(March 20, 2026) – President's Supporting Community Health Improvement in Kansas
The Kansas Hospital Association was a founding partner in Kansas Health Matters, a key public-private partnership and resource. Founded in 2011, Kansas Health Matters was originally called the Kansas Partnership for Improving Community Health. That commitment remains true today. The partnership's mission was and continues to be to empower communities and health care providers to improve health by providing data, supporting community health assessment and identifying best practices through partnerships and collaboration.
In 2013, members created a strategic plan, outlining new goals and objectives in the areas of governance, maintenance, sustainability, marketing and communication. The partnership was renamed Kansas Health Matters: A Partnership to Improve Community Health. Fifteen years after its founding, the partnership continues to grow, and the website is regularly updated to provide valuable data for KHA members and other stakeholders to use in improving Kansas's health outcomes.
KHA members use Kansas Health Matters to analyze data in their communities as part of community health needs assessments and community health improvement plans. Previous CHNAs and CHIPs completed by members are available in the Community Plans and Strategies section to serve as examples for members as they update their CHNA/CHIP or perhaps create it for the first time. Many members also use the website to find data for grants or other funding applications. Other valuable resources on the Kansas Health Matters website include demographic data, promising practices, report building, the community toolbox, a resource library and much more.
Our vision of Optimal Health for Kansans and Kansas Hospitals is supported through both the Kansas Health Matters partnership and website. As we continue working with members and other partners toward KHA's goal of improving Kansas' health rankings with a focus on preventive services, Kansas Health Matters is an essential tool to reach this aim. Whether you or your staff use the website regularly or haven't visited the site for a while, explore the new resources available to support your facility and team as you work with your community to improve health.
--Chad Austin