MERRIAM — The REACH Healthcare Foundation today announced the election of eight members to its board of directors, including seven new people.

The foundation supports effort to improve health care for the poor and underserved.

Those newly elected will begin three-year terms June 1.

They are:

Dr. Sukumar Ethirajan, an oncologist and partner at the Kansas City Cancer Center. Ethirajan also serves on the board of the Metropolitan Medical Society of Kansas City.

Harold Johnson, senior pastor and chief executive of Faith Deliverance Family Worship Center in Kansas City, Kan.

Randy Lopez, program manager for Harvest America Corporation, a nonprofit organization that works to address the needs of migrant workers, Hispanic, rural and other underserved Kansas populations.

Eve McGee, a program manager and social worker at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing.

Chad Moore, director of government relations and public affairs for Children's Mercy Family Health Partners, which provides health insurance to Kansas and Missouri residents enrolled in the states' Medicaid and children's health insurance programs.

Brad Stratton, vice president and resident director with Merrill Lynch & Co. Stratton is a member of the REACH Foundation's Community Advisory Committee.

Judy Works, advanced registered nurse practitioner for a family practice medical clinic in Iola. She also is a member of the REACH Foundation's Community Advisory Committee.

Elected to another term was Scott Glasrud, executive vice president and chief financial officer for the University of Kansas Hospital. Glasrud is treasurer of the REACH board.

The REACH Healthcare Foundation was established in 2003 with proceeds from the sale of Health Midwest, a regional nonprofit healthcare organization purchased by Hospital Corporation of America. Since 2005, the foundation has invested $17 million in grants and initiatives.