Are we out of the woods yet? Check in on the latest blog from A Kansas Twist to see what remains of COVID-19 policy – nationally and in Kansas. Inside find: restrictions eased, CDC’s interim vaccine schedule, summary of current and banned vaccine mandates and passports, lawsuits challenging vaccine requirements, and more.
Read MoreEliminating food insecurity is a priority for many communities across Kansas, as the consequences on society are substantial. The issue of food access has intensified with the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic well-being of communities. In Shawnee County, data show that approximately 1 in 10 residents and 1 in 6 children were food insecure in 2019. To support and advance community efforts around food security, the Shawnee County Health Department, in collaboration with the Shawnee County Farm and Food Advisory Council and Heartland Healthy Neighborhoods, commissioned the Kansas Health Institute to develop this report, Understanding Food Insecurity in Shawnee County.
Read MoreA Kansas Twist is KHI’s effort to distill important national news and developments into an easily digestible form that explains how it is relevant to Kansas and Kansans.
Read MoreOn Aug.12, 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau released statistics from the 2020 Census Redistricting Data showing population changes, housing occupancy and race/ethnicity distribution by county. The newly released data show the population of Kansas is aging and becoming increasingly diverse and more concentrated in urban areas. This edition of A Kansas Twist dives into this new data to examine these demographic trends.
Read MoreWith the recent surge of COVID-19 cases, at least 14 states and Washington, D.C., have passed statewide school mask mandates. While Kansas is not among them, a growing number of Kansas school districts have announced mask requirements for the upcoming school year. This latest edition of A Kansas Twist highlights school-level strategies across Kansas.
Read MoreThree out of 5 Kansans who were concerned about paying next month’s rent or mortgage on time also reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, nearly twice the rate of those who were not concerned about paying for housing on time. Those who are unable to afford housing may have to make tradeoffs that impede healthy choices which can lead to worse mental and physical health. This edition of Pulse on Kansas examines data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to report on housing insecurity among Kansans during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on mental health.
Read MoreIn late April, the leading reason for COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Kansas adults and those in neighboring states was a concern about possible side effects. The percentage of vaccine-hesitant adults expressing this concern ranged from 42.7 percent of adults in Missouri to 64.5 percent of adults in Kansas. This issue of Pulse on Kansas uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey to detail COVID-19 vaccine intent and reasons for uncertainty among adults age 18 and over in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado and Oklahoma.
Read MoreIn April, while more Kansans reported being vaccinated for COVID-19 and fewer Kansans reported being undecided, the percentage of Kansans who said they definitely would not get a vaccine remained steady. This fact sheet analyzes data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Household Pulse Survey for April 14 to 26 and focuses on understanding the reasons why some Kansas adults remain uncertain about getting a vaccine.
Read MoreA number of bills related to vaccine policy issues were considered during the 2021 legislative session. Most notably, an item prohibiting the expenditure of state funds related to vaccine passports, defined as “written or electronic documentation of an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status,” was included as a proviso in the budget. This high interest in vaccine policy mirrors activity in state legislatures across the country. The latest edition of A Kansas Twist looks at vaccine policy issues in Kansas and other states. It is part of a blog series highlighting the steps that have been taken — and the challenges that remain — in ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines are distributed in an equitable manner.
Read MoreKansas has made progress on COVID-19 vaccination. As of March 29, 2021, almost half (48.9 percent) of Kansas adults had received at least one dose, which is a six-fold increase from 8.4 percent in mid-January. However, many Kansans are still uncertain about getting a vaccine. Understanding the leading reasons for continued hesitance could help public health professionals devise effective strategies to reach more Kansans who have not been vaccinated. This issue of Pulse on Kansas describes the self-reported intentions of Kansans about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and leading reasons for hesitancy in late March 2021.
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Blog explaining how important national news and developments are relevant to Kansas and Kansans.