Health Forward Foundation

Today, we celebrate the #PowerofRural and the incredible work of our rural partners on #NationalRuralHealthDay. Let's honor the tireless efforts of health care providers, communities, and organizations dedicated to improving rural health. Last year, Health Forward President/CEO Qiana Thomason reflected on health equity in our rural communities: "No one is better suited to inform the solutions needed in our health care and public health systems than the people who are battling the systemic barriers every day." Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/gTV7-6qg Together, we can create a healthier future for all.

The Health Forward Team hit the road on our Impact Bus Tour?? with the United Way of Greater Kansas City team to see firsthand how our community partners are making a difference. We visited Sheffield Place, Hope House, and Reconciliation Services, organizations deeply rooted in Kansas City, providing comprehensive support and contributing to Health Forward's mission of achieving health equity and securing a fair and just region through leadership, advocacy, and resources. These visits are invaluable for our team, especially those who don't have the opportunity to be out in the community every day. #HealthForwardKC #impact100 #ImpactBusTour #waymakers

This week, we celebrate Health Equity Week (Nov. 11-15), as proclaimed by Governor Laura Kelly! At Health Forward Foundation, health equity is at the heart of our mission. We believe that everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to be healthy. So, what is health equity? Here's how we define not just health equity but equity as well: Health equity: Actively removing obstacles to health and building the conditions for health, including good jobs, quality education, safe environments, and equal access to power. Equity: Just and fair inclusion where everyone can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Together, we will continue pushing forward for a more just and equitable future! #HealthEquityWeek #HealthForwardKC

Earlier today, our President/CEO, Qiana Thomason, moderated a panel discussion featuring experts and change champions working together through the Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) to improve equitable health outcomes and the value of care for Kansas City. The panel explored the work of the KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) and how health equity/inequity impacts employers, employees, and the bottom line. The panel discussed the important work of the Kansas City Health Equity Learning and Action Network and how health equity, or lack thereof, directly affects employers, employees, and their bottom line. Health Equity ?? Business Value #healthforwardkc #kcbizjournal #KCHEalthEquity #KCHELAN

Health Forward is proudly sponsoring Kansas City’s 17th Annual Urban Summit this Saturday, Nov. 9, at Penn Valley Community College. This year’s conference will focus on the theme: Treachery Unveiled: The Face of Political Betrayal. There are a few tickets left! Register today ???? https://lnkd.in/grQzPdCV

Polls are open and we are celebrating our work and the work of many others to advance an equitable and inclusive democracy. Voting is one of the most powerful tools for shaping the health of our communities. We are proud to support our partners throughout Missouri and Kansas who are committed to ensuring our democracy reflects the voices and aspirations of people who have been excluded in the past, and people whose rightful voting access continues to be challenged. Our country is at its best when people from every background, income level, and community unite to create stronger, healthier communities where everyone thrives. Today’s elections will have powerful, wide-ranging impacts. Changes in leadership, shifts in congressional, gubernatorial, and judicial power, new state constitutional changes, and ballot measures will impact health in our region and beyond. Regardless of these outcomes, Health Forward Foundation remains unwavering in our commitment to address the barriers to health and well-being, particularly racial equity and economic inclusion. This election is more than a decision on policies or leaders; it’s a celebration of our diverse, multi-identity democracy. As voters, it is our responsibility to protect our personal health, the health of our families, and all our communities. Let’s honor that responsibility and our collective power by making sure our voices are heard.

We were thrilled to contribute to #OneHealthDay! Kael Martin, MPA, our Impact Strategist - People, moderated a panel discussion on the food as medicine movement. Thanks to everyone who joined us for the lively Q&A! We know food impacts health. #FoodAsMedicine raises awareness of embedded barriers to healthy food access for disinvested communities and individuals. Let's keep the conversation going about building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

My vote is cast, my voice is heard, and my power is exercised. Is yours? Health Forward Foundation is proud to support Missourians and Kansans with comprehensive voter guides for federal, statewide and metro KC county races in partnership with the Kansas City Media Collective, The Kansas City Star and Revolución Educativa who supported Spanish translation services. Grab a guide in proximity to KC metro polling locations or check it out online: https://lnkd.in/g-68stgi #vote

Health Equity = Business Value. Join the Conversation. The Kansas City Health Equity LAN is a movement improving health outcomes for all by empowering communities and businesses to address health disparities. Join Qiana Thomason , President/CEO of Health Forward Foundation, as she moderates a CEO panel discussion featuring experts and change champions working together through the KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) to improve equitable health outcomes and the value of care for Kansas City. ?When: Nov. 8, 8 - 10 AM Where: Carriage Club Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gUqZHgX4 #healthforwardkc #kcbizjournal #KCHEalthEquity?#KCHELAN

At Health Forward Foundation, we have created an Ofrenda in our office, inspired by a poignant afternoon spent with local advocates from Kansas City's Westside Latino neighborhood last year. As we admired the heartfelt displays for Dia de los Muertos at the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center, we felt a deep connection to the practice of honoring those we have lost. This inspired us to create our own Ofrenda to remember our loved ones. This year, we continue this tradition, inviting reflection in the midst of our busy lives. If you visit the Health Forward office, we encourage you to take a moment to pause and rejoice in the happiness you once shared with those who are no longer with us, for their memories continue to live on in our hearts, guiding and inspiring us each day???? #diadelosmuertos #healthforwardkc