A team that conducted research with southwest Kansas residents to gather information that could improve rural regional health outcomes will present its findings at Friends University Aug. 1 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in Alumni Auditorium. The free presentation is open to those in health care as well as the general community.
The goal of the presentation is to share essential components of replicating the group’s approach with medical professionals from other areas of Kansas, according to Benjamin D. Anderson, chief executive officer of the Kearny County Hospital in Lakin, Kan.
During summer 2016, Kearny County Hospital partnered with the KU School of Medicine for a three-part survey (offered in both English and Spanish) that examined:
- beliefs about health/wellness;
- knowledge of health/wellness resources in eight community sectors, including health care, public health, worksites, early child care and education, schools, faith communities, K-State Research and Extension, and the community’s built environment, and the desire for additional resources in these areas;
- and demographics.
More than 80 percent of households in Lakin and Deerfield, Kan., responded to the survey.
With funding from the KDHE Bureau of Family Health, the Kansas Health Foundation, the Anthem Foundation and the Sunflower Health Plan, the Kearny County Hospital and the KU School of Medicine, 14 summer interns were employed to complete the same surveys in Grant and Haskell counties, along with conducting some focus groups in Kearny County focused on early childhood development.
The group also conducted a two-day event involving 20 refugee households and 20 traditional western Kansas households that exchanged hospitality in their homes.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.