KC Health Collaborative

Countless Black and brown individuals face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, their struggles often compounded by systemic injustices rooted in race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. Baldwin's wisdom urges us to confront these injustices head-on. By acknowledging that while change may not come easily, progress can be made only through facing the realities of inequality. To accomplish health equity, we must first confront the uncomfortable truths underlying disparities in healthcare outcomes. For too long, Black and brown communities have borne the brunt of inadequate access to care, facing discrimination, bias, and structural barriers that prevent them from receiving the support they need. Whether it's the disproportionate impact of chronic diseases on communities of color, the disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes, or the lack of mental health resources in underserved areas, the injustices are glaring and demand our attention. However, facing these challenges is only the first step. Baldwin's words remind us that while some obstacles may seem insurmountable, our collective determination and resilience have the power to drive change. As we confront the inequities that plague our healthcare system, we must also commit ourselves to action, advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of all individuals, especially those most marginalized. Let us draw inspiration from Baldwin's words and commit ourselves to creating a healthier, more just world for all. Together, we can face the injustices that promote health disparities and work to dismantle them. It won't be easy, and the road ahead may be long, but with courage, compassion, and determination, we can bring about the change that our communities need and deserve. In the words of James Baldwin, "Nothing can be changed until it is faced." Let us face the inequities in our healthcare system with courage and conviction, knowing that our efforts today will create healthier futures. Join us to create change. Let’s get to work. #HealthEquity #kansascity #changenow #healthoutcomes #communities

"No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world." Robin Williams We each hold the power to change the world within ourselves. As we work to advance health equity, every word spoken and every idea shared has the potential to make an impact. Never overlook the ability to use our voices and ideas to champion health equity, confront inequalities, and ignite constructive change within our communities. Join us to create a world where every BODY has access to the resources they need for a healthy and happy life. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative to help bridge gaps for better health for every BODY in the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #kansascity #useourvoices #changetheworld #holdthepower

Achieving health equity requires intentional strategies and collaborative efforts from all corners of the healthcare system. A new report from the American Hospital Association, the Black Directors Health Equity Agenda, and The Health Management Academy highlights how health systems across the country are making meaningful progress toward a more inclusive and equitable healthcare ecosystem. Through interviews with healthcare executives and board members, the report revealed key strategies for advancing health equity, including: 1. ???????????????????????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????????? ??????????????????????: Diverse boards are better positioned to address social drivers of health and create more equitable healthcare outcomes. 2. ???????????????????????? ????????-???????????? ????????????????????: Data collection is imperative for identifying health disparities and tracking the progress of equity initiatives. 3. ???????????????? ?????????????????? ????????????????????????: Collaboration with local organizations is essential for addressing social drivers of health. 4. ?????????????????? ?????????????????? ??????????????????????: Building a diverse healthcare workforce that mirrors the community it serves and provides culturally competent care. 5. ?????????????????????? ????&?? ?????? ???????????? ???????????? ??????????????: Aligning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) teams with health equity goals ensures that health systems are addressing the needs of their patient populations. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the inclusion of diverse voices and the focus on preventative, comprehensive care will be essential to building a more equitable future. By following the strategies outlined in this report, healthcare leaders can create lasting change and improve health outcomes for underserved communities across the country. For more insights and recommendations, download the full report, https://loom.ly/ec4Trt8 -- Follow KC Health Collaborative to help bridge gaps for better health for every BODY in the Kansas City region and beyond. #collaborativeeffort #equitablehealthcare #healthequity #healthcaresystem #healthmanagement

Data is knowledge and knowledge is power. Without data, we don’t have the information essential to advancing health equity. By collecting and analyzing data consistently, healthcare systems can discover critical care gaps in care. Further work needs to be done to disaggregate data by race, ethnicity, and language (REL) to provide better and more culturally competent care. More on this here - https://loom.ly/InPbz1w These insights can then inform policies, procedures, and programs to directly address health disparities. When we use data to identify opportunity areas and track the effectiveness of initiatives, we’re able to drive meaningful change, ensuring every patient receives the care they need. Partner with @KC Health Collaborative to find solutions that help healthcare providers build stronger, data-driven programs that promote better health outcomes for all. Let’s get to work. - Follow KC Health Collaborative and join the movement to close health gaps and create better outcomes for every BODY across Kansas City and beyond. #healthequity #healthcaresystems #caregaps #healthdisparity #healthoutcomes #kansascity

Diverse leadership drives change in healthcare. Inclusive boards = stronger alignment with community needs and better health outcomes for every BODY. Let's continue pushing for diversity where it matters most: at the decision-making table. Join us as we work to show organizations the power of diverse leadership and the impact it makes on health equity. Let’s get to work. -- Follow KC Health Collaborative to help bridge gaps for better health for every BODY in the Kansas City region and beyond. #healthequity #diversity #DEI #leadership #kansascity #bettertogether

Our team recently had the privilege of presenting at Civitas Networks for Health’s 2024 Bridging Data and Doing Conference in Detroit, where we discussed building a Learning and Action Network to drive health equity forward. Dan Cranshaw and Shelby Mabery discussed learnings from the KC Health Equity Learning in Action Network (LAN), a joint effort between KC Health Collaborative and Health Forward Foundation.?They shared how community engagement, co-design and impact partners, and turning challenges into opportunities strengthen health equity community programs. Civitas Networks for Health brings together organizations that focus on improving health in communities throughout the country through data-led multi-member collaboration. This year’s conference focused on the latest developments in health data sharing, community health, social determinants of health, and health equity. Thank you to Jolie Ritzo, MPH and Demri Henderson (Civitas Networks for Health) for the speaking invitation.? Special appreciation to Karen S. Johnson, Ph.D. (American Academy of Family Physicians) and Daniel J. Chavez (Serving Communities Health Information Organization) for the inspiration and support. We’re excited to turn the insights we learned from the conference into meaningful action. Let’s get to work. #healthequity #kansascity #healthdisparities #healthoutcomes

We honor and thank all who have served and continue to serve. As we celebrate the sacrifices veterans have made for this country, we also recognize the health challenges they so often face, ranging from physical injuries to mental health needs. Veterans frequently encounter significant health disparities that impact their access to care and overall well-being. In addition to medical concerns, many face housing instability, food insecurity, and lack of social support that contribute to poor health outcomes. At KC Health Collaborative we're committed to advancing health equity for every BODY, including veterans. They deserve to receive high-quality, compassionate, and affordable healthcare. Join us in advocating for policies and practices that bridge these gaps and support every veteran’s right to live a healthy life. Thank you to all our veterans. Today, we salute you. Let’s get to work. #socialsupport #affordablehealthcare #healthdisparity #healthequity #veteransday

“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” - Sen. Edward M. Kennedy Join our community table as we continue the fight to advance health equity in the Kansas City region and beyond. “Hope still lives.” Let’s get to work. #hope #advancehealth #healthequity #kansascity #joinourcommunity

Join us and KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) for The Business Value of Health Equity panel, hosted by the Kansas City Business Journal at the Carriage Club on November 8. This panel brings together leaders from Kansas City's health ecosystem to discuss how health equity and health disparities directly impact ALL local businesses and the workforce. Moderated by Qiana Thomason, President & CEO of Health Forward Foundation, panelist include: - Dr. Ayo Ajaiyeoba, Medical Director, VP Population Health at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, a KC Health Collaborative member - Collier Case, KC Health Collaborative Board Member and Former President & CEO of MID-AMERICA COALITION ON HEALTH CARE, a KC Health Collaborative member - Jill Watson, KC Health Collaborative Board Chair and Network & Government Strategy Executive at North Kansas City Hospital, a KC Health Collaborative member - Dan Cranshaw, Executive Director at KC Health Collaborative The KC Health Equity Learning and Action Network (LAN) is powered by a joint effort between KC Health Collaborative and Health Forward Foundation. It is at the forefront of advancing health equity, by focusing on solutions that address health disparities. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear insights on how business has an important stake in ensuring that our entire community has access to high-quality, equitable health care that will result in a healthier, more resilient, and prosperous region. For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit: https://lnkd.in/ez6Jc4tT Let’s get to work.

Breast cancer is becoming more prevalent in younger women, particularly those under 50. According to a new report from the American Cancer Society, breast cancer incidence has risen by 2.2% from 2012 to 2021 among women in their 20s. The rates also rose for women in their 30s and 40s. There's no age limit on breast cancer. But many younger women’s symptoms are dismissed and insurance coverage for testing is denied because of their age. Breast cancer is not limited to older women. Younger women and those without family histories should remain vigilant about their health and advocate for screenings if something feels off. While we celebrate the progress made in reducing breast cancer death rates, the benefits of early detection and treatment must be accessible to every woman, no matter her age. Join us as we work to ensure every BODY has access to quality care. Let’s get to work. #earlydetection #breastcancer #health #healthequity #kansascity