Sunflower Foundation

On #NationalRuralHealthDay, we acknowledge and celebrate the dedicated work being done by rural healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, local health departments, volunteers and other stakeholders to address the unique health challenges in small communities across Kansas. Sunflower Foundation’s rural-based grantmaking continues to engage thousands of Kansans working to make smaller communities around our state healthier and more welcoming. Whether it be by supporting efforts to improve access to primary care and behavioral health care services, helping more Kansans discover public trails and the many health benefits they provide, or investing in work to address food access and nutrition security needs, we partner with individuals, organizations and communities that are committed to improving the health and well-being of all Kansans. The success of these partnerships continue to show how the #PowerofRural inspires small communities to make a big impact. Learn more at www.powerofrural.com

How do we build and sustain thriving rural communities? That's the big question I am excited to dive into at our upcoming convening. On our Health on the Plains podcast, we take a broad view of health - we recognize that our individual health is interconnected with the health and vitality of the communities we call home. In our conversations with stellar leaders across Kansas, we hope to create a space for nuanced conversations about the many factors the shape health for our rural communities. For our inaugural Health on the Plains convening, we are building on that approach and creating another venue for shared discussion and learning. If you don't already have plans for Friday, December 6 from 10am-1pm, I'd love to have you join us for what promises to be an insightful event.

We are thrilled to announce the newest member of the Sunflower Foundation team - Emily Wolf! Emily recently started as grants and finance manager, where her primary responsibility will be monitoring the foundation's grantmaking processes and promoting and applying best practices for effective grantmaking. Join us in welcoming Emily, and click below to read more about her and her new role! https://lnkd.in/gSqqKKRW #sunflowerfoundation

What does it mean to be innovative in the context of health philanthropy? This was one of the many questions raised by my stellar conversation with Brandon Skidmore and Elizabeth Burger from the Sunflower Foundation. Often, I think about innovation as doing something different - with an emphasis on what is being done. But as Brandon notes, “innovation doesn’t always have to be about the strategy. Innovation can really be about where the strategy takes place.” Sometimes, I think that innovation goes beyond where current literature and best practices end. But it’s risky to go beyond what we can confidently say is strongly supported by the best evidence. The ability to strategically consider and take on that risk is another aspect of health philanthropy we discussed. As Elizabeth shared, “with the privilege of investing funds, you have to be willing to take that risk, and you have to be willing to fail forward.” I really enjoyed learning more about their work and how they support rural communities. Our conversation gave me a lot to think. It also left me feeling inspired and hopeful about the future of our rural communities - knowing there are stellar people and organizations across the Sunflower State working towards thriving rural communities. You can also listen wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full episode here:?https://lnkd.in/gWFxXQdj #ruralhealth #rural #kansas #philanthropy

As part of our commitment to raise awareness of mental health issues with a goal of increasing early interventions and improving access to behavioral health services for Kansans struggling with mental illness, we join advocates around the world today in observing #WorldMentalHealthDay. This year’s theme – mental health in the workplace – prioritizes employees’ mental health and well-being. Employees suffering with mental health issues don't leave their illness at home, and if left untreated, that not only can impact employees' health but also worker productivity, attendance, satisfaction and overall performance. Employee mental health and well-being matters, and a healthy workforce is the best workforce. And remember, caring for your mental health is just as important as caring for your physical health. Today and every day, take time to look after yourself and prioritize your well-being. #MentalIllnessAwarenessWeek #WMHD2024 #workplacementalhealth #PrioritizeMentalHealthintheWorkplace #MentalHealthInTheWorkplace #workplacewellness

Sunflower Foundation is seeking a highly organized, reliable self-starter to be our new executive assistant/office manager. Primary responsibilities would be supporting the president and CEO and executive staff while also helping coordinate office administrative operations. This resourceful multi-tasker will work collaboratively with leadership and staff, as well as independently, to successfully complete a wide range of tasks to meet the needs and challenges of supporting a small office of diverse people and programs. Major duties would include: managing the president and CEO’s calendar and meeting schedule and providing him with meeting support; preparing and editing correspondence, communications, presentations and other documents for the President and CEO and staff; performing copying and clerical tasks; serving as primary administrative staff to the Sunflower Foundation Board of Trustees; managing and supporting day-to-day office operations; and supervising maintenance and archiving of corporate records, including all digital and paper filing systems and databases. To learn more and apply, go to https://lnkd.in/ggAbSsmN

It was our privilege to host Dr. Walt Menninger, Flint Hills Publishing, and everyone who attended Sunday afternoon’s book launch event for Dr. Walt’s new book, "Like What You Do: The Memoirs of Dr. Walt Menninger." Those in attendance, including members of Dr. Walt’s family, longtime friends, colleagues and mentees, were treated to a live interview of Dr. Walt by WIBW TV's Melissa Brunner as part of the celebration of his new book, published by Flint Hills Publishing of Topeka and co-authored by Topeka freelance writer Todd Fertig. “Like What You Do” is a look into the life and work of Dr. Walt, a third-generation Menninger psychiatrist who during his career served as the dean of the Menninger School of Psychiatry, was Chief of Staff of the Menninger Clinic in Topeka and ended his career as the President and CEO of Menninger, world-renowned for its work in psychiatry. That Dr. Walt chose to have his book launch at the Sunflower Nonprofit Center, which now operates on the property where he and his family once carried out their pioneering work in mental health, seemed apropos. It served as another humbling reminder to us at Sunflower Foundation of the great legacy of caring, healing and service that exists here on the hill. Dr. Walt will be making more public appearances to talk about the book in the coming weeks, including Sept. 28 at the 13th Annual Kansas Book Festival at the Washburn University Library. He and Fertig, along with Flint Hills Publishing owner Thea Rademacher, will be featured in a panel discussion from 3 to 4 p.m. in Room 120 of the library, 1800 S.W. 19th St., in Topeka. Then, Dr. Walt will hold a Meet the Author event from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 6 at Round Table Bookstore, 826 N. Kansas Ave., in Topeka. Click below to enjoy our photos from Sunday’s event, and learn more about Dr. Walt’s upcoming events at https://lnkd.in/gEgGnuhN.

Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of background. We must break down barriers and provide support for all. Let's work together to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. samhsa.gov/suicide #SuicidePreventionMonth #spm2024 #suicideprevention

We can all learn to recognize the warning signs and risk factors of suicide so we can offer hope and help to someone who may be thinking of or at risk for suicide: https://lnkd.in/eJYHGaVt #suicidepreventionmonth #spm2024 #SuicidePrevention

Learn and share the warning sides of youth suicide during #suicidepreventionmonth. If someone is showing any of the warning signs, urge them to contact a mental health professional or #988Lifeline #spm2024 #suicideprevention