2018 Winter Kansas Child

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Every 39% of those making less than $15,000 a year are uninsured Adult tobacco rate is 17% Kansan Deserves to Be Healthy STEVE COEN President & CEO, Kansas Health Foundation Steve Coen has worked to improve the health of all Kansans in his 30-plus years at the Kansas Health Foundation. He has held his current position as president and CEO since August 2008. Steve is a native of St. John, Kan., and graduated from Emporia State University and Washburn University School of Law. For more than 30 years, the Kansas Health Foundation has invested in ideas to promote healthier people and stronger communities. Through the years, we have used data to identify top health threats across the state, and worked with partners in Kansas communities to make positive and longlasting change. Many of our efforts have focused on improving the health of Kansas children and families and reducing health threats. From programs, to awareness campaigns, to policy efforts, KHF’s work in collaboration with many groups across the state is making a difference in the lives of Kansans of all ages. At KHF, we have worked with partners on programs to increase the number of primary care physicians in underserved areas, providing greater access to care. We’ve funded efforts to reduce tobacco use and created the “Take it Outside” awareness campaign to encourage parents not to expose children to cigarette smoke. All Kansans, young and old, have benefitted from partnerships to adopt clean indoor air policies and restrict tobacco use. Kansas schools are promoting more physical activity through the funding of a statewide physical education curriculum and training. Working with both nonprofit organizations and government agencies, we have also advocated for local and state policies to improve health and healthier behaviors for Kansans. Despite these efforts, much work remains. Today, our work is focused in four areas: increasing access to quality, affordable healthcare; improving healthy behaviors; encouraging greater civic and community engagement; and promoting educational success. Our vision is to create a culture in which every Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work and play. Unfortunately, not all Kansans have the opportunity to lead a healthy life, and significant differences in health outcomes exist for thousands. We know from looking at Kansas data that health outcomes are greatly affected by race, income, education level and geography. This affects both individuals and families. Children from lower-income families, racial/ethnic minority groups, and certain zip codes, experience lower health outcomes and educational challenges. As child care and early childhood education professionals, you see every day how children are affected by these social factors and how other factors, including lack of nutritious food, serious dental problems, and learning struggles can negatively impact the physical, social and emotional development of Kansas children. In order to make change happen, we first need to be sure others understand the significance of these problems, and that means building greater awareness of the gaps or disparities for these health-related issues. For example, today more than 15 percent of all Kansans do not have access to affordable health care. Some Kansans experience even greater challenges. Forty-seven percent of working individuals are without a high school diploma, and 39 percent of those making less than $15,000 a year, are uninsured. 8 Kansas Child A Publication of Child Care Aware ® of Kansas
The obesity rate is 31.2% 36% of Kansans with less than a high school diploma vote Hispanics and African Americans in Kansas are less likely to have access to health care, at 46 percent and 21 percent, respectively. A similar story unfolds when we look at disparities in healthy behaviors, as indicated by rates of obesity and tobacco use. While the statewide adult tobacco rate is 17 percent and the obesity rate is 31.2 percent, the rates for our priority populations are significantly higher. For example, tobacco use by African Americans is at 24 percent, and obesity rates of those with less than a high school diploma are nearly 40 percent. Unfortunately, the likelihood is high for children growing up in these environments to experience similar outcomes as they become adults. There is a significant, but often overlooked, factor that can contribute to improved health and stronger communities – and that is civic engagement. However, Kansas data indicate that the same groups that traditionally experience disparities in health outcomes (race, income, education level and geography) also experience disparities in voter registration, voter turnout, attending public meetings or contacting public officials. For example, while more than 56 percent of Kansans vote in local elections, only 36 percent of Kansans with less than a high school diploma vote, and only 27 percent of Hispanics vote. Active, engaged community members help to shape policies, express needs and expectations, determine how resources are allocated, and elect their representatives. Involvement in this process is essential for policies on health issues such as access to affordable health care, eliminating food deserts, promoting an environment for physical activity, and investing in quality child care and schools. The result is both improved health outcomes for residents and healthy, vibrant communities for all. To make the greatest impact with our resources, the Kansas Health Foundation has focused our efforts on addressing critical health and civic engagement gaps. We reach out to low-income and racially diverse communities, both rural and urban, and help individuals reach higher education levels. This strategic approach helps engage and support these priority populations, and work within communities and neighborhoods for change. Child care providers and early childhood educators are key stakeholders in this process. You have an incredible voice to help inform policy and support families as advocates for healthier children. Each day, you are the “boots on the ground” to provide healthy environments and encourage lifelong healthy behaviors. This provides children great support to thrive and succeed. We are proud of your work with children, reaching out to families, and leading by example as you have adopted healthy policies and habits. We believe the next big step to make wider change possible is to encourage greater civic engagement. Working together, we can create a culture where every Kansan can make healthy choices where they live, work and play. n www.ks.childcareaware.org Kansas Child 9
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2018 Winter Kansas Child

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