The Kansas Health Institute (KHI) is excited to announce the winners of the In Your Own Words storytelling contest, highlighting the impact of public health in Kansas. Community members, students and public health professionals submitted compelling stories about how public health shapes lives across the state. A panel of judges reviewed submissions for creativity, impact and clarity, and selected the top two entries.
Submitted by Isha Kothari, Kansas State University Master of Public Health Student
This story spotlights public health programs addressing postpartum depression. As the first of two winning entries from KHI’s storytelling contest, it demonstrates how sharing personal experiences can spark ideas, foster empathy, and highlight the impact of public health across Kansas.
Submitted by Amy Jo McWhirt, Rural Champion at RISE Cowley
In Cowley County, Kansas, at Winfield Correctional Facility, horticultural therapy teaches job skills, encourages service to others through donations to local food pantries, and reminds people that they are not defined solely by their past. As the second of two winning entries from KHI’s storytelling contest, it demonstrates how public health can create spaces where healing — physical, mental and social — can grow.
This story will be published in November on KHI’s Transforming Public Health for the 21st Century: Bridging Theory to Practice blog.
We received many thoughtful and inspiring submissions — all reflecting the insight and passion of Kansans who value the impact of public health. Each story offers perspectives that KHI may feature in future print, online and multimedia publications.
By amplifying lived experiences, these stories can inform policymakers, strengthen community awareness and help public health professionals better communicate the importance of public health in Kansas.
Thank you to everyone who contributed!
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.
