Communications

(Aug. 21, 2026) – The Kansas Hospital Association Distinguished Health Care Advocate Award honors individuals, organizations or groups that make an exemplary contribution to the health and well-being of the people of Kansas through leadership in the public, political or policy arenas. This award gives KHA members the opportunity to recognize those who work on our behalf from outside our ranks. Across the public spectrum, award recipients are unique, and their outstanding commitment to the health of Kansas is extraordinary. This year's honoree is Janet Stanek, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Sec. Stanek's commitment to improving health and health care access is evident in her ongoing engagement at the community, state and national levels. She regularly visits hospitals, clinics and public health departments to hear firsthand about the challenges facing Kansas communities. Through her leadership, KDHE has become a strong voice for sustainable health care, health equity and improved population health outcomes. At the state level, she works with legislators, health systems and public health partners to advance policies that strengthen the health workforce, improve behavioral health access and support hospital sustainability. Her consistent presence, advocacy and responsiveness demonstrate a deep and enduring commitment to the health of all Kansans. This includes collaborating with KHA to obtain approval to maximize the hospital provider assessment program, which will benefit Kansas Medicaid providers who care for the most vulnerable patients.

Sec. Stanek's stewardship of the Rural Health Transformation Program has positioned Kansas as a national leader in rethinking rural health care delivery. She has worked closely with legislators, hospitals and federal partners to advance policies that stabilize rural facilities, expand access to primary and preventive care and modernize reimbursement structures. This leadership reflects her long-term dedication to ensuring Kansans have access to high-quality, affordable health care close to home.

Sec. Stanek regularly collaborates with national organizations, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Health Resources and Services Administration, to bring innovative models and federal resources to Kansas. Her leadership has fostered trust across sectors, enabling Kansas to pilot innovative care models and secure federal support. Her partnership style is grounded in listening, transparency, and genuine respect for local expertise, making her a highly effective bridge between state policy and community implementation.

She led KDHE through the successful renewal of the KanCare program (the State of Kansas' Medicaid managed care program), under which Kansas contracted with three managed care organizations to coordinate health care for nearly all beneficiaries. This summer, she played an instrumental role in the multi-state partnership for the FIFA World Cup, coordinating Kansas' support for these regional efforts.

Sec. Stanek's ability to navigate complex policy landscapes while maintaining a clear focus on community needs demonstrates both breadth and depth. She consistently advances comprehensive, sustainable solutions that address immediate challenges while building long-term capacity for healthier Kansas communities.

Sec. Stanek's work measurably improves health care access, quality and affordability across Kansas. She has advanced statewide initiatives to strengthen the health workforce, integrate behavioral health, modernize public health infrastructure and expand telehealth access. Her leadership spans Medicaid policy, emergency preparedness, maternal and child health and chronic disease prevention. Her impact is both immediate and enduring.

On behalf of the KHA membership, I congratulate Sec. Janet Stanek on being named the 2026 KHA Distinguished Health Care Advocate! We will recognize her and other health care advocates and leaders during the KHA Convention and Trade Show on Sept. 10-11 in Overland Park.
--Chad Austin