Kansas Health Institute

06/01/2026

💚Burnout and stress continue to affect the public health workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic. In the latest edition of Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century: Bridging Theory to Practice, mental health expert Renee Van Meter, LSCSW, LCAC, shares strategies to support well-being and reduce burnout in public health workplaces across Kansas. VIDEO MESSAGE BELOW, RECORDED IN MAY.
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https://www.khi.org/articles/dealing-with-burnout-and-stress-in-the-public-health-workforce
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Johnson County Department of Health and Environment Johnson County Mental Health Center Johnson County, KS Government NAMI Kansas Department of Health and Environment JPHMP Direct

05/29/2026

We’re excited to share that KHI experts, Kevin Kovach, Viktoria Sterkhova, Emma Uridge and Wen-Chieh Lin, have upcoming publications in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice.
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We’re honored to contribute to the ongoing conversation advancing public health research, practice and innovation.
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📄Identifying Priorities to Reverse a Statewide Relative Health Decline: Results from a Delphi Study in Kansas
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Turning the tide
New insights highlight priorities to improve statewide health outcomes.
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➡️ Read more: https://journals.lww.com/jphmp/fulltext/2026/08000/identifying_priorities_to_reverse_a_statewide.17.aspx
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📄A Method for Collaborative Storytelling: Supporting Public Health Transformation Through Practitioner-Driven Narrative Stories drive change
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A new approach to collaborative storytelling helps amplify practitioner voices in public health transformation.
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➡️ Read more: https://journals.lww.com/jphmp/fulltext/2026/08000/a_method_for_collaborative_storytelling_.22.aspx

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05/29/2026

🖊️Last chance! Abstract submissions for the 2026 Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging closes TOMORROW. Share your expertise, programs and ideas with leaders from across Kansas.
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🏛️ Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging
📅 Sept. 29-30, 2026
📍 Lawrence | Hosted at the University of Kansas Conference Center
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SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT: https://survey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cRNGrAzXB1h4DuC
You'll be asked to provide a session description (max 150 words), an extended abstract (max 500 words), 1–3 learning objectives and your preferred session format. Submissions close May 30.
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For general inquiries or to join our 2026 sponsor interest list, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

05/28/2026

🎓Congratulations to our spring 2026 interns on their graduations!
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Jasmin Kamruddin earned a Doctor of Medicine degree and a master's degree in public health from Tufts University.
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Katy Young earned a master's degree in public health with a concentration in public health administration from Indiana University Bloomington.
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Caroline Spayth earned a bachelor's degree in journalism and communications with a concentration in multimedia from the University of Kansas.
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Thank you for your hard work this semester! We're excited to see what's next for each of you!

05/28/2026

⏰⌛2 DAYS LEFT!!
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Thinking about submitting a proposal for the Kansas Governor's Conference on Aging? Conference sessions can include case studies, panels, interactive discussions, community programs, research, workforce strategies and more.
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🏛️ Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging
📅 Sept. 29-30, 2026
📍 Lawrence | Hosted at the University of Kansas Conference Center
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SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT: https://survey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cRNGrAzXB1h4DuC
You'll be asked to provide a session description (max 150 words), an extended abstract (max 500 words), 1–3 learning objectives and your preferred session format. Submissions close May 30.
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For general inquiries or to join our 2026 sponsor interest list, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services Kansas Department for Children and Families KU Area Health Education Center

05/22/2026

🏛️Federal health policy update: What we’re watching, May 22, 2026
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🔹 The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded a new contract to the administrator of the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline.
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🔹 The Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to a vaccine mandate.
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🔹 Federal health agency leadership continued to shift with a new surgeon general nomination and the resignation of the FDA commissioner.
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Stay informed: https://www.khi.org/articles/update-what-were-watching-may-22-2026/
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This update covers the latest federal health policy news and its potential impact on Kansas.

05/22/2026

You don’t need to be a professional speaker to present at the Kansas Governor's Conference on Aging. We’re looking for real-world stories, community solutions and innovative ideas that can help strengthen aging services across Kansas.
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🏛️ Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging
📅 Sept. 29-30, 2026
📍 Lawrence | Hosted at the University of Kansas Conference Center
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SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT: https://survey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cRNGrAzXB1h4DuC
You'll be asked to provide a session description (max 150 words), an extended abstract (max 500 words), 1–3 learning objectives and your preferred session format. Submissions close May 30.
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For general inquiries or to join our 2026 sponsor interest list, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

05/21/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
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Mental health deserves attention, compassion and care. This month, we encourage taking a moment to check in with yourself and those around you.
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Whether it's practicing self-care, connecting with a loved one or seeking professional support, small steps can make a big difference.
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Join us in understanding, prioritizing and supporting mental health, this month and every day of the year.
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