TOPEKA — Five winners of the "Voices for Health Equity" project were announced today by officials at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

KDHE's Center for Health Equity launched the contest in February, inviting community groups to share what they are doing to reduce health disparities.

Videos telling the winning community groups' stories will be released throughout the summer at healthequityks.org.

The first video posted today — from the Heartland Community Health Center in Lawrence — tells how diabetes affects an individual and family in Lawrence and how the clinic helps the uninsured manage the chronic disease.

“Stories help us weave together cultures, generations and time,” said Aiko Allen, director of the Center for Health Equity. “The act of preserving and sharing stories helps us to be stronger individuals, families and communities because they are real reminders of the joys and hardships and how we attain healing and balance in the midst of it all.”

The other winners were:

• SIDS Network of Kansas, Inc., Wichita — The group holds Community Baby Showers for Safe Sleep, interactive events where new and expectant mothers learn about safe sleep practices and receive free cribs and other safe resources for their children.

• The Rosedale Development Association, Kansas City — The Healthy Kids Initiative began in 2009 to combat childhood obesity. The group's “Healthy Kids Carnival” is an annual event helping to spread the word about healthy foods and physical activity.

• Research and Training Center on Independent Living, Lawrence — The Living Well with Disability Workshop helps people with disabilities build the skills for a healthy lifestyle.

• FreeWheels for Kids, Kansas City — The group provides bicycles to urban kids and leads rides throughout the community. The activities help youngsters participate in activities that keep them out of trouble and make them healthier.

Below is the video from the fifth winner, Heartland Community Health Center, Lawrence: