Health Forward Foundation

06/18/2026

Going home to a safe, affordable environment after a long day should be an effortless action. The safety, stability, and conditions of where we live shape our economic and collective health.

Affordable homeownership is one of Health Forward's core areas of investment because we know that when people have stable, affordable homes, they thrive. Families put down roots. Neighborhoods build wealth. Health improves across generations.

As we recognize National Homeownership Month, Health Forward is honored to shine a light on one of our partners, Build WyCo, whose work is advancing health and economic justice through housing - and demonstrating what's possible when communities have the resources and support they deserve.

Health Forward supports organizations that create safe and affordable housing and pathways to homeownership.

06/15/2026

At a time where the nation is calling for the voice of the people to waver and show up in silos, President and CEO of Health Forward Foundation, Qiana Thomason is showing up in truth and calling people in.

With Dr. MLK Jr’s historical “Give us the ballot” speech lingering in the air, Qiana took to the podium at the 19th Annual Urban Summit Conference to deliver a powerful reminder of where Black Kansas Citians and allies sit in their power to reclaim the spirit of our city.

Detailing a 5-prong strategy of how to move through another moral reckoning in our nation, Qiana reminded the audience of how to mobilize through every generation and keep the answer of “where do we go from here?” in the hands of citizens. Thank you, Urban Summit Kansas City for inviting Health Forward Foundation and President/CEO Qiana Thomason to join the conversation through this year’s theme, Power to the People: No Vote. No Hope.

06/12/2026

On August 4, Missourians will vote on a measure that, if passed, would upend the citizen-initiated constitutional amendment process.

"Individual congressional districts, representing as few as 7% of the state’s total voters, would have the power to block measures that receive clear majority support statewide."

Published in the Kansas City Star this morning, Health Forward’s McClain Bryant Macklin, chief policy and impact officer, connects the dots between civic participation and public health, warning of the threat Amendment 4 poses.

Currently, a statewide majority vote is enough to pass a ballot measure in Missouri. Amendment 4 would change the law to require a majority in all eight of Missouri’s congressional districts to pass. Vote ‘no’ to protect our ability to keep politicians accountable to the people they represent.

Link to the full article in the comments below.

06/12/2026

On August 4, Missourians will vote on a measure that, if passed, would upend the citizen-initiated constitutional amendment process.

"Individual congressional districts, representing as few as 7% of the state’s total voters, would have the power to block measures that receive clear majority support statewide."

Published in the Kansas City Star, Health Forward’s McClain Bryant Macklin, chief policy and impact officer, connects the dots between civic participation and public health, warning of the threat Amendment 4 poses.

Currently, a statewide majority vote is enough to pass a ballot measure in Missouri. Amendment 4 would change the law to require a majority in all eight of Missouri’s congressional districts to pass. Vote ‘no’ to protect our ability to keep politicians accountable to the people they represent.

Link to the full article in the comments below.

06/10/2026

Health Forward Foundation is proud to partner with Illumen Capital to advance racial equity and gender justice within the capital markets. At a time when many institutions are thinking more deeply about how to align assets with mission, Illumen Capital offers a compelling approach. Their work focuses on identifying high-performing diverse managers and expanding access to opportunity through venture investing.

This short video from Illumen captures why expanding access to capital is not only important for equity, but also for innovation and long-term value creation.

We believe reducing bias in investing drives more equitable impact and stronger performance. Here's the story behind our strategy.

05/21/2026

Health Forward is proud to spotlight the Kansas Common Sense Fund, whose work is uplifting the diverse voices of real Kansans to drive meaningful civic conversation through the Real Kansans project. Their leadership reflects the kind of community-rooted solutions that advance health equity and economic inclusion across our region. Thank you for your partnership and for the impact you make every day.

Take a look and share with someone who cares about Kansas communities.

A student shares how Medicaid in Kansas shaped her survival—and why expanding access to care matters for families and communities.

05/19/2026

Health Forward Foundation is seeking a highly organized and trusted Executive Assistant to support our Executive Leadership Team members, particularly the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Investments Officer (CIO).

This role serves as a central point of contact for a diverse stakeholder group, including the Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committee (CAC) members, visitors, external partners, and internal colleagues.

If you are passionate about supporting leadership that drives community impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today: https://searchcareers-omniemployment.icims.com/jobs/4646/executive-assistant/job?mobile=false&width=1140&height=500&bga=true&needsRedirect=false&jan1offset=-360&jun1offset=-300

05/19/2026

People Not Politicians has filed a lawsuit to stop state officials from pressuring local election authorities to use an invalid map for the 2026 elections. Health Forward Foundation is proud to partner with People Not Politicians Missouri and the people of Missouri in the fight for fair, trusted elections.

Over 305,000 Missourians signed their names to put fair congressional maps on the ballot, and election authorities have verified three times the signatures required for the referendum to qualify. Now, Missouri leaders must follow the process and ensure voters can have confidence in the 2026 elections. We stand with communities across Missouri in demanding fair maps, equitable representation, and the right to exercise democracy through referendum.

The games must stop. Missourians deserve elections they can trust.

Read the full statement by Health Forward Foundation: Missouri Voters Deserve a Voice on Congressional Maps — Not Political Delay:

On Tuesday, the Missouri Supreme Court quickly made clear what we already knew: the Secretary of State has everything he needs to certify the signatures and let the people of Missouri vote. Over 305,000 Missourians signed their names because they believe their voice should matter. They exceeded the....

05/12/2026

Health Forward's Kael Martin, MPA delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Missouri Rural Health Workforce Summit hosted by Missouri Primary Care Association and Missouri Rural Health Association.

The presentation highlighted findings from Health Forward’s Regional Healthcare Landscape Assessment and emphasized the importance of strategic workforce investments to expand access to representative, high-quality care, particularly in rural communities.

This work reflects Health Forward’s ongoing commitment to building sustainable health science pathways and strengthening the healthcare workforce as a driver of equitable health outcomes.

Thank you to Joni Adamson, CPRP, Director of Recruitment and Workforce Development for the Missouri Primary Care Association, and Heidi Lucas, Executive Director of the Missouri Rural Health Association for convening leaders and partners committed to advancing rural health across Missouri.

05/01/2026

A recent executive order could put mail-in voting at risk for voters nationwide. For many, voting early isn’t just a preference- it’s a matter of access, mobility, and real-life circumstances. In this piece, Jason Williams, Health Forward's Principal Impact Strategist for the Power Purpose Area, breaks down what’s at stake, who could be impacted, and why protecting mail-in voting is critical to our democracy.

Read more:

There’s a lot changing—and a lot at stake—when it comes to how Americans participate in democracy. At Health Forward, every day we work to support and build inclusive, powerful, and healthy communities characterized by racial equity and economically just systems. That’s why, as new executive...