodies of water reflecting the sun until you got closer and saw the panels. Even though they were in California, they did not miss the Chiefs game. But then they had to watch the San Francisco 49ers game! They spent most of the time in the pool and enjoyed fresh oranges and grapefruits from backyard trees. Barb's aunt was very moved by the visit, and Barb was glad she took the time to see her.
Cynthia's Cooking Corner
Julia Child’s French Onion Soup
Ingredients
5-6 cups yellow onions, thin sliced and quartered
½ yellow onion, grated
4 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp sugar
3 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp butter
½ tsp ground sage
1 Bay leaf
1 cup white wine
6 cups beef stock
½ tsp ground sage
1 Bay leaf
1 cup white wine
Baguette, sliced ½” thick
Oil for toasting bread
2-3 Tbsp Cognac
4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
12 ounces Swiss Cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking instructions
In a heavy, oven safe stockpot, on medium-low heat, cook the sliced onions in oil.
Once the onions have become clear, add ½ cup of the beef stock and continue to cook for 20 minutes.
Add more stock as needed to cook the onion.
Once the liquid is gone add sugar, and salt and pepper. Caramelize the onions. Increase heat as needed to medium-high.
Melt butter in a corner of the stock pot and add flour. Stir constantly in the corner. Don’t cook more than a minute.
Add remaining stock, a cup at a time. Stir to integrate.
Add wine, sage and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil. Reduce and simmer uncovered 30 minutes. Meanwhile, pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
Oil baguette slices. Toast for until slightly brown.
After soup has reduced, add grated onion and Cognac. Add a ½ cup of the Swiss and Parmesan, saving the rest for the top.
Make a single layer of bread on the top of the soup. Cover with Swiss and parmesan cheeses.
Cook in the oven, uncovered for about 30 minutes. Broil if needed to brown the cheese a little.
This is a classic Julia Child soup with a couple of changes. I like Julia Child a lot mostly because the Saturday Night Live skit about her was hilarious and she answered the phone on Thanksgiving to give complete strangers advice on how to save Thanksgiving dinner. This is an elegant starter to a dinner party. Buy good Cognac and use the rest of it for a Mata Hari cocktail. I don’t know if it freezes well; I’ve never had leftovers. -Cynthia
JoDonna's children, above Olivia. Below Quin as Taylor Swift and George as Hulk Hogan
Hina's daughters, Ziva as a fairy and Livya as an angel. They got lots of candy!!
Sheena's son Remy - their little minion and a teenage unicorn, Makennah, Barb's granddaughter.
Theresa's Star Wars family, Princess Leia, baby Princess Leia, BB8, Darth Vader and fighter pilot Luke Skywalker. Jood, Ithar's daughter, as Doc McStuffins (doctor who takes care of stuffed animals).
Lyndsey's granddaughters, left is Nyla as Bingo and Journi as Bluey at Gary's Berries
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.
Analyst/Senior Analyst, Public Health
Considered candidates must have a master’s degree in public health or a related field and at least four years of experience in state or local public health. Candidates with 10 or more years of relevant experience may be hired as a Senior Analyst.
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.
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.
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