President's Perspective – Advancing Workforce Innovation through Collaboration

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KHA Fall District Meeting - South Central District - Oct. 10

KHA District Meetings are for CEOs, trustees and senior staff. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for networking. Meeting times are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with lunch provided. You are free to attend at any location, so pick the location that best fits your schedule.

Health Innovations Network of Kansas Board Meeting - Oct. 13

For more information about this meeting, please contact Sarah Gideon, Executive Director, HINK, at (785) 364-6063 or sgideon@stormontvail.org.

KHA District Meeting - Northeast District - Oct. 15

KCHC Fall Conference - Oct. 17

KCHC provides members with a unique opportunity to collaborate with their peers throughout the Greater Kansas City area. Benefits include educational programs offered to members through luncheon or breakfast meetings, as well as at the annual fall conference. While topics often focus on the communicator's role in a changing health care industry, programs also include general marketing and communications topics.

KC Health Communicators 2025 Fall Conference - Oct. 17

KCHC invites health care communications and marketing staff to their 2025 Fall Conference, Oct. 17 at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Please send your registration form and payment via mail by Oct. 13 to KCHC, Attenetion: Jan Fenwick, 215 SE 8th Ave. Topeka, KS 66603

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President's Perspective – Advancing Workforce Innovation through Collaboration

Collaboration Teamwork (Oct. 10, 2025) – Last week, the Kansas Hospital Association and the Missouri Hospital Association co-hosted the inaugural Health Care Workforce Innovation Bi-State Summit at Children's Mercy Research Institute in Kansas City. This event brought together nearly 200 hospital, education and workforce leaders from across the Midwest to explore new strategies for addressing ongoing health care workforce challenges.

Throughout the two days, participants heard from an impressive lineup of speakers who shared creative strategies to build stronger K–12 and early career pathways, expand clinical education partnerships and promote workforce well-being. Presentations highlighted hospital-led medical clubs, pre-license nurse apprenticeships and initiatives to connect students as early as middle school to health care careers. These sessions reinforced what we know to be true: when hospitals, educators and community partners work together, we can inspire the next generation and create sustainable workforce pipelines.

The event also included engaging discussions on transition-to-practice programs, faculty development and resilience in the workplace. It concluded with keynote speaker Paul Long, who reminded us that meaningful connection and purpose are at the core of every successful team.

Along with showcasing innovative approaches, the summit offered valuable opportunities for collaboration among Kansas and Missouri health care leaders, educators and other stakeholders. These discussions strengthen our shared commitment across both states to build a sustainable and skilled health care workforce that meets the changing needs of our communities.

We thank Children's Mercy Hospital for hosting us, our colleagues at the Missouri Hospital Association for their partnership and the many presenters who shared their expertise.

As we reflect on the bi-state summit, one thing is clear: addressing workforce challenges requires collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to ensure every community, large or small, has access to a strong, sustainable health care workforce. Thank you to all who participated and continue to lead this vital work across Kansas and Missouri.
--Chad Austin

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