Event Recap — Inaugural Health on the Plains Convening: Building Thriving Rural Communities

2 Min Read

Dec 06, 2024

By

Wyatt J. Beckman, M.P.H.
A promotional graphic for the virtual event 'Health on the Plains: Building Thriving Rural Communities,' featuring a light blue sky with white clouds above a golden wheat field, with event details: Inaugural virtual convening on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the Kansas Health Institute. The Kansas Health Institute logo and web address (khi.org) are displayed at the bottom.

The inaugural Health on the Plains Convening: Building Thriving Rural Communities took place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT via Zoom.

The Kansas Health Institute launched this new annual event to explore the many factors shaping and influencing health and quality of life in rural Kansas.

During the inaugural convening, participants gained insights into the interconnected factors that influence rural communities. The event featured two panel discussions with dynamic leaders in public health, rural health policy, community development, and health care. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and left with a deeper understanding of how Kansans can come together to cultivate and support thriving rural communities.

Key Highlights:

  • Informed Perspectives: Participants learned from dynamic leaders about how interconnected factors shape rural health.
  • Collaborative Solutions: Actionable strategies to foster collaboration across sectors were shared to support health in rural Kansas.
  • Strategic Insights: Attendees walked away with new ideas and insights to support rural health efforts in their communities.

The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with experts and gain insights to foster thriving rural communities.

Video and resources will be posted soon.

A promotional graphic for the "Opening Plenary: Setting the Stage: The Thrive Rural Framework" event. It highlights speakers and panel discussions. Featured speaker: Chris Estes, Co-Executive Director, Community Strategies Group, Aspen Institute. Panel discussion 1, "Supporting Health Outside of the Hospital," includes Alva Ferdinand, Derik Flerlage, and Jennifer Bacani McKenney. Panel discussion 2, "Bridging Community Development & Health," includes Benjamin Anderson, Erin Borla, Chris Estes, and Trisha Purdon. The design features speaker portraits and clear skies in the background.

Additional Resources Referenced in the Convening

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

The Kansas Health Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school-administered programs and conferences. Please call (785) 233-5443 with any questions.

About Kansas Health Institute

The Kansas Health Institute supports effective policymaking through nonpartisan research, education and engagement. KHI believes evidence-based information, objective analysis and civil dialogue enable policy leaders to be champions for a healthier Kansas. Established in 1995 with a multiyear grant from the Kansas Health Foundation, KHI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization based in Topeka.

Learn More About KHI