Trust for America’s Health, in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Institutes, announced that the Kansas Health Institute and the Catherine Cutler Institute at the University of Southern Maine have achieved recognition through TFAH’s Age-Friendly Public Health Systems Recognition Program. The program highlights the efforts of departments of health and public health organizations to improve the health and well-being of older people.
The announcement shared nationwide on Aug. 7 says, “Both of these institutes have demonstrated their commitment to healthy aging through their existing partnerships and their desire to expand their support for a statewide age-friendly public health system.”
KHI is leading the development of Age-Friendly Kansas, informed by the AFPHS program. The initiative includes state partners, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services and the Department for Children and Families. KHI is working with state agencies, organizational leaders and community members across multiple sectors to identify needs of older Kansans and develop an action plan to address those needs.
Last fall, KHI was selected to support an age-friendly public health system in Kansas. In July, KHI hosted an event to launch the initiative that included state partners, aging and public health professionals and other stakeholders interested in maintaining and improving the health, well-being independence and quality of life of Kansans as they age. Participants also learned about the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee and the process to apply. The advisory committee will assist with informing and developing the Age-Friendly Kansas Action Plan.
“We appreciate the recognition from our national partners, and we are excited to continue collaborating with Kansans to envision an age-friendly Kansas,” said KHI President and CEO Kari Bruffett.
Read the full news release from Trust for America’s Health on Age-Friendly Public Health Systems.