Health Forward Foundation

The Seventh KCT Session offered a comprehensive exploration of economic mobility in Kansas City, highlighting systemic barriers and community-led solutions across areas like poverty, health disparities, housing access, crime prevention, and social leadership. ?? The day opened with a welcome by Dr. Marc Hahn, President and CEO of Kansas City University. The cohort then participated in Real Life, Real Choices, a poverty simulation facilitated by the United Way of Greater Kansas City. ?? Next, a panel discussion led by Dr. Cokethea Hill with panelists Hayat Abdullahi, Dr. Marvia Jones, Jeron Ravin, and Michelle Wimes, on the root causes of health inequities, emphasizing the role of social determinants, systemic racism in healthcare, and community-informed strategies for expanding access to quality care. ??? The afternoon panel led by Thomas McDonnell with panelists Steven Anthony, Alissia Canady, Geoff Jolly, and Dion Lewis, addressed the intersection of housing policy and economic mobility, outlining current challenges related to affordability, displacement, and equitable development practices in Kansas City. ?? The final panel was a discussion focusing on crime as a major barrier to community well-being and economic inclusion led by Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw with Klassie Alcine, Chief Stacey Graves, and Melesa Johnson as panelists. ?? The day ended with a reflection and discussion let by Father Justin Matthews, Executive Director of Reconciliation Services, about how social leadership and can lead to actionable change and influence inclusive economic development.

If you've heard Trabian Shorters speak you are probably familiar with fixers vs. builders and how each are critical to social progress. Last fall I joined fellow foundations at BMe's Next Narrative Summit where we discussed how we collectively speak to fixers and builders to bridge political divides without compromising anyone’s values. Our communications aim to define people by their aspirations before noting challenges and by using plain-language that focuses on messages of abundance. These messages are needed now more than ever. Thank you Stanford Social Innovation Review for featuring Trabian’s work on narrative change. I encourage everyone to give it a read. https://lnkd.in/edwwiTtX

This #WomensHistoryMonth, join us as we uplift Black women who lead the charge for justice, equality, and change. Learn more: https://s.si.edu/4knM1BI ?? 1. Fannie Lou Hamer, 1964. Photograph by Maurice Sorrell. Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 2. Donation tin for the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Fund. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 3. Coretta Scott King, 1969. Photograph by Maurice Sorrell. Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 4. Women activists with signs for voter registration. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Frances Albrier Collection. 5. Pinback button for promoting voting registration. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of T. Rasul Murray. 6. Mary Church Terrell, ca. 1910. Photograph by Addison N. Scurlock. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ray and Jean Langston in memory of Mary Church and Robert Terrell.

Health Forward Foundation needs your partnership. Congress is currently deliberating significant cuts and alterations to #Medicaid services and funding, potentially diminishing crucial support to states and stripping health insurance coverage from individuals nationwide. Medicaid stands as a vital health insurance program jointly funded by the federal government and states, benefiting low-income children and adults (most of whom are employed), expectant mothers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The House Budget Committee has approved a budget blueprint that sets the stage for $880 billion in budget reductions, with more than half of these aimed at Medicaid. It is imperative to recognize that these cuts would impact not just "them" but “all.” The proposed modifications will result in losses for people and families, exacerbating existing inequities, including mortality rates and life expectancy. Furthermore, the potential closure of hospitals, particularly in rural areas, and the subsequent job losses from hospitals, health centers, health plans, and nonprofits will adversely affect the economic well-being of our communities. Given the accelerated pace at which this budget is advancing, there is a limited timeframe for action. It is crucial to reach out to your Congressional Representatives promptly, to urge them to safeguard Medicaid services and funding. Let your voice be heard to uphold the essential healthcare support that countless individuals rely on and state budgets are balanced on. #ProtectMedicaid