United Methodist Health Ministry Fund

Our Vice President of Programs Katie Schoenhoff enjoyed attending the Maternal & Infant Health Convening in Missouri this week, along with colleagues from the Kansas Birth Equity Network who presented on Black maternal health. This convening was filled with excellent speakers and meaningful collaboration on how to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

Congratulations to our fearless leader, David Jordan, on being selected for the 2025 Leadership Kansas class!?? As one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs, Leadership Kansas is dedicated to developing and inspiring leaders from across the state. David was one of just 40 leaders selected from more than 500 nominations. “Leadership Kansas is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” LK Executive Director Aaron Miller said. “Participants connect with some of Kansas’ most distinguished business and government leaders, emerging as stronger, more informed leaders ready to contribute to their communities and our state.” ??LEARN MORE: https://lnkd.in/gGxpvy4J

Do you have a passion for social justice and community health? We're looking for an Engaged Congregations and Communities Coordinator to join our team! This person will support the development, implementation and management of Health Fund programs — primarily under our Engaged Congregations and Communities strategic focus area. This focus area provides training, resources and financial support to Great Plains United Methodist churches committed to improving congregational and community health. We're seeking someone who is mission driven, energetic and passionate about community and social change to work closely with participating churches to help them achieve their goals. Does this sound like you? Check out our job description to learn more! A few more things about this role: ??Small, close-knit team that values the ability to work independently and collaboratively ??Hybrid position with two days each week in our Hutchinson, Kansas, office ??$45,000-$65,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications ??LEARN MORE AND APPLY: https://lnkd.in/dmsVnq2

??MEDICAID MATTERS?? Did you know? Medicaid is the largest payer of pregnancy-related services the U.S. This means millions of women each year receive health care coverage for crucial pre-natal visits, labor and delivery because of Medicaid. That allows moms to safely deliver their babies, giving them the best chance at a healthy start to life and without going into significant medical debt. In fact, Medicaid covers more than 40% of all births in the U.S., including nearly 50% of births in rural communities. In Kansas, 31% of all babies are born to mothers insured by Medicaid. Medicaid also allows mothers to receive proper postpartum care, including breastfeeding support, routine check-ups and mental health care. This care helps create healthier babies and stronger relationships with their mothers, resulting in long-lasting health benefits. When it comes to maternal health, Medicaid matters. #MedicaidMatters

It's a bittersweet day here at the Health Fund. Today, we say goodbye to Dashinika Poindexter, who has served alongside us for the past 5.5 years. Dashinika is embarking on a new journey in her career. We will miss her deeply and appreciate all of her hard work and positive impact she's had on our organization. She moved from California to Hutchinson to begin her career at the Health Fund. In becoming a Kansan, she embraced a love for the wind and sunflowers. In honor of her last day, we are re-sharing our team photo from Kansas Day — a day filled with wind and framed by sunflowers. We'll also share some of her parting words to our Healthy Congregations teams: "I feel deeply honored to have been part of this important mission, and I am in awe of the ways you continue to uplift and serve your communities. Thank you for allowing me to walk alongside you in this journey. Though I may be stepping away from this role, the memories and the impact of our time together will remain with me always. I will carry the spirit of these ministries in my heart forever." Thank you, Dashinika, for your years of service, and we wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter! ??

Our latest Pioneers in Health episode is NOW OUT!??? In this episode, we interview Ashley All. She is the president of the Kansas Coalition for Common Sense and executive director for the Kansas Common Sense Fund. She is an experienced communication strategist and advocate, whose nonpartisan organizations focus on empowering Kansas voters through research-based messaging. She shares her experiences working in politics and on high-profile state campaigns. She also discusses the importance of shared values and how people often have more in common than not. They've conducted extensive research on shared values in Kansas, which has proven to be an effective tool in their efforts. “A lot of the issues that we deal with really do have a through line in values — whether it’s family or faith or accountability,” Ashley said. “And so better understanding those shared values first, and then using those shared values as a foundation in our messaging is much more effective — even if you’re dealing with something that is complicated or polarizing.” ??LISTEN NOW: https://lnkd.in/ga4nhtkR

??MEDICAID MATTERS?? Mental health has a significant impact on a person’s overall well-being. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other conditions can have a profound negative impact on a person’s quality of life if left untreated. Medicaid currently helps more people receive mental health care than any other insurance plan. It also helps more people treat substance-use disorders than any other insurance plan. Plus, many essential mental health services and programs rely on Medicaid for large portions of their funding. When our fellow Kansans are healthier, they can better contribute to our communities and work hard to support themselves and their families. When it comes to mental health and productivity, Medicaid matters. #MedicaidMatters #MentalHealthMatters

We’re excited to help Healthy Congregations churches dream big and make this year one full of purpose, intention and positive impact. ?Join us for our “Empowering Congregations for a Purposeful 2025” webinar at noon Tuesday, Feb. 25? You’ll learn more about our special grant opportunities and hear from inspiring Healthy Congregations churches. They’ve tackled challenges, engaged creativity with their communities, and made health and wholeness central to their mission. Also, don't forget! Our annual Healthy Congregations retreat will be April 10-11. Click the link below to learn more. ??WEBINAR REGISTRATION: https://lnkd.in/gngD9pHx ??RETREAT REGISTRATION: https://lnkd.in/gYDk3TAm

ICYMI: Check out this Pioneers in Health podcast interview with Justin Duncan! Learn about an emerging health care model called community paramedicine, as well as get inside knowledge about emergency medical services. ?? LISTEN NOW: https://lnkd.in/gJjQGksE

Our team enjoyed attending the National Rural Health Association's Rural Health Policy Institute last week in D.C.! This event brings together hundreds of rural health advocates from across the nation to discuss building capacity, bridging gaps and how to grow stronger together. It's also a chance to discuss these issues directly with our elected officials. Thanks to the NRHA for organizing a great few days focusing on issues deeply important to us.