State Health Profile for Kansas
This project will allow policymakers to compare and contrast the health status of regions and communities and will provide valuable information on a carefully selected set of health determinants and outcomes. The at-a-glance format and compelling narrative will make the report essential reading for public health professionals, policymakers and the media. Expected publication date is August 2007.
Social Capital Baseline
Social capital is a concept that rests on a belief that social networks have value. There is, however, no unanimous definition or common understanding of the relationship between social capital and health, nor is there an accepted theoretical framework from which to test or measure the concept. This project, in partnership with other communities and with the help of social capital experts at Harvard University, will collect baseline survey information that measures social capital in Kansas. The sample of telephone survey respondents is designed to provide insights on statewide social capital, to compare rural and urban Kansans, and to pinpoint unique characteristics of social capital among five communities. In addition, a unique companion study that will be conducted through qualitative interviews and observations is designed to deepen our understanding social capital at the community level.
ElderCount Issue Briefs
At the request of the Secretary on Aging, KHI conducted a study to determine what changes, if any, have occurred among Kansas” senior population since the publication of “Kansas ElderCount 2002.” Data analysis was conducted in the following four focus areas: community living, economics, health, and nursing homes.
Health Assessment of Allen, Johnson and Wyandotte Counties
KHI compiled data and provided an assessment in 2004 of the health and wellbeing of residents in Allen, Johnson and Wyandotte counties for the REACH Foundation. In a concurrent project, KHI tabulated answers to a survey of community health organizations in those counties. The results of both projects were used by the REACH Foundation to better ascertain community health needs in the area.