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212 Health

September 212 Health Newsletter

Updated: Sep 29, 2023


Message from the CEO

KHI has much to celebrate as August and September have been busy months with significant accomplishments. In this edition of the 212 Health Newsletter, we'll highlight August news, but we do want to note a September item of significance. At the annual Kansas Public Health Association Conference, KHI was named the 2023 recipient of the Corporate Public Health Service Award. Sheena was named new KPHA secretary. Congratulations to the KHI staff! Also of note, KHI has officially launched the Health on the Plains podcast. Watch for more information and photos in the next newsletter.

 

Partner Spotlight - "Dr. Bob"

We hope everyone enjoyed our August Partner Spotlight, Robert Moser, M.D., from the Kansas Center for

Rural Health. Dr. Moser's presentation touched on several initiatives of interest and relevance to KHI's work in the area of rural health.


We would like to thank Tatiana for introducing these partners to our all-staff meetings. And thank you for participating in the recent survey on partner spotlights. We look forward to hearing the results of the survey at our next staff meeting.

 

Rehaan Jain, our first high school summer intern

Rehaan Jain from the Maggie L. Walker Governor's School in Richmond, Virginia, joined KHI as our first high school summer intern. During his three-week internship in August, Rehaan learned about designing methodology and the proposal process for a literature review. His project focused on a topic of specific national and local relevance – food as medicine.


The project team systematically reviewed literature that intentionally focused on food as medicine for existing child nutrition programs in schools, such as the free- and reduced-lunch program, summer lunch program, school breakfast program, WIC and SNAP. Rehaan assisted in developing and using a multi-step methodology approach for the Food as Medicine literature review, which also allowed KHI to identify potential secondary data sources for this topic.


KHI is excited to provide even more opportunities for high school students to learn and grow.

 

Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century Blog Series

Blog Series - #4

Reshaping the Quadruple Aim for Public Health Transformation Blog Series - #4:


Public Health 3.0 and the role of the Community Chief Health Strategist provide a dynamic vision for how public health will evolve to meet the challenges of the 21st century. While these paradigms resonate with public health professionals, their impact on broader stakeholders remains ambiguous. Surveys indicate that only a third of Americans give the public health system a positive rating for protecting the public from health threats and preventing illness. Furthermore, conflicts between public health entities and elected officials are not uncommon. Thus, public health leaders are tasked with the challenge of articulating a vision for change that aligns with and engages key stakeholders. In this post, we look at insights public health could glean from other sectors to effectively convey a transformative vision.

 

Congratulations Valentina and Patrick



Exciting news for Valentina and Patrick, they are expecting a Christmas baby, Dec. 25. What a precious Christmas present!





 

Thank you Kaci and Valentina for volunteering for Meals on Wheels in August

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 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.


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.


 

KHI in the News


By Tim Carpenter - Kansas Reflector

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023

Wichita Rep. Susan Humphries, Kansas child advocate Kerrie Lonard and Topeka Sen. Kristen O’Shea, left to right, discuss child welfare law and potential reform legislation Wednesday during a forum hosted by Kansas Health Institute in Topeka.


By Shayndel Jones

Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023

Kansas Health Institute officials said the 2023 Kansas legislative session included a focus on the welfare of children in Kansas. Legislators considered a number of bills addressing a wide variety of topics, including foster care, adoption and other measures to protect Kansas youth.


By Pilar Pedraza

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023

“Vaping is so new, and it's evolving. And of course kids are at the forefront of it. And ahead of the game,” remarks Hina Shah of the Kansas Health Institute.

Shah goes on to say that about 14.5% of Kansas teens admit to vaping tobacco. While that’s down from a peak of 22% before the pandemic, there’s a national swing in what teens are actually vaping that worries researchers: some teens are vaping marijuana, too.

 

What's Happening in the Learning Center


  • Oct. 6 - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center Leadership Cabinet - 10-11 a.m. - SPW

  • Oct. 2 - UMHMF - David Jordan

  • Oct. 6 - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center Leadership Cabinet - 10-11 a.m. - SPW

  • Oct. 16 - Kansas Health Matters - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - Hayden

  • Nov. 3 - Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center Leadership Cabinet - 10-11 a.m. - SPW

  • Nov. 8 - KHI/NNPHI Convening

  • Nov. 10 - ADR: Commercial Law Annual CLE/CEDR Seminar - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. - SPE

  • Nov. 14 - 988 Coordinating Council (Hybird) 9 a.m. - Noon - Hayden

  • Nov. 20 - Kansas Health Matters - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. - Hayden


SPW - St. Peter West

SPE - St. Peter East

CSP - Combined St. Peter West and East

 

KHI August Convenings


Aug. 30 - Vaping ECHO Education

Virtual - 84 Attendees


On Aug. 30, KHI offered an educational summit to kickstart a new session of a multi-year initiative tackling vaping in Kansas middle and high schools. The Vaping ECHO for Education Pilot aims to create a healthier, vape-free future for Kansas youth. This event brought educators, parents, community members and youth advocates together to support students who use e-cigarettes on their journey toward cessation. The summit featured discussions and presentations by leading experts, offering valuable opportunities to share diverse approaches.


 

Aug. 23 - Protecting Kansas Children

In-Person - 24 Attendees

Virtual - 73 Attendees


On Aug. 23, 2023, KHI offered an educational session to hear from lawmakers, agency officials and advocates about the issues addressed during the 2023 session and the work left to do during the upcoming session and beyond.

Above, Linda Sheppard, J.D., KHI; Representative Susan Concannon; Secretary Laura Howard, KDADS; Representative Susan Humphries; Kerrie Lonard, Child Advocate, Office of the Child Advocate; and Senator Kristen O’Shea.

Above: Rachel Marsh, CEO, Children’s Alliance of Kansas; Kristalle Hedrick, Vice President of Kansas Programs; John Wilson, President, Kansas Action for Children; and Mike Fonkert, Deputy Director, Kansas Appleseed.




Wyatt Testifying Aug. 24


On Aug. 24, Wyatt Beckman gave a testimony to the 2023 Special Committee on Mental Health. He presented data about suicide in Kansas.


 


MINK (Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska and Kansas) Region VII Affiliates of the American Public Health Association Meeting

Ithar and Wyatt attended the MINK meeting on Aug. 17, in Kansas City. As one of nine Regional Innovation Hubs under the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), the Kansas Health Institute (KHI), in collaboration with other partners, provided technical assistance serving PHIG recipients in Region 7, which includes six state and local health departments in Kansas, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska. Ithar presented at the meeting.


 

National Academy for State Health Policy Conference

Cynthia and Emma attended the National Academy for State Health Policy Conference in Boston, on Aug. 14. State leaders from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. brought attention to the most timely, cutting-edge issues facing state health policymakers, and highlighted innovative solutions shared by the nation's leading experts on topics.


"The Boston trip was a success," Cynthia said. "The National Academy for State Health Policy offered some great learning opportunities, and Boston is a place for foodies. The conference is known for its blueberry break. The foodie highlight was Lucca's, a fantastic North End Italian restaurant. The scallops were the best I've ever had. Emma and I shared several great dishes and walked to a local bakery with a line out the door for dessert."




 

KDHE Regional Health Department Meetings

Lisa Horn at KDHE invited Kevin and Wyatt to attend each of the KDHE regional meetings with local health departments. The KHI team hit Topeka, Chanute, Garden City and Oakley.

Kevin and Wyatt shared KHIs mission to improve the health of all Kansans through nonpartisan research, education and engagement that support effective policymaking, and talked about how KHI is providing technical assistance for the workforce development grant and discussed how they can help health departments funded by the grant.


Wyatt in Garden City August 9

Wyatt in Oakley August 10



Angela Wu

  • What has been your favorite project? The project I’ve enjoyed the most at KHI is the automation of the marketplace premium analysis. I enjoy writing programs to improve the efficiency of the analysis.

  • What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far? The best career lesson I've learned so far is the importance of continuous learning and adaptability; however, setting boundaries is equally crucial.

  • What do you do when you are not working? I browse the internet, shop online and do chores with pleasure.

  • Where’s your favorite place in the world? Home.

  • If you could have any superpower what would it be? The ability to instantly travel to any destination within five minutes at no cost.

  • What is one food that you cannot resist? Taiwanese sticky tofu with kimchi.


 




Emerson Barnes, kindergarten, and Bennett Barnes, 6th grade (Theresa's sons)


Ziva Shah - 3rd grade and Livya Shah - 7th grade Quinn Perry - 4th grade

Desmond and Benjamin Kovach - 2nd grade and

Jack Kovach- looking forward to school soon


Lyndsey's granddaughter, Nyla, loved her first day of preschool. Grandma and mama both shed a few tears walking out.


Lily and Rachel Bruffett, both seniors this year.




Cynthia's Cooking Corner


Low Carb Sausage Balls

This is my favorite going to a breakfast/brunch or staying for the weekend. It gives a low carb/high protein alternative for breakfast. It freezes well. For a busy week, I will prep containers of about 6 each for an easy pull from the freezer breakfast on the go.


Ingredients

1 pound breakfast sausage, cooked

4 ounces cream cheese, I substitute 4 oz goat cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100 g)

1 large egg

3/4 cup almond flour

2 Tablespoons dehydrated minced onion

1 teaspoon baking powder

scant ¼ teaspoon salt with sausage

scant ¼ teaspoon salt with mixture


Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

  2. Cook sausage, add salt, and add jalapeno finely chopped (optional).

  3. Microwave cream cheese until soft, about 30 seconds.

  4. Beat egg and mix ingredients until well distributed .

  5. Use a lightly sprayed cookie sheet or silicone mat.

  6. Use a cookie scoop to form 30 sausage balls.

  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes until a hint of golden brown.


 

Photos of special events, new restaurants you've discovered, interesting podcasts, new recipes you've tried, or even fantastic movies you've seen are always welcome. Send your information to bhersh@khi.org.


















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